Hi,
We're looking at driving to Key West with a 3 and 5 year old and would like a 4/5 star place or Inn that accepts children. Any info on good experiences would be great. I know several B&B's don't take kids. Thanks!

The Pier House resort down there is a great hotel for anyone. It's right on the water, has a great spa and the gardens are exceptional. The kids could see fish ponds, birds, etc. and it's right down-town across from the port for cruise ships. You do realize that key west, just as South Beach, is the haven for gays? (not that theres anything wrong with that).

I'm slightly troubled by your using the word "resort" in the same sentence with Key West.

Key West is only 2 miles by 4 miles and as you might expect, space is at a premium. Very, very few hotels have much room at all. Many, in fact, don't have a beach, much less "grounds."

The Casa Marina and its sister property the Reach have recently been renovated, but their reviews aren't solid yet.

Your best bet with children might be one of the hotels. On the gulf side are the Westin, the Ocean Key Resort, the Hyatt, Pier House and the Galleon. I love the Galleon, but it's dated and I don't think anyone would consider it 4 or 5 stars.

Although I've seen children at the Pier House, it's not exactly what I'd consider family-friendly. The beach is top-optional and I see FAR more adults there than children.

The Ocean Key is very nice, but they don't have a beach - if that's important to you. They do, however, have junior suites that include full kitchens. They were great the last time we stayed there.

The Hyatt (make sure you get the one on Front Street) has also just been renovated and is getting excellent reviews. Still another Hyatt option is the Hyatt Sunset Harbor, which is just steps away from Mallory Square.

In a less expensive category are the Best Western Hibiscus and the Southernmost Hotel.

The two inns that get the best family reviews are the Island City House - they have lots of different options for accommodations and Ambrosia and Ambrosia Too. They, too, (the Ambrosias) have been recently revamped and I'm not sure whether they've reopened.

Hope that helps some, and good luck!

Oh, and by the way...although there is a larger gay population in Key West than many places, I certainly wouldn't categorize it as a "haven."

Quick responses! Thanks. Well, I live in Seattle so I appreciate the info re: gay people and work and are pals with several gay couples so my kids have been exposed to that different way of life. But I understand it deserves a nod. We've been to KW but it was before kids and I know there's not much as far as beaches go or resorts but so many places don't accept kids so that's why I used the word "resort." I'll check the Ambrosia and Island City and maybe the Hyatt. It must still be the "on" season in May cause prices are a tad high. Thanks so much.

It's not a resort, but we stayed at the Conch House a couple of years ago and it was fine. On Turman Ave, about one block from DuVall

We would to there again.

http://www.conchhouse.com/

I've always seen piles of kids at Casa Marina. They have a nice pool and an actual beach.

The Island City House has a nice pool and when there I've always seen children enjoying it. Good location also.

Key West is more of a B & B/guesthouse/hotel kind of place. Not sure there are any 'resorts' even there. On some of the other Keys, yes.

We liked our stay at Simonton Court a lot. Not sure if they will allow kids. It has nice grounds and some semi private cottages. Quite nice. More details : http://www.seetheglobe.com/modules/w...?cid=9&lid=215

I've stayed at Island City House and it's a great place to stay with kids. You can get 1 or 2 bedroom units that have full kitchens. They were remodeled in the last couple of years because they were trying to sell them as high-end apartment units so they have hardwood floors, stainless appliances, and granite countertops. Ask for one of the units at the end of the main house, and you have a semi-private porch with sofas and stuff. I have seen plenty of children there and I wouldn't hesitate to take my own kids there.

I've also stayed at Simonton Court and, while I absolutely love it, I dont' think they allow kids and I think it is slightly more adult oriented. If they've changed this rule, the cottages are great little houses, and the pools here are beautiful.