Can you advise me of the options we have within walking distance of main attractions.
There will be me, my wife and two teenage daughters. The girls like to hang at the pool and beach, so this is a priority. We would be most comfortable with a rate of $200.00 or less per night. We"ll be in Key West the week of 3/25/2002. Your opinion is greatly appreciated.
Kim

You might have a tough time finding what you are looking for. First it is season during that time so rates are at their highest. Beaches are man-made and very small and the hotels with them are very pricey. The island is seperated into 2 areas - "New Town" where most of the public beaches are and most of the chain hotels and motels but not much else, and "Old Town" where most of the attractions are. Old Town has some great B&Bs, Inns, and other types of lodging but because it is usually the most desired area of the island, you will pay a pretty penny. Pull up keywest.com and dig around in acommidations. Looks at The Merlinn Inn, The Hyatt and Southernmost Motel to get an idea of the different rates.

The Artist house was a very nice b&b, i have no idea what there prices would be these days, but I do know they are having a very slow season, my sister is a bartender at a local rest. so mabe a better deal will be available. very few places have their own beach and $$ you pay for it. you get much more local flavor at smathers beach (public).

also eat at Blue heaven rest. very good food and authentic key west flavor

The Galleon Resort (www.galleonresort.com) is right on the Gulf with a great pool overlooking the water and a small but nice beach. It's great just to hang out there and watch the sun go down and all the boats coming and going. That is prime time so the cost will be more than you mentioned. I've stayed there in a one bedroom marina view that was great Large kitchen, living room etc. If the sofa opens up and the girls can sleep there that could be an option for you if you are willing to pay about $350 per night. If not some of the B&B's have cute pools the girls may enjoy. Go to www.keywest.com and check out accomodations. CASA 325 sounds nice. Have stayed at a sister property. Stay near Duval St. Have a great time. It's an awesome place. My son is being married down there May 2003 and we cannot wait. Joanne

Many B&Bs do not allow children. You have to check with each one you are interested in because the ages they allow will vary. Don't even waste your time looking at the Artist House. It has some major complaints against them. There is a post in here somewhere about it.

My husband and I were just in Key West in Dec. I highly reccommend Ocean Key Resort. It has a great location in Old Town right next to Mallory Square and has a wonderful pool. (The only pool in Old Town that overlooks the ocean.) No beach, but I think you'll be fine without it. I could be wrong, but they may even have a children's activity program.

My husband and I were just in Key West in Dec. I highly reccommend Ocean Key Resort. It has a great location in Old Town right next to Mallory Square and has a wonderful pool. (The only pool in Old Town that overlooks the ocean.) No beach, but I think you'll be fine without it. I could be wrong, but they may even have a children's activity program. Oh, but your kids are teenagers, so probably too old for that. But they will love the location and can do lots of walking around on their own, as there's plenty to see right around the hotel. But beware, there's a lot of stuff in Key West you may not want your kids to see!

My vote is for the Key West Hilton. Stayed there last year and loved it.

The Hilton, Ocean Key Resort and the Galleon are not hotel for under 200 a night.