Hi all! Thanks to your helpful suggestions, I'm (mostly) booked up for Key West the first week in April. We're excited about the laid-back, outdoorsy vibe and don't plan to go crazy with the bar scenes.

Our plan is to drive from Ft. Lauderdale to Islamorada early Sunday morning, ogling the gorgeous scenery once we get past Miami. We're deciding between Breezy Palms and Ocean View Inn. Any thoughts?

The next two nights - Monday/Tuesday - we'll do Key West. My choice right now is the Alexander Palms court. The location seems great (away from the insanity of Duval, but still close enough if we want to dabble.) A great pool is certainly a priority (so that ruled out, for example, Merlin.) I also am looking at Chelsea and Key Lime Inn. The Gardens/Marquesa/etc are out of our price range.

We'll drive back to Miami on Wednesday. Previous posters have said that takes 4+ hours in peak traffic, but how long do you think it will take mid-week?

Finally, any suggestions on cheap bicycle rentals? I'm sure places are a dime-a-dozen, but I figured I'd ask. Also, if there are any particular outlets for snorkeling/kayaking that come to mind - let me know. I'm looking for a guide with some personality who's not just cattle-herding tourists on and off a boat.

Thanks again for all the help so far - this board's the best.

I can't help you with the upper keys, I generally head straight to Key West.

There is a lot of 35mph driving between Miami and Key West. If you have a plane to catch, I'd certainly allow 4+ hours for the trip. One little fender bender can snarl traffic.

I'm not familiar with Alexander Palms Court, but I have stayed at Merlin Guest House. I guess I don't understand why you think the pool there is bad? Most of the pools at the B&B's are small, but most are nicely landscaped.

One of the nicest B&B pools that I've seen is Island City House. My favorite B&B is Cypress House, pool is decent, always loungers available, great breakfast, and awesome Happy Hour. Staff is the best.

Cypress House has on site bike rentals. Some where around $12-15.00 a day. Seems to be the going rate. If you stay at a place that doesn't have on site rentals, your B&B can get bikes delivered.

I also can't help with snorkeling, I'm a real wate temperature wimp and we tend to travel there in November/December.

"" Previous posters have said that takes 4+ hours in peak traffic, but how long do you think it will take mid-week?""

You are mistaken. Four hours is how long it takes in the best situation.

Plan for four hours but don't even think about using that time frame to catch a flight.

You will not make it in less than four hours and with one wreck, that time can be six to eight hours.

I like the Breezy Palms in Ilsmorada.

I agree with GoTravel about the trip. It has never taken us less than 4 hours between Miami and Key West and Ft. Lauderdale is about 1/2 hour farther away.

We've been very fortunate not to have encountered any traffic problems along the way.

If you fly out of Ft. Lauderdale Wednesday, you need to allot much more time than 4 hours.

We stayed at this place last and enjoyed it. No Pool but there is a beach next door. It is bayside for great sunsets.

http://www.lookoutlodge.com/

Thanks for the suggestions!

Susan-Looks like we'll probably leave KW Wednesday morning, then hustle up to Miami and hang there until my flight. (It's late in the evening, so we should have plenty of time.)

JeanH - great suggestion on Cypress House.

GoTravel - I was leaning towards Breezy Palms myself, then a friend's father recommended Ocean View. (He lives in Florida and visits Islamorada often.) The beach at BP looks too good to pass up, though

I realize it screams "tourist" but, if you have time, a ride on the Key West Trolley is a very informative tour. We really enjoyed it and learned lots about the city and surrounding area.

I second the trolley-if you are talking about the conch tour train. It is just a fun way to get an overview of the Island.
I also enjoyed the Hemingway house tour.
On Islamorada, we enjoyed a great sunset meal at the Islamorada Fish Company.