We are looking for nice accomodations in Key West for October. We stayed at the Marquesa last september and loved it! We are looking for similar accomodations for a little less money. A nice pool area is a must as we always go for a swim and a nap in the afternoon after walking about. A kitchen area would be good also so we do not have to eat out every meal. Considered Heron House, but read recent posts about unfriendly management. Ambrosia and Island City house get good reviews. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks

All your options are good ones. To them, I'd add the Ocean Key Resort (because it has suites with kitchens) but it may be difficult to get a good rate there. I'd caution you against planning to be in Key West during Fantasy Fest unless you're willing to pay spiked room rates.

I suggest checking into the Center Court Historic Homes/Cottages (or something similiar to that). We stayed in a 1 bd/1 ba townhouse of theirs several years ago and loved it! It was one block off of Duvall, very easy to walk anywhere, and there were pools to use for the guests--one for adults only, so it was nice and quiet. I don't have their website address anymore, but you could easily find them on Google.com. We had lots of privacy, a kitchen, and they also had housekeeping stop by once a day. It was great!

Loved the Marriott..Courtyard?Doubletre? you can find it on the web I am sure! on the east shore of KW - somewhat near the airport area. private, lovely lagoonish private pool, lots of greenery, pretty mini suites. we got it cheap ( cant recall how much, sorry) on priceline and were very happy with it, not in a congested area so nice for beach walks etc..
dont know about kitchem, we didnt request one.

We've stayed at Island City House several times. If you can get one of the rooms in the main house with a veranda, I'd go in a heartbeat. The rooms in the Arch House are quite a bit smaller. I've never been in the rooms of the Cigar House, but they look nice from the outside. May not be in the same league as Marquesa, but very nice.

La Te Da Hotel on Duval, home of Alice's restaurant?

JeanH, Thanks for the reply. I see you post regularly with lots of good info. Have you stayed at Ambrosia? They have rooms availiable for the dates we need. Would like your opinion.

Thanks

We stayed at Ambrosia two years ago. Our room was the one with the huge veranda, really more like a room with one side open, overlooking the pool. White wicker furniture in the bedroom. The bathroom was odd, very large, obviously didn't start out as a bathroom. The closet and fridge were in there. But, it worked. We were happy there. The only downside was that their breakfast didn't start until quite late, something like 0930, and we're early risers. Not a big deal.

We were actually 'stranded' there because of the events of 09-11-01, and had to switch to a regular poolside room for our last night. It didn't have a private sitting area, but was decorated very nicely and was less money. The people at Ambrosia are wonderful.

Have you looked into Paradise Inn? It's a bit more upscale than Ambrosia, also a bit more of a walk, but certainly doable.

Jean