Planning a 4 nights in Key West in December to celebrate an anniversary. Looking for something nice and upscale with an ocean or partial ocean view. Was considering the Westin Key West (formerly Hilton) or Ocean Key Resort & Spa.

I've heard some good things about the Ocean Key and mixed things about the Westin (that it's not up to the usual Westin standards and cruise boats obscure view of ocean).

Interest in opinions from anyone who has stayed at both or either.

Hi Sailormann,

Lots and lots of opinions at tripadvisor.com.

If you want on the water, I think the Ocean Key would be a great option. Off the water, the Gardens Hotel is beautiful and so is the Marquesa Hotel. All three are in wonderful locations. I might add that the Hyatt Resort and Marina on Front Street has been recently renovated and gets good reviews, too. (There are 3 other Hyatt properties that are timeshares).

If you can live without the ocean view, I totally agree with Susan; we stayed at the Marquesa and loved it. It's a charming property with a great pool area and a nice restaurant - close enough to walk to Duval but still very quiet and romantic.

My vote also goes for the Marquesa.

I'd vote for The Gardens. We spent our honeymoon there in June and I'd give up the view for the beauty of the The Gardens anytime.

I would like to suggest for your consideration the Casa Marina Resort. Actually on the water w/ a real beach.

sobster - Casa Marina has been undergoing renovations for over a year. Although it's getting close to being complete, there have been lots of unhappy guests there.

I always have a great water view from my room at the Pier House, 1 Duval Street.

www.pierhouse.com

I always stay at the Pier House (almost) IMO the best rooms are the 2nd floor garden view rooms which go for from $225.00 / night to $279.00 based on the season and how well they like you. Rooms with numbers 420 - 440. The harbor views are nice but will run up to 350.00 / night and overlooking the ocean as opposed to the garden is not worth it. If you go this route ask for a thrid floor room withan awning.

The beach at the Pier House makes it better than other otels, IMO.

Pjk

It seems like so many of the big hotels are going through renovations. Casa is almost done with theirs and rumor has it the Pier House is ready to go into much more extensive renovations from what they are doing right now. The Ocean Key finished renovations about a month ago and its a great choice. I also agree The Gardens or The Marquesa would not be bad picks either.

...and the Hyatt, next door to the Pier House, was still finishing up renovations to their extierior and the area around the pool and check-in.

No matter to me...I'm booked at the Pier House as usual for 05/08.

Pjk

We stayed at Casa Marina in May and were very disappointed. They really should close the place down during renovations. It's major renovations, and you're essentially walking around tools and workers all day long. There is dust everywhere and all you hear on the beach or by the pool is drills. I'm sure it will be nice once it's completed, but for now, stay away.

Also, be aware that there are really no "real" beaches in Key West. If you're looking for a beach vacation, I'd go elsewhere.

Since its only a short walk to everywhere in Old Town you must consider either the Marquesa or Gardens... the true character of the Keys is in these properties over any chain hotel... I have stayed in all of the others mentioned here and can tell you from personal experience that your anniversary trip will be much more special at these two... neither is better and both are excellent... you can walk to sunset pier and enjoy all of the island from both... you can stay at a chain hotel in any other city....

FWIW the reviews of the Casa Marina are running about 5 - 1 positive. All mention that there is construction but the single complaint from that one is noise and inconvenience. When It's finished I'd stay there again.

Pjk