I am looking for good places to stay in Key West! We like the night life and the shopping. It does not have to be fancy. What is the best time of year to visit there?

We've been going for nearly 20 years and prefer anytime from late October to early May. Late spring to late fall can be REALLY hot and humid.

I need a little more info about what "good places to stay" means to you. Do you want on the water? a hotel? B&B? Price range?

Key West is really tiny, and most (but not all) shopping and night life centers around Duval Street.

We stayed at the Simonton Inn in a pool side room. Within walking distance to the the waterfront and Duval Street.

I would not go in the winter time as it can get cool. We went in a July and about melted. It was so hot and humid.

Check out my trip report on this site.

We usually like to go in either March or April. You should check out the Gardens Hotel. Located just steps off Duval, but you feel like you're in your own little sanctuary.
http://www.gardenshotel.com/

We went in Feb and stayed at Casa Marina. It was great but not close to nightlife. Next time we go I think we will try to rent a condo in the Truman Annex. I liked the location a lot.

I just returned for a 3 day trip to Key West (it was my first time) and I absolutely loved it. It is beautiful, full of equisite Victorian style homes (all in beautiful condition) and has a wonderful historic island feel. I recommend visiting the Earnest Hemingway house and the Pres. Truman White House.

At any rate we stayed at the Albury Court Hotel on 1030 Eaton Street near Duvall Street (which is the main street where all the shops and restaurants are). It is a little off the path so you'll have a bit of a walk or you can rent a scooter, bicycles, or small car (parking is at a premium). It is also little pricey, but it was very nice, had a lovely pool, and breakfast.

If the Truman Annex is near the Truman White House that is what my friend and I both said - it is by far the best area on the island and is in a lovely neighborhood close to everything, but has an out of the way feel to it.

Best time of year - we were there last week and the weather was nice - it was a little humid for us southern Californians but it was sunny and not too humid as we were told it can be in the summer.

Thanks for all the info. We were thinking about going in February of 2013. I have read alot about the Truman Annex. Has anyone stayed at the Truman Annex?

I would visit in March, April or early May. Make sure you make your way up to Bahia Honda State Park on Big Pine Key, about 40 minutes from Key West. It has a very Beautiful Beach! You can also see Key Deer near by on Big Pine. They are the cutest little deer you will ever see.

I haven't stayed in Truman Annex, but it's in a great location, and is clean and pretty. I think you'll be very satisfied with that choice.

I also, was just there, a few weeks ago. We have been in Jan, Feb and March. We have found March to be the best weather wise, but you also deal with "spring breakers" which can be interesting to say the least.
We stay just outside of KW - about a 10 min drive to Duval. The night life is CRAZY!

bhonoreh, we probably crossed paths and did know it! I was there last week.
It is definately someplace I would love to go back again.

We had our destination wedding and stayed at Ocean Key Resort at the very end of Key West on Duval in the month of October back in 2001. The weather averaged in the mid eighties but there was a constant breeze. Nothing like having drinks and dinner on the pier with the sun setting over the ocean. Good times. I would love to go back myself.