My husband and I have decided to go to Key West for a week in July. Yes, I realize it is hot and humid then, however, being from the south (Atlanta and Charleston) and being extremely cold natured, I am very happy in July. So, I have read and reread many posts about places to stay and have narrowed my selections down to the following:

Marquesa, Ambrosia House, Heron House, Hyatt (the one on Front Street I think) and Ocean Key Resort.

I like B&B's and I like resorts so I am not picky on that. What I do want is to be right in the middle of things so we can easily walk to everything and only take cab as a rarity. I also like clean rooms and a nice pool (in the full sun) would be lovely. I have read where people have complained about The Heron House not having any space to put your clothes up and how it is getting a tad run down. I have also read mixed reviews on Ocean Key. I have not read (and possibly I missed it) whether The Hyatt was near everything or not. The nice pool part would be great since I have read that Key West beaches are not great. However, it not is a deal breaker. I was hoping someone can provide me with some guidance on which is better suited for my needs. If I have missed a gem, please tell me.

My last question is if we do go to the beach, are we within walking distance to Smathers or should we catch a cab? I have read that Smathers is one of the better locations. Also, does the beach really stink? I am kind of gross and actually like the way the marsh smells so it might not bother me but still I do not want to go to a really smelly beach.

I do appreciate any help you provide.

I am partial to Marquesa & Heron house. Both are on Simonton which is a great location but still close to the action. I never think of Key West & the beach as it is often not convenient & the pools are usually pretty nice. the beach near the Southernmost Point does sometimes have an odor. That time of year you may be able to get a deal as well. Last time we stayed @ Heron we were bumped to a larger room just because it was available, which was nice. They have a sundeck as well as a pool w/the sundeck adjacent & upstairs. (clothing optional I believe). Don't forget, there are many good restaurants there as well. Search for Key West & you will find many other comments & suggestions. Enjoy !

I've stayed at the Hyatt and the Ocean Key Resort (both on Front Street). They have equally good locations and are great hotels.

I personally prefer the pool area of the Hyatt to the Ocean Key because the Ocean Key pool is next to a public - and very popular - restaurant and pier bar area. Our room at the Ocean Key was actually a suite with full kitchen, so the accommodations we had there were superior to the Hyatt.

The Marquesa has a fabulous reputation...probably the best of any hotel in Key West. However, my husband and I prefer Gulf views, so we've never stayed there. We have friends who stayed at the Heron House a couple of months ago and said they'd prefer staying at the Marquesa next time they go.

While the Ambrosia gets VERY good reviews, I wouldn't put it in the exact same category as these others. You wouldn't be dissatisfied with any of them though.

As for beaches, the nicest is Ft. Zachary Taylor. You'll need a cab or car to get there and there's a fee for entering the property. Sorry I can't remember how much...I think it's a flat rate per car.

Definitely the Marquesa Inn--
TERRIFIC place-you will love it!!

Bicycles are a great way to get around Key West. Whereever you stay, they'll have them readily accessible or hook you up with someone who'll deliver.

My husband and I and our friends stayed at the Hyatt and loved it, it was beautiful and it was a great location for being in the middle of everything. We walked to smathers beach, didn't love it but it was a beach. We did rent a car and drive to Bahia Honda State Park which was awesome!! We asked the locals where the best place to "party" was and they all said Diva's a bar where the local transvestites perform, it was a blast!!

I personally like the location of the Marquesa or the Heron House. They are located in the middle of the Island and convenient to either shore. It has been almost a couple of years since I stayed at the Heron House, but at the time it wasn't the least run down. I loved the tropical feel of the place and the feeling of being away from the touristy area, yet it was only a block away. The Marquesa is right across the street.

We stayed at Ambrosia House and loved it. Our room was incredibly clean and comfortable. My parents stayed across the street at Ambrosia Too and had a great suite. I found the pool to be lovely. It was very quiet and relaxing. The location was great in that we were able to walk everywhere. Didn't go to the beach though so I can't help you with that. I would definitely stay there again.

Thanks so much for everyone's advice. I know someone questioned why I put Ambrosia House in the same list but that was because it may not be a high end resort but it seemed pretty nice and received wonderful reviews. Again, I appreciate the help.

In the mail today, we received an invitation for the Hyatt at Key West for $79.00per weekday night and $129.00 per weekend night as American Express members. If you have AmEx, you might want to call at 877-844-8816 and check it out.