Going to Key West for the first time later in the month and I am deliberating between these two hotels. It sounds like both are in the same area (near Old Town). Can anyone comment as to the two hotel's accomadations, pool area, locatin, service, etc? Both claim to have a beach but I assume they are both rather small. Thanks in advance.

Both great places and doubt you would go wrong at either.

Both are in great locations! The Hilton is a newer hotel but I would describe this hotel as a "cookie cutter" hotel, meaning you could cut and paste this resort into any tropical destination. Some people like this. They are comfortable with the fact they know exactly what to expect by staying at a Hilton no matter where it is. It is a sterile feeling hotel. It is very pricey for cookie cutter type rooms. Watch out for the water views. The cruise ships dock in front of the hotel and many times the views are obstructed by them. Plus hearing the horns early in the morning can scare the crap out of you. It is a very large, spread out hotel. There is a public board walk that goes through the hotel and by some of the rooms with the water views. The beach is on an island just off shore and you have to take a 5 minute boat ride to it. I always suggest people to stay at a B&B. The town is full of them and many are very good. It is the only way to get the true Key West flavor, especially if it is a first trip. But if you are more comfortable with a chain hotel I would choose the Hyatt. It is smaller and has more of the quaint Key West feel. Its beach is small but you don't have to take a boat ride to get to it. I have always heard good things about the Hyatt when it comes to service but I have heard mixed reviews when it comes to the Hilton. Neither gets great reviews on the food.

Stayed at the Key West Hilton last year and loved it! Nice rooms and very close to all the major attractions. The Hilton also has a private island called Sunset Key. They have shuttles going to the island during the day! Beautiful island and great restaurant. I totally recommend it! Have fun!

Both are nice. However, I personally believe that Key West should really be experienced by staying in a Bed and Breakfast. I would highly recommend the Duval House.

Ditto on the B & B vs. hotel. We love the Cypress House.

Agree with all the posts above. Reconsider staying at the Marquesa Hotel, The Heron House or Ambrosia 1 or 2, all are great B & B's & are located close to Old Town & most restaurants & attractions.

look at the Heron House
Marquesa
The Gardens

For those of you who have stayed at the Hilton, could you recommend which side of the hotel is best to stay on - pool, beach, street for those SUNSET views? I've never been there, so I'd like to make a request with my booking (going the 1st week of March).

thank you

I would pick the Hyatt over the Hilton. It just seems smaller and more private.

Hyatt thumbs up!

Just to add to the mix... Check out Pier House- Stayed there last year and it was great- Small beach, right at sunset end of Duval.. I'm not a B&B person, had a lovely room in Caribbean Spa wing. Great base to operate from!

When I stayed at the Hilton a few weeks ago it was CONSIDERABLY cheaper than the Hyatt.

Maybe they finally figured out they were losing too many people to the other hotels in the area. LOL. They were always the most expensive by far for the waterfront hotels.

well.....I'm in Key West right now and I'm staying at the Hilton.
My recommendation would be "don't". It's not very impressive, in a Holiday Inn sort of way.
Checked in and had to wait 5 hrs for our room. Asked for a king bed room, got 2 queens. First night, the toilet didn't work. In the morning the coffee pot didn't work. The light grid over the sink fell onto the counter. Parts of the hotel look like it could use a "refresher"........overall I'd say it's an ok place if you are not paying over $100/night.

Here's the biggest laugh - the post on the door states the room goes for $895/pm (hahaha)

They did make necessary repairs immediately when called (to their credit)

I, too, considered staying at the Hilton and/or Hyatt on a recent trip to Key West, but decided on the Marquesa, thank God! After we arrived, we checked out several hotels and you definitely will prefer staying in one of the smaller hotels in town than in a big hotel "on the beach". The beaches are NOT like the Carribean; full of seaweed and somewhat smelly. Do not go to Key West for the beaches, you'll be disappointed. The Marquesa has a lovely private pool with lush plants surrounding it and a small waterfall - all of the rooms are very tastefully decorated with antique reproductions. It's a good location, also. Good luck

for chan