As members of a time share, we've booked a week at the Hyatt's Beach Club Resort in February. Sadly, all the downtown resorts we could have had access to were booked out for the time we want to be in Key West. I already know that we're four miles from the downtown. Has anyone stayed at this timeshare before and how easy did you find getting to "where the action is" downtown? How would you rate the quality of the accomodations and the amenities?

I spend a lot of time in Key West but wouldn't go if I had to stay that far from Old Town, which is convenient to restaurants and sunset celebrations and tourist activities. Having said that, the Hyatt Hotel in Key West is nice, and I'm sure the timeshare is fine, too. Have you considered going another time?

Key West is very small. If you have a car you probably won't even use it. A moped can get you around. Sure it's more fun if you stay on Duvall near Pier House but if you can't you can still hang out down there. The Hyatt Beach House is probably very nice. See if they have shuttle service to Sloppy Joe's or Mallory Square. Enjoy yourself. The other end of the island has been developing the past few years with some new resorts so you may even have more fun over there.

lena - the Hyatt Beach House isn't really on the "other end of the island" if you're referring to the Atlantic side. It's actually located at the very entrance to Key West and is separated from Old Town by Roosevelt Road, which is filled with strip malls and fast food joints. I'm sure there's shuttle service available - probably the Bone Island Shuttle and perhaps a shuttle owned by the Hyatt, but I've seen several people complain about having to wait on it. Unless someone has experience with mopeds, I wouldn't advise renting them in Key West as there are a number of accidents each year involving tourists on mopeds.

Marget,

The Hyatt Beach House is very nice & roomie with luxury all around. Yes, its 4 miles from where all the action is, but they will shuttle you back & 4th. The golf course is right next door to the property & if you have a car, that is great. If not, taxis are always around & they are not that much. The Bone Shuttle only goes up to 10:00 at night & is around $5 for all day. There are a lot of places to eat around Key West that's not located within Old Town. A lot of people on this message board make you think parking is a big problem, its not! Just go on one of the side streets & you will have no problem, its like walking from five blocks to get what you are looking for, or you can park your car at the Hilton garage or the other garage down by the Bight. This Susan thinks she knows it all! Here is a website for you to look over & see for yourself: http://www.spottswood.com/ & you can make the decession. Have fun & enjoy your stay!

FYI Susan is very knowledgeable about Key West having spent several weeks there annually for over 11 years, as have I. I think that she just wanted to make sure that you realized the separation from your lodging and all of the action in Key West Old Town. Transportation and Parking are the number one headaches in Key West and if you go expecting otherwise, you will be sorely disappointed. It is much more convenient (and a little more expensive) to stay where you don't have to depend/wait on a shuttle/taxi everytime you want to go somewhere on the island; as there is nothing to see or do on the east end other than Key West Airport.

I think the Hyatt would be fine except for the distance from the main action. I'm sure you have, but have you checked ALL the places to stay that are in Old Town? There are dozens, some real small which don't make the guide books. Personally, I'd rather be closer in and save the headache of getting downtown. But, still, just being in Key West is heavenly, no matter where you're staying. Have fun.

my mistake, I thought the Hyatt was something else. I have used the mopeds but I agree they can be dangerous. I agree that being in the heart of Old Town is the best place to be.