After doing a research on this board and finding some great information, I still have some questions. My husband and I are planning a mid may trip to Key West and cannot decide.
We are looking for:
-Waterfront, rooms with sunset view and balcony.
-Walking distance to everything
-luxury accommodations
-Pool (beach not important but secondary)
-as few children as possible (although I think we will be ok in mid May)

I have narrowed it down to Ocean Key Resort,La Mer/Dewey, Herron House and Marquesa from the reports I have read here on Fodors. We have never been to Key West and we are looking forward to it. We definately want to be overlooking the water and walking distance to everything. If there is another location I have not read about I would be very happy to hear about it. The B&B's look beautiful (from websites) and if there is one right on the water with great views I would love to hear about it. Anyone with information on any or all of the above places would be very much appreciated Thank you.

Jamie,
Neither the Marquesa nor Heron House are anywhere near the water.
(imho, Key West's best accommodations are not waterfront.)

From your list of choices the Ocean Key is your best bet...

Thanks Guys!
Is it important to be on the water? What is the best place in Key West? Is the Ocean key Resort as nice as it looks (website) and are there sunset views from the balconies? The way I found Ocean key is from Classic Custom Vacations website, as they offer some pretty good deals. I have not called for their rates, but I have always been very happy with them. Thanks for the above info..

Check Pier House

Check out the Hyatt.It's right on the water and a close walk to everything.I think it has eveything you are looking for.

You just described Ocean Key Resort. It has the nicest rooms on the island and you cannot beat the location.

Pier House was nice years ago. Don't even consider it.

If you want to be on the water, The Ocean Key Resort is the best. Get a room on one of the higher floors over looking Mallory Square and the sunset. Within the island and smaller is the Heron House or the Marquesa B&B's which are top notch!

We stayed at the Hilton twice and loved it. Many rooms on the water and right next to everything I mean walk out your door and there is the sunset celebration. Also they have a private island it is called sunset key and you can stay there also. Good luck!

We just got back from Key West. I agree with the Hilton. Really don't know which place was the Ocean Key so cant comment on it. We stayed at a Wyndham - Marina resort and I would highly recommend it. It is walking distance to Duval Street (where all the action is) but not right in the heart of it as is the Hilton, so it is a little quieter than the Hilton and has a great beach area for lounging or just walking. Also the boardwalk (concrete walkway) extends east from this hotel so we loved it as we go for long walks. But since you said you did want balcony and sunsets, the Hilton would be what I recommend for you. Be sure to get an upper room overlooking the harbor. Lower rooms will get blocked from sunset views if a ship is docked.

The Hilton is like every other Hilton in the US but you will get charged an arm and a leg because it is in Key West. Stay away from the "cookie cutter" places. I agree with the Ocean Key suggestions. Get a room that overlooks the sunset.

I was in Key West with my family over Thanksgiving. EVERY day the Hilton had a Cruise Liner parked in front of it completely blocking the view. If you book a waterfront room in the Hilton I'd make darn sure the ships won't be there blocking the view you've paid for.

We stayed at the Hyatt, got the first room for $275, second was 1/2 that. I'd vote for Hyatt or Pier House based on what I know, Ocean Key may be fine...

Oh yes, they did move the cruise ships about 15 minutes before sunset Whoope!

RM

Definitely the Ocean Key Resort. Absoultely wonderful. Recently updated and neat rooms. They have a wonderful airy feel and over look the water. You also wanted walking distance. This is one of the only great "luxury" water, pool, resorts on Duval St. You defintely want to be on Duval and not in the "Resort area". You can walk up and down Duval and be close to everything! The hotel across the street (can't remember the name) from the Ocean Key is not as nice in my opinion!
Have fun!

con't:
Don't do the Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott... all of those will not give you what you are describing. The Ocean Key Resort is amazing and does have sunsets... Don't pick the Pier House either!

We stayed at Heron House last year and it was wonderful. Very quiet with great rooms and location. Just two short blocks and you are on Duval.

Other than seeing the Ocean Key House, I just remember being down on Duval while visiting my single cousin who was friends with all the local nude dancers who had rented rooms there for a few days and did big time partying...hanging over the balconies, hooting and hollering. That alone has influenced my opinion of Heron House.

In my opinion, the two best places to stay in Key West, if money is no option,are the Gardens Hotel (my favorite) and the Marquesa. Neither are on the water, but to me that's not essential. Most of the places that are on the water are too big and have too many people, IMO. I like the intimacy that smaller places offer.

Both the Gardens and the Marquesa (which are only about a block from one another and are both conveniently located) are small places that are very romantic and very "tropical."

Thanks everyone, your help is very much appreciated