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steviegene

Hello again everyone, thank you for your thoughtful replies.

From past trips we have learned that we enjoy staying in 2 places (3 max). Usually one city stop and one more rural stop - -with the city done first. So GaryT's itinerary sounds perfect. Miami then a leisurely road trip to Key West.

We are looking at 2-3 nights Miami.
3-4 nights Key west.

Right now I am researching itinerary details, hotels and things to do.

We most enjoy upscale hotels with private balcony (with a view) preferably within walking distance to town. Ocean Key looks nice -- although Gary T recommended no chains. Can anyone advise?

I have also been looking at house boat rentals in Key west because the husband loves loves boats. Would this be too isolated?

garyt22

Key West is one of the handful of places in the US where the character of the Town is based on its architecture... Old Town features grand old mansions, Ship Captains quarters and a distinct style that screams Key West...Even new properties are designed to mirror the Southernmost style.... These "boutique" Hotels and small Inns allow you to experience the Key West "vibe" at a maximum level...

The Gardens Hotel is an estate converted to provide an experience unlike anything available at a chain... There are dozens of similar properties in Old Town that offer the vibe at all price ranges... The major chains were the last to arrive, with multi room properties, but unable to create the feel of KW...

The Ocean Key is a high quality property at the base of Duval Street, featuring balconies overlooking Sunset Celebration and Duval St. , but it's a hotel that could be anywhere in the world with hotel rooms... It can also get crowded down there, and cruise ships often dock there blocking the water view...

Key West is the one place that where you stay matters... There are marriotts and hyatts for your other cities, choose an historic design for this one trip...

Those going to KW often are unaware there is a commercial area outside of Old Town that holds several chain hotels, motels, and time share properties... Avoid this area as a vacation killer...

Do some research on Old Town Key West... And have fun

steviegene

ok thank you Gary - point taken.

So just to clarify - there is key west and old town. Are these different places? or just different areas? I obviously need to look closer at a map. So chains are outside of old town?

garyt22

As you enter Key West, you will drive through NewTown which is the commercial area... You will then cross into Old Town, which where you want to be... The spine of Old Town is Duval Street which you can walk end to end in less than 30 minutes...

The charm of KW is there...

Regarding the chain hotels... Some are in Old Town and they are great properties, however you miss the magic of KW by not experiencing the boutique hotels and Inns....

SusieQQ

Although my suggestion for flying into Key West was not well received by others in this thread. I did mention to stay in Old Town. There are many Inns and such. My favorite is Island City House. Do not stay in one of the big impersonal hotels.

www.islandcityhouse.com

limmy

In old town I really love Marquesa Hotel. Have also had nice stays in at Simonton Court. Marquesa feels special though.

I've never stayed in the Truman Annex area but you might take a look for accommodations there.

steviegene

Are there any boutique hotels you would recommendation that have balconies? Or view of a harbor?

limmy

Marquesa has some rooms with balcony and some ground level rooms with patios. They do not look out to the ocean but are lovely none the less. For ocean view try the Pier House. Pier House is one of the easier places to stay parking-wise if you have a car too. I haven't stayed there myself but I have heard good things. The location is very good and it's one of the few properties on the water that isn't a mega chain resort.

steviegene

thanks everyone for being so helpful and patient with me!

So now we are seriously considering spending a few nights in Key west and then ending with a few nights in Islamorada (for a really quiet relaxation finale to the trip).

What do you think of this?
Day 1 - early arrival miami / overnight miami
Day 2 - Miami / overnight miami
Day 3 - Leisurely drive to Key West / overnight KW
Day 4 - Key West / overnight KW
Day 5 - Key West / overnight KW
Day 6 - Drive up to Islamorada / overnight Isla
Day 7 - Isla / overnight Isla
Day 8 - overnight Isla
Day 9 - Depart Isla for 5pm flight Miami

sf7307

SusieQQ, we're flying to Key West from FLL. Just don't have enough time to make the drive (we'll have 3-1/2 days in KW)

limmy

steviegene, I think your itinerary looks fine. It would be more direct to fly into key west and out of Miami, moving your overnights in Miami to the end of the trip. But most direct might not be a priority as much as breaking up each move into easy, leisurely segments and in that case your plan works.

As for adding in a couple nights of quiet relaxation, if you are up for a splurge look at Littke Palm Island instead of Islamorada. It really is a splurge ($$$) but a worthy one if budget allows, it's a magical little island. Otherwise a couple nights in Islamorada is a nice contrast to key west and will put you in striking distance of sights & attractions offered in the mid-upper keys. It will no problem making your 5pm flight from Islamorada, easy enough trip.

If you want to stop for a meal between Key West & Islamorada you can't do better than Square Grouper in Cujoe Key, it's my favorite restaurant in all of the keys.

ekscrunchy

One of my favorite hotels in the US is The Moorings Village on Islamorada. We just returned from 5 nights there and have made our reservations for next year. Accommodations are in private cottages rather than rooms...all are steps from the beach. YOu rarely see other guests except at the pool. There are no on site restaurants but there are some down the street. Not sure if they take two night bookings but you could call them and check and I can give you info on the various cottages....

steviegene

Thank you again everyone.

A couple more questions if you don't mind.
We are trying to nail down itinerary and have started to get a little nervous about "busyness" of key west. How much of a problem is cruise ship inundation? If anyone has been ---- we love St. John but do not like st Thomas. What kind of speed is key west?

ekscrunchy

In April it might be more St Thomas-ish. I'm sure I am in the minority here but when I was there last..only on a daytrip from Islamorada, I found it a little crowded for my taste. Undoubtedly gorgeous architecture though, unlike most of the Keys.

limmy

My thoughts are the same as Ekscrunchy. Mallory Square area & parts of Duval can be a bit much but there are many quiet blocks dotted with gorgeous historic inns and banyan trees.

Here is a calendar of cruise ships: http://www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov/department/calendar.php

steviegene

ugh now rethinking everything!
As much as Key West seems fun.... maybe not entirely our speed. REally hate the cruise ship vibe and being buried in seas of people. Wondering if 5 nights in Islamorada would be too boring.
thanks everybody!!

SusieQQ

Key West is what you make it. There are many quiet, relaxing Inns away from the crowds. There are plays at the theaters, concerts, good food, boat trips, scooter rentals,etc. It is fun to go once to Mallory Square.

One day in Islamorada would be too long for me.

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MiamiLimoCars

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