Planning first trip to Key West later this month. Any suggestions on accomodations? Prefer easy access to beaches and walking distance to restaurants and shopping

Don't go to Key West for the beaches, you'll be disappointed - full of seaweed, coral(ouch it hurts to walk in the water) and smelly. We stayed at the Wyndham (on the beach in Key West) and the hotel was nice, but the pool was filled with children and the beach was smelly. Moved later to the Marquesa in town and there is no comparison - the Marquesa has a hidden pool w/ waterfall and is within walking distance to anywhere "downtown". Good luck

Key West is not a beach resort. Closest you will get is Bahai State Park, but don't expect sandy beaches. Your best bet is to find a place with a great pool. Try Marquisse or Heron House

The Marquesa Hotel and Heron House both get wonderful reviews. Generally speaking, anyplace on the Gulf side of Key West will put you within close walking distance of restaurants, sunset celebrations and other tourist activities. In addition to the two places mentioned, the Ocean Key Resort, the Hilton, the Hyatt, the Pier House and the Galleon are all directly on the water. But as others have said, Key West is NOT a beach destination. You might have a little trouble finding something this late as March is spring break time.

I am going to key west (first time)this oct. for my honeymoon. We are going to stay in a private vacation rental with a pool. I'm not sure which one though. Its just as much to stay in a hotel but instead you get a whole house to yourself (sounds good to me). We are going to rent a little golf cart looking thing to go grocery shopping and then cook alot at the house instead of spending money everyday to eat out. email me if you want to chat about it.

I was also looking at a private home for rental this coming fall but it sounds like the town has put a new law in place banning them if they do not pay and/or have the proper permitting. I decided to go with something else because I did not a hassel. It all sounded to fishy to me.

I think I'd be afraid to rent something that wasn't licensed until we have a better idea about how stringently the new law is going to be enforced. You might get to Key West and not have a place to stay! And Jessica, one other thing...those little golf cart things are VERY expensive to rent. As I recall they're $90 for half a day, so you might be better off just renting a car if you can find parking.

The Marquesa is a wonderful hotel but the price reflects it. A little less pricey but no less wonderful is the Duval House. It is perfectly situated for exploring Key West and has the most helpful staff in the Keys. There are 26 different rooms to choose from but our favorites are 22, 25 and 26. Have fun.

We've always had a great time staying at Eden House. Not as expensive as Marquessa, etc, but the staff is great, the pool is great, and I love the atmosphere.

Sheli

Good luck finding something suitable this late in the game. March is prime season for Key West. I have been trying to find accomodations for April and the decent hotels are booked and have been booked....