We are a family of 4 with a week to spend in Florida and were wondering about driving to Key West. I have browsed a few accomodations and find that it is difficult to find anything around $200 per night or, in the case of VRBO, accomodations that don't ask for a month or more. Just wondered if anyone had any tips to share.

Thankyou.

Stella, we need lots more information! If you're spending a week in Florida, and are considering the keys, where will you be the rest of the time? The drive down to Key West from Miami takes about 4 hours, so you'll lose basically a day in the drive down and back IF your starting point is in Miami. If you're staying in other parts of Florida, it'll take longer.

In Key West, I would NOT advise you to rent through VRBO. Key West has very specific laws in place about transient rentals to anyone staying less than a month.

There are lots of legitimate licensed realtors who could find you accommodations that have transient rental licenses.

If I were you, I'd check the Best Western Hibiscus. It's in a good location on Simonton, has a very good reputation, and (as I understand) has small refrigerators and (maybe) microwaves in their rooms.

We've been going to Key West since the early 90s and absolutely love it! Good luck, and if you need any more info, there are others of us on Fodors who'll be happy to help you.

We have been to Key West twice and stayed at a VRBO. We had great accommodations that were very convenient and within walking distance to Duval street. Both had pools, full kitchens, etc. and would totally recommend it.

On both occasions we rented a house for a week with another couple.

Here is the company we used:

http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals...-area/key-west

Love Key West!

8-)

vrbo isn't a company, simply a list of owners who rent their property. If you rent through that list, and the owner doesn't have a transient rental license, you risk being ousted and losing your money.

I'm glad you had good luck renting from an individual, cwojo, but I'd never advise anyone to do that in Key West without an absolute guarantee that the owner had the proper license.

Don't let Susan scare you... the priciest properties are in Old Town where many hotels and Inns don't allow children, however many families choose to stay along Roosevelt Boulevard, which is a short drive from Old Town but still IN Key West.

Rates are very static based on season and events in the Keys, so you will have to research online. The motels chains and smaller motels are all there.

Another choice is to stay in Islamorada, an hour or so drive away and day trip into Key West...

... or stay with Susan at her place... she's nice

thanks all for your comments. We have 1 week out of Miami after a cruise and would like to relax. If a 4 hour trip doesn't make sense, any suggestions of other must do things in and around Miami.

gary??? I only know you online, but your response doesn't make any sense to me. The issue - as I understood it - was whether to rent on vrbo. I advised against it due to Key West regulations that restrict renting from owners who don't have transient licenses.

Beyond that, I agree with you. Old Town is the best, lots of places won't rent to families whose children are younger than 16, and Islamorada is very nice.

As for staying at my place? My husband and I have a couple of weeks a year at a timeshare, and we use it...have never rented it out, and never will.

Both times the houses we rented were run through a company. I forget the office - but it was fine. Great accommodations and great prices. If you look into it - you can find a great house to rent. Love Key West - can't wait to get back!

It is a party place and not sure about young children!

8-)

The poster is asking for accomodations in Key West for under $200 a night for their drive down visit with family... that was my response...

Staying at your place was a playful poke... lighten up.

sorry, gary, you're right. I had a yucky week, but it's all good now.

we have had very good luck with a house we rent in Big Coppit Key.....about a 10 minute drive to downtown Key West. We are going in a few weeks for our annual trip! The house is so well equipped - a heated pool, kayaks and much more, then when we feel like partying we go to Duval! Love KW!