I'm considering a vacation to the Florida keys this fall. A friend recommended Key West as and inexpensive, relaxing vacation. I'm looking for other opinions on where to stay and what to do. Is Key West the best to visit? Any help would be appreciated.

Key West Inexpensive? When was your friend there?
We've been going for 21 years to visit our daughter and the prices keep going up. I like the Keys, the drive is fascinating, the weather great (June to Nov. is hurricane season)If you like to party, it does that at the drop of a hat. Cuban restaurants are the cheapest places to eat. There are some small hotels, and fall might have lower prices. Sunset at Mallory Square is a hoot, bicycle riding and mopeds are the way to get around-but watch the cars, the conch train tour is great, snorkeling is good, fishing can be marvelous. There are all kinds of guest houses on the island. Search the net for Key West, I know there are several websites for them. YES, do go to Key West, but don't expect dirt cheap prices. email me if I can help with more information.

I live in Miami and wouldn't think of going to Key West. I go to the Upper & Middle Keys on a regular basis. Lots of water sports, diving, snorkeling, fishing, jet ski rentals and all at a very affordable price. Lots of "Mom & pop" type motels with kitchens. Great idea if you have kids. There are two I have spent numerous week-ends at; Pop's Motel and the Baybreeze Motel. Both are in lower Key Largo around MM 90 - 95 on the bay side and have the feel of a Jimmy Buffet song.

Went to Key West last Nov. I'm glad I went once, not sure I'd go back. It was quite "touristy", however did find some good food --a nice gift shop at the opposite end of the street from all the tacky tee-shirt places--and stayed in a bed and breakfast that was quite nice. Rented bikes and got around that way, as driving can be annoying at best. Enjoyed the glass bottom boat ride the most. Also the tour of Hemmingway's home and the home where Audobon stayed. Can't remember the names of bed and breakfast nor gift shop, however, can look up, if you would like me to.

Also, there's a wonderful park on the way from Miami, if you fly in there and drive the Keys. It's about half way on the left, as you are driving towards Key West.

I've never made it all the way to Key West, but you won't want to miss the snorkeling at Pennekamp (sp?) State Park, near Key Largo. It's a gorgeous coral reef and they have snorkeling and scuba excursions, as well as glass-bottomed boats. We did the snorkeling and it was the highlight of our trip!

I visted KW 20 years ago for a day and returned for a weekend this July 4. There has been an enormous increase in tourism and Duval Street has more than its share of tacky, touristy shops. Despite this, the ambiance and laid-back life style is incredibly appealing and the area has a very tropical feel. Stay in "Oldtown", park the car and you won't need it again 'til you leave. We stayed at Jasmine House on Center Street. It's a new guesthouse with only three rooms and no frills. Beautifully appointed, very functional and centrally located - I highly recommend it. Room w/private bath is $60-80 in low season and the upstairs suite w/kitchen should be $100 or less. Get the suite, use the kitchen and KW becomes affordable. There's no jacuzzi or pool but you will have access to those facilities at the Marriot down the street (ask for a pass). Meals in KW are no pricier than elsewhere IF you look around. Breakfast on Duval can run $7-8 - we found a place across from the marina at Key West Bight that had the usual 2egg/coffee/toast/home fried combo for $2.50. Just figure out (or ask) where the locals go to eat and drink and you'll do fine. Snorkeling is great from KW but pay the extra money and take a smaller charter for a better experience. The big ones take as many as 80 people per boat. Jasmine House is at 888-691-0908. Kick back and have fun - you should love it there - we did!

I am looking for an inexpensive but nice and quite place for two to stay in Key Largo. Is there a list of accomodations for Key Largo on the net? Would be very-very helpful. Would also appreciate any advices on interesting places to visit and things to do. Thank you.

While staying in Key Largo this past spring. I visited Key West for the first time since 1985. What a difference a decade and a half make! What a terrible place they have made that poor little island! I can stay on any island in hawaii for the same prices. But Key Largo is great for snorkeling and diving!