My first trip to Key West will be over Christmas. I've reserved a room @ above titled hotel for $149 per night. Is this a nice hotel? Is it in the touristy part of Key West? I'm staying for 6 nights so I want a nice play to stay that accessible to sites but not right in the middle of junk.

The location is very convenient. It's right in the middle of the action...the tourist action. However, this hotel is very old and has recently been undergoing renovations, so I'd be sure and get a freshly decorated room. There are quite a few places I'd stay before I'd choose the La Concha. The Ocean Key House, the Hilton, the Hyatt, the Pier House and the Galleon are all on the Gulf and in my estimation would be better choices. There are also lots of B&Bs in Key West that are charming. The best thing about the La Concha is that it's in Old Town, which is the nicest area of Key West.

There are quite a number of very nice guesthouses in Old Twon that would be competitive in price but liekly to offer a better experience, particularly if you don't wnat to be right in the middle of the touristy clap-trap. Guesthouses are much like a B&B but most offer a greater sense of privacy/freedom/anonymity than people usually associate with B&B's - it's a question of what you're looking for). We stayed at one that was only a few hundred yards from Duval Street - perhaps a block from La Concha, but it felt like a different world - relaxed and quiet yet a short walk got us in the middle of things when we chose to be there.

I just returned from Key West and stayed at the Ambrosia B&B and loved it. I would not stay at one of the larger hotels, they are far too expensive and just not relaxing enough. The Holiday Inn looked nice, location wise, but however did seem to be undergoing some construction. I would check out some other options before committing there.

We stayed at the sheraton suites and it was great. Since the hotel is outside of "Downtown" Key West right at the beach, they provide a free shuttle to duval street and you can get in and out, whenever you want. Nice pool area also.
HI is not a good choice for someone seeking tranqility, but it is right where the nightlife is. Ask for a room not facing duval

have fun

Also stayed at Sheraton and found it very nice. You may also want to try the Wyndham Casa Marina, very nice and the Hilton although the prices may be high. You could also try Priceline. I bid through Priceline and got the Sheraton at $50 night and Wyndham at $90 during the 4th of July Weekend. I believe I saved about 50% of the standard rate.