Yes, you can't beat the location. Hope you guys have a wonderful trip.

I thought I would take advantage of this topic since the discussion focuses on my question. I know that Ocean Key comes highly recommended (as above), and we are considering booking an ocean view room for the end of March. However, I have read elsewhere that the views can be obstructed by cruise ships, and I do not want to pay all that money in high season just to look at the side of a boat. Anyone have any experience with this? I have heard that the issue is worse at the Westin, but really wondering about Ocean Key. Thanks!

Well here's one interesting picture I found:

http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/ocean...V2Qr7VB9HkeIxQ

I think it can happen, but the entire time that we were there there was no ship parked in front. They seemed to be pretty honest and straightforward, so I'd call them and ask about the ship's schedules, and how often it can occur. They might be able to give you a little more insight. The Westin is right there on the marina where there are tons of boats docked, so you're right, the problem would be worse there.

Casa Marina

TO, there are also two sides to the hotel with completely different views. When I'm thinking about it, we had a view of the Sunset Pier. I'd request a room on that side. The other side, the Mallory Square side, would be where any boat would dock. Check with them to see if any boats ever dock on the Sunset Pier side, but I think you would be safe doing that. There's the restaurant there on the pier and a jet ski rental place, so it would be strange to me if large cruise ships docked on that side. Our view was beautiful.

Thanks for this. I did call the Ocean Key about this issue & they directed me to the cruise ship calendar on the City of Key West website, which was very helpful in terms of choosing dates. Booked a room for a couple of days in late March, so will report back then!

Since this is on-going...

If you stay at the Ocean Key it's nice to put on a wrap, flip-flops and a cap and walk across the street and have lunch at the beach-side bar, just off the beach at the Pier House.

And vice-versa. If you stay at the Pier House, suit up and walk across Duval to the Tiki Bar or a table on the sunset deck and have a drink / lunch. I do this about 3:00 in the afternoon when it's not very crowded and there is usually live music, and the snorkel boats are about due to come in. You can watch them form either place.

Pjk

Oh and all of the above places are open to the public but the so-called Liquid Lounge, the pool-side bar at the OK, is only for guests.

P

Hope you love it, TO! I just got an e-mail from them saying that all the rooms are being redecorated. I didn't think it needed it at all; our room was gorgeous, but sounds like it will be even better.

Peter, you were a big help in planning our trip. Thanks for all the great tips.