Can anyone recommend a nice place in the Keys? We are looking for something that is reasonable (less than $250.00 per night) & has a kitchen. A cottage would be ideal, but we're flexible. We were thinking of staying in or near Marathon or Islamorada. Has anyone stayed at the Yellowtail Inn Beach Resort or the Bonefish Resort on Islamorada? Thank you!

We rented "by owner" and paid less than $250 per night for a 2 bedroom condo in high season. It was on the oceanside and at the north end of Islamorada. It was at SeaGulls condo. If you need more info - let me know.

or, visit www.seagulls304.com

I haven't stayed at either but they don't get good reviews at tripadvisor.com. You don't give dates so it's hard to know what rates might be. Ragged Edge could fit the bill and gets much better review.

Yikes - don't know why I forgot to check tripadvisor. Yellowtail & Bonefish are out.... this forum is so helpful.

Our dates fall between April 5 - 10th; last minute & high season. SeaGulls is booked up, I'm calling Ragged Edge now - it looks ideal. Thanks!

There are a ton of weekly listings on VRBO.com for Marathon ~ Key Colony Beach. That area of the Florida Keys does not have the minimum 28 day rental cycle for private homes or condos. Key Colony is the first area you enter on US1 when driving in from the mainland. It looks like you have a large selection to choose from. Good luck!

One of my favorite places EVER! Not fancy. Very simple cottages. No pool. But greenspace all around. The minute you turn off the highway you feel you are miles away from everything in "old Florida". Near good restaurants in Islamorada. When I think of just going somewhere and just vegging I always go here in my mind.

http://www.whitegatecourt.com/

White Gate court would meet our needs, just emailed and wait to see if they have availability for our dates. Thanks.

My all time favorite - but without a kitchen - is the Sandpiper. Seriously it is a nice clean place and quite cheap. Paid about 75 a night in April of '07. I think its at Marathon.

I stayed at the Islander in Islamorada Sept. 07. All had kitchenettes, eating tables and also provided free breakfast, continental plus type, but adequate. Can't say about the rates as we were considered off season. Booked through Expedia. Have photos if interested after you check rates, let me know.

The Islander looks beautiful. But they don't have availability on the 4th (just booked our flight & it works out to come a day earlier, yea). Maybe we'll consider a night at Key Largo on the way down. Thanks for all the great suggestions - I've got lots to work with. Much appreciated.

Lime Tree Bay on Long Key might work for you depending on time of year.

I can highly recommend The Continental Inn, which is in Key Colony Beach (right net to Marathon). Basically they are a studio (bedroom area and also living room area) with a full kitchen. Rates are around $125 -$150 depends on date. They also have 2-2bedroom units. It is on the ocean with a beach and pool. Go on their web-site - marathonresort.com
Have gone there 7 years in a row and not a complaint.
Good luck!