My husband & I are looking into places to stay in Key West. Right now, found some ok prices at Eden House and Southernmost Pt House.
Any advice on which might be better?
Are they w/i reasonable walking distance to restaurants, etc?
Also, I'm concerned about Eden's asking for a deposit of ~half the cost of staying for a week.
Thanks for any info!

I can't recall hearing any negative comments on either, but I'm glad you mentioned the Eden's request for a huge deposit, as that distressed me too when I was planning my next trip to Key West in May. Notably, that deposit is also required to be in _cash_. I was all set to make a reservation there until that came up, and I couldn't bring myself to do it. (I made a resrvation at Ambrosia House instead, but the prices there are higher than at Eden House, so I don't think that's a comparable recommendation.)

I've only stayed at one KW guesthouise previously (Jasmine House - very nice a nd a great value but they have no pool). They asked for a cash/check deposit to be sent in advance - can't recall if it was 50% but the practice of asking for a deposit in advance is quite common among KW guesthouses - just not sure if they all ask for 50% or not. I'll be staying at Eden house this week from Thurs - Sun and will post here with a report after my return.

Ruth & Owen,
Thanks for the info. Ruth, I was thinking of calling Abrosia house this AM. Owen, looking forward to hearing about your trip and stay at Eden. Glad to hear that the cash deposit might not be uncommon in KW.

Ambrosia and Ambrosia Too both get wonderful reviews. Of your 3 choices, I think this is the best.

We stayed at Ambrosia and loved it. Our room was at Ambrosia Too and overlooked the pool. It was such a relaxing and tranquil atmosphere. My parents stayed across the street at Ambrosia House and had a fabulous little suite. The owner, Kate, was so sweet and helpful. You'll love it.

I stayed at Lazy Lane Cottages, and they required a 50% deposit, and then the balance in cash (or traveler's checks) on arrival. It worked fine--I think places down there require this because I'm sure they've been burned many times in the past. The B&Bs fill up quickly, and don't want to turn away people if reservations don't show up.

My husband and I had an absolutely wonderful time down there.

We stayed at the Eden house back in January and we loved it. This was our second stay, we stayed there last January as well. We liked it so much the first year we didn't even look for another guesthouse to stay at.

They have a freshwater pool, jacuzzi, sundeck, a number of hammocks and a great location (about 5 blocks from Duvall, so it is quiet in the evenings, but close enough to walk) They have off-street parking and a restaurant next door which is very convenient. They also have a cocktail hour at 4pm every day.

Mike Eden is wonderful and so is his staff. We will be staying there again next year when we visit the Keys.

Concerning the 1/2 deposit, I figure it this way, part of my vacation is already paid for before I get there, so I don't have to worry about that part of the bill. I always call a few days after I have sent the check just to confirm my reservation, and they usually send out a postcard with the verfication.

Have a good trip, ask if you want more info.

Sheli

The Southernmost gets my vote!

So much I loathed the Eden House
Each night I stayed I had to get soused
An infestation of ants
And a snot-nosed clerk I'll call "smarty pants"
Made my stay most inhospitable
A day early I left
Bemoaned and bereft
Thought my trip to the Keys was toast
But my day was made
When I took a chance and stayed
at the excellent Southernmost

"Poet" has posted on a number of occasions in the past re/Eden House - generally all the exact sma ehighly negative review with a few variations. Perhaps he or she may have had an unpleasant experience there but it was the only negative review I found in my research (and counteracted by 7 or 8 very favorable reviews). I'm taking my chances and will post a report here after the weekend - I'm staying there this Thursday through Sunday.

Go for yours O'Neill
but unconvincing is your spiel

I hope Mikasa will digest
That there are better places to stay in Key West

Than a house that ain't a home called the Eden.

I live in the Florida Keys and am looking to "swap" my 2/2 house on canal with ocean access for a recreational vehicle during the month of July/01. Please email me if interested!

Thanks for your replies and advice.

We sent in the check for Eden. Like Sheli said, I figured it's like having part of your vacation already paid for.

Any advice on best activities? restaurants? We mostly want to relax, but might like to bike around or snorkel. Also looking forward to just having some good food and drinks!