My husband and I are planning a getaway to Key West in December - any recommendations on B&B's or guesthouses preferably with a pool within walking distance of town.

Not an easy choice to make. I've stayed at Island City House, Ambrosia House, Paradise Inn and in a couple days Merlin Guest House. All have pools, all are in walking distance of Mallory Square and Key West Bight. There are literally dozens. The easiest way I know of to 'look' at them is via KeyWestParadise.com, which has directy links to individual web pages.

Once you've narrowed your choices, you can ask specifics. You might also check out tripadvisor.com. It's interesting that the ones that receive high praise there are hardly ever mentioned on this board.

Jean

I am partial to the Heron House & Marquesa (the latter comes w/one of the best restaurants on the island as well). I am partial to properties off of Duval but not too far from Mallory Square. Most are w/in walking distance & there are many good maps to help you decide. I'll be there in January myself, Enjoy!

Thanks for responding - I took your advice and narrowed it down to the Conch house, Ambrosia or the Duval House - Has anyone stayed at any of these B&B's.

The three best in this order; Marquesa, Gardens and Heron House.

The Marquesa is magnificent.

I have stayed at Ambrosia twice and am on my way there again next week. The place is wonderfully run, the rooms are lovely and the staff is great. There's two facilities--across the street from each other and I've stayed at the one with the two pools. The grounds there are beautiful (small, but I think that's historic Key West). I haven't even peeked into the grounds across the street but can't imagine them not being nice also. It's within easy walking of everything in old Key West, particularly the bars and restaurants. I recommend this place greatly.

Key West Harbor Inn is great.

Just came back from a week in Key West, stayed at Heron House and really enjoyed it. Duval Street and Mallory Square all within walking distance.

Thank you for your responses - we have booked the Gardens. Can't wait to go. I understand that Key West is very laid back - are there any guidelines for dress in the more upscale restaurants? How warm will it be in December? Thanks.

For the nicer places I wore nice jeans with a sort of funky top and heels. The style there is mainy comfortable funk but pretty much anything that is somewhat clean seems to work.

The Keys are laid back. You can get away with almost anything but I would suggest at least slacks and a polo shirt for men. Women where whatever it is they wear when mean wear slacks and a polo. Here's a story to give you an example. I once called Little Palm Island, a really upscale resort in the Keys, and asked about the dress code for dinner. I expected to hear "jacket and tie." The answer was - shorts must have hems and men's shirts must have collars. Or, put another way, no cut-offs and T-shirts. I'm not suggesting you dress at the bottom of the fashion ladder but you should know that the dress code in paradise is very relaxed!