Any suggestions on hotels for the keys with kids. I ve read the reviews on some and now I am getting scared!!! All we want is a clean-very clean- hotel on the beach- anyone been there? oh- we are going in April 07

I've been to KW many times, once with my teenage kids. If you are wanting a beach, I would consider it twice. KW is not know for its beaches. I really like renting a house there. I stayed at the Hyatt with my kids and was very pleased. I love KW and find it to be a wonderful place to relax.

I just had the same experience trying to find a place in the lower keys. We've never been there so I did tons of research and got scared too seeing reviews on some of these places. (And prices in Key West!)
We finally chose a place on Key Colony Beach - close to Marathon, not far from Key West. It has gotten good reviews and I've spoken to the owner who is very nice and helpful. It's called the Continental Inn. I'll be there in a week or so and will be happy to report back to you if you feel like waiting. Check it out.

Where in the Keys are you going and how old are your children?

We've been to the keys many times, and prefer the upper keys (Key Largo and Tavernier) because of the mellow atmosphere and good snorkeling. You may want to stay in a couple of locations (spanning upper, middle, lower) depending on how long you're staying, and the type of activities you're looking for.

Sharondi - I've stayed at the Continetal Inn twice. Great place. Each unit is owned by different people so some are nicer than others. Very small beach but nice, and loved the ocean front restaurant a few blocks away-called breezes I think.

Thanks for the helpful info, BlackandGold. I really appreciate it. Any other information on good dining nearby (Marathon) is appreciated.

Check out this site to compare lodging. Many people rate 'family friendly' or not.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/

Sharondi - On Key Colony there are a few places in walking distance of the Continental Inn. Key Colony Inn which is Italian and seafood and a little on the nicer side, Breezes which is oceanfront and casual and has good food and sometimes live entertainment. There is also a little bar on the way in on the causeway called the Quarterdeck which was a fun place. BTW, watch your speed in KCB, they really enforce it.

Right on Highway 1 near the entrance to KCB is the Island Tiki bar, very good food and great for sunsets. We were there twice on Friday nights and it was very crowded and the service was really slow. Maybe try during the week.

Annette's and Barracuda's are two more upscale places that we did not go to but heard very good things about. We rarely go out for "fine dining" when we are on vacation.

Don Pedros for authentic Cuban. Keys Fisheries is very causal and good, but the Lobster Rueben did not impress me although it was recommended. You can buy fresh seafood here if you want to cook it yourself.

Hope this helps.