I need guidance. My husband travels 5 days a week and stays in various types of hotels/resorts...he's very picky...where can I reserve a room for 1 night that would be the most impressive and relaxing experience possible? We are spending the majority of our stay at the Cheeca in Islamorada as he has requested relaxation vs party atmosphere, so, HELP please!!!

Gardens Hotel (I know, to Fodor's readers I'm starting to sound like a brokern record.) Very relaxing, quiet place, about a block and a half off Duval (main drag).
I'd suggest staying two nights in Key West. I find it a relaxing place, with some great restaurants (and some nice shopping). You don't HAVE TO party in Key West.

I stayed at the Heron House back in March. I found it to be very peaceful and relaxing, and the location just a block away from Duval Street is very convenient. It serves a nice continental breakfast outside on a covered deck and wine and cheese near the pool for afternoon happy hour, very refined and relaxed not the least bit party atmosphere. It amazed me that being so close to Duval, it was such a completely different atmosphere after entering the gates, very laid-back and pretty.

Robin - I'm not sure if you've stayed at Cheeca Lodge before, but it's very much a family-oriented resort. When my husband and I were there several years ago there were LOTS of children. It may not be the best place for relaxation. Next door to the Cheeca, however, is the Moorings Village which might be perfect for you. We drove through the property and it was quite lovely. I know they have a web site and the last time I checked the prices were fairly expensive but it would be worth looking into. In Key West - which is where my husband and I go to relax - you should consider the Marquesa Hotel. It's won national awards for excellence, has a wonderful restaurant and gets rave reviews from everyone. One final suggestion is the Sunset Key Cottages. They're an 8 minute ferry ride away from Key West and I have friends who stayed there and loved them. Since I'm in the process of mentioning the MOST expensive places to stay, I'd be remiss if I left out Little Palm Island, which would probably set you back about $1,000 a day but I understand it's worth it!! It's on Little Torch Key. All these places have web addresses.

Just wanted you to notice that i stated that we went in March, in the peak of spring break, and it was always peaceful and relaxed.

I was just there in October & stayed at the Curry Mansion Inn upon recommendations from quite a few people. It was wonderful...full breakfast buffet in the morning, cocktails at nite and it was in the most perfect location...We went to almost every B&B and found that it was definitely the nicest in Key West! HAve fun!

I was just there in October & stayed at the Curry Mansion Inn upon recommendations from quite a few people. It was wonderful...full breakfast buffet in the morning, cocktails at nite and it was in the most perfect location...We went to almost every B&B and found that it was definitely the nicest in Key West! HAve fun!

Bad report on the Curry Mansion...I was AAA reserved for a two night stay at the Curry...when I arrived with my confirmation number, I was informed that there was no room at the Inn for me.(the desk clerk later told me secretly that my room went to a last minute big-shot) I was livid!!! The owner was some retired ex-marine who threatened to punch my lights out. Finally, my desk clerk buddy felt sorry for us and got me into the Ocean Key. I would never,never recommend a place like that for anyone...Whew, I'm starting to calm down now, Aahem. I do highly recommend the Gardens Hotel.

can't get any more relaxing that little palm island but it is expensive. 3 miles by boat from little torch key, approx 5 acres, unbelievable dining, thatched huts. check their web site at http://www.littlepalmisland.com/
the island was used to film the movie
pt 109 prior to becoming a resort. also, always stay at the curry mansion inn (11th time this Oct for fantasy fest)and never a problem, I believe there is another place with curry in name but not sure.

I stayed at the Sheraton while in Key West and because it is not within walking distance to Duvall Street, it is quite and nice. A complimentary shuttle bus leaves the hotel on the hour every hour. Same for the return. These are "All-Suite" rooms with a giagantic bathroom with whirlpool tub and separate shower. Pool with tiki bar, and you can get a package which includes a great breakfast buffet for about $129.00

Hey Robin,

Hey Robin,
Sorry about that, I hit the enter key by mistake. Just another thought. The Hilton which is a waterfront property has exclusive villa's on the private island of Sunset Key. Sunset Key is right across from Malorie Square where you see the sunset.

Thanks for all the advice everyone...I really appreciate it! I made a reservation the Pier House, got the gulf front suite, and am keeping my fingers crossed! Any other suggestions would be great.

The Pier House is currently undergoing construction. If I were you, I'd make sure your suite is far away from it.

One other caveat (and I'm not picking on Pier 1), but double check that when they say gulf front, that really does mean that your room actually is ON the gulf, as opposed to merely having a gulf VIEW (which in some places means standing on your tippy toes, turning your neck in an impossible angle and using high-powered binoculars to actually SEE the gulf).

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for chan

Just got back today from the Keys. We stayed at Cheeca and yes there are lots of kids, but all the same, a nice resort, lovely pool, dining facilities and good trips out, such as the eco tour and snorkelling trip.
We got a good deal through the local chamber of commerce and only paid $149 plus tax per night.
Key West we stayed at the Seascape, on Olivia St just off duval. Lovely little place only had about 6 rooms, the house on on the list of historic houses and very well restored and decorated. Nice, if small jacuzzi and complimentary breakfast, has great cats too, if you are a cat person, Fred is the friendliest!