DS with wife and kids age 12 and 6 will be in Key West for one night and can't decide between the Pier House and the Hyatt, both "off of Duval" according to him. Do you good folks out there have any personnal preference between the two?

The Pier House has a Beach and is much more "Key Westy" than the Hyatt...

Key West is one of the few places in the world that I discourage people from Chain Hotels... also the Hotel is at the foot of Duval, right near Conch Train, sunset celebration, and the Pier...

You can stay a a Hyatt anywhere, but Key West is about the Character...

IMHO he should check out something more "key westy" like the Island City House.

I agree that there are much better places, but with only one night, you are better off with Pier House...

... there is also a minimum stay requirement at most small Inns (usually 3 nights)

I've stayed in about a dozen guest houses in Key West, and most recently (this past January) stayed at the Hyatt. If people associate Key West atmosphere with the usual mildew smell, noisy air conditioners, slightly worn interiors, funky thin walls you hear through, etc., etc. then they are right you won't get that at the Hyatt. I'm all for charm and yes I "get" the Key West funkiness, but the Hyatt is really quite nice -- squeaky clean, and has a decor much more tropical and fun than any other Hyatt I've ever stayed at.

I could probably make a case for either. But I definitely agree with NeoPatrick that the Hyatt (I assume you refer to the Hyatt on Front Street next to the Pier House) is far from an average Hyatt. It was remodeled a few years ago and is fun and funky, and the rooms are quite nice.

I haven't stayed at the Pier House but have eaten there lots of times and the outdoor area and swimming area are much larger than those at the Hyatt. They also have a good restaurant for lunch that's on the water. The only problem I've heard with the Pier House is that so many of the rooms face their parking lot, so if you book there, I'd try for a better location than that.

It's a shame you can't spend more than one night! I assume you're driving down(?) and that's a long drive for such a short visit. If at all possible, I'd encourage you to try for a little more time.

Hi Susan - no, it is not me but my son and his family that are going. They are driving down from Pembroke Pines, FL where they are staying in MIL's condo, so the drive is not all that bad. I think they may have settled on the Pier House because of the outdoor space and I understand there is a small beach that the kids might like. I will let them know about facing the parking lot, thanks to you and to all who responded. It has been a help.

Casa Marina

Key West's least significant feature is its beach. All the excitement, fun, and uniqueness of Key West is its downtown and Mallory Square atmosphere. Casa Marina has only the beach and is a long trek from the real "Key West".

NeoPatrick are you a regular Keywester?

Not so much any more. I used to go a lot, from nearby Naples. But this past January was the first time in a number of years.

I may be too late here, but the Hyatt also has a tiny little beach.

Casa Marina is off the chain! If too pricey, I'd opt for one of the many B&B. Closer to Duval would be ideal.

Pier House it's going to be - They leave for FL tomorrow and I will let you all know how they liked it.

Hope they love it!