Key west locations
 

I'm looking at spending a weekend in Key West in December. Just starting to research.

Am I correct in assuming that the best area to stay is the far west side of town? Are there areas to avoid?

Keith

If you want to be near the "action," stay at the end of Duval near Mallory Square.

My favorite:

www.pierhouse.com

1 Duval Street

There are 2 areas Key West is basically divided into, New Town and Old Town. Old Town is the Historic part and where most of the activities, museums, bars, restaurants and other tourist type activities are located. It is where most people want to stay. From most areas you can walk to just about anything within Old Town. Duval Steet is the Main Street. So you want to stay as close to it as possible (if thats where you want to be). There are lots of really cute B&B's in Old Town.
www.keywest.com

I agree with the above post. You definitely want to be in Old Town, NOT New Town.

If you actually want to sleep while you are there, I would also suggest not staying right on Duval. There are a number of great places on Simonton, a block off (of Duval).

Good lord the island is only 2 x 4 miles. Any place you stay is fine. It's all expensive and one place is as god as another.

I don't agree with the previous poster at all. It's a completely different sense of place in one of the small guest houses in Old Town than it is at one of the chain hotels out on Roosevelt.

I agree with Jean. Old Town is a historic district, and if you stay there, you'll be area within walking distance of sunset celebrations, tourist activities, and lots of wonderful restaurants. In New Town, you'll be within walking distance of fast food joints and strip malls. That's the reason the hotels in New Town are relatively inexpensive - the area has nothing whatsoever to offer.

Thanks for everyone's advise.

I ended up booking a suite at Jasmine House, 1/2 block off Duval Street.

Keith

hi~ thought I'd hop in since I'm looking to visit Key West (first time), in late Nov/early December.
I have points through Starwood, so was thinking of staying at Sheraton Suites for the value, but worried this might be on the cheesy side of town? Does anyone know anything about it?
Also what are the benefits of driving from FL/MIA vs. arriving at Key West airport. We're only there 3 nights, and looking for some relaxation (a couple). Thanks!

Although the drive is quite fun & enjoyable...if I had only 3 days, I would fly in, & you'll not even need a car. Based on the map, I also wouldn't choose the Sheraton as a place to stay. It is located over by the Airport a good distance away from 'Old Town' which is really where you want to be. As a general rule you'd want to be on the other side of Truman, in or around Duval. I'd save those points for another trip.

The Sheraton Suites have either just undergown some renovations or are just finishing them. There were some reviews that said they got in the way of some of the guests. While you are just across the street from Smathers Beach you are a little too far to walk to the Mallory Docks or the Key West Bight. You could walk to Louie's. I don't know if they provide a shuttle service as does the Doubletree Resort. This might bew a problem.

Pjk

For just 3 days, I'd probably opt for flying in as well...can you use your starwood points at the Westin? It's location is right in the heart of Old Town.

thanks all. I had a feeling it wouldn't be so easy. Yes I can use my points at Westin, but their lowest rate is over $500 right now, so they don't help too much.
Sounds like the Sheraton is way out of the way and undergoing renovation to boot. What are the top choices for places to stay in old town. We are in our 30's and looking for:
rest,relaxation,romance and good seafood. Not to into the partying side of Key West. Hoping to not spend more than $150/160 p/night.

There are numerous small properties that would be in your price range in that time frame. Look at Island City House, Ambrosia, Harbor Inn, Merlin Guest House and numerous others.

If you don't consider yourself a B&B type person, give a closer look to Island City House. It's close to 30 rooms, in three buildings, so it's a bit bigger than some of the others.

My first choice is always the Heron House or Marquesa. Rates typically go up December 15th or thereabouts. When are you traveling ?

we would be travelling for a long wkend (first wkend in dec).
i've never been to key west, so doing this a little blindly, but we are a couple in our 30's, so want something somewhat romantic (or quaint), but not too young or old if that makes sense.
thanks for the list of b&b's...

Keith, Key West is known for its beautiful, historic guest houses. They usually have a lush backyard pool area that is great for lounging before touring the town.

By staying in a chain hotel you will loose 75% of the reason people enjoy this town.

Stay near Duval street but away from the pier and the waves of daytrippers off the cruise boats. Check Tripadvisor for Bed and Breakfasts in your price range.

I would certainly go the B & B route then. Most have great breakfasts (usually outside) & many have free snacks & drinks around 'happy hour' time. Book ASAP though.

hi, well our trip is for 10 days from now, so it's last minute, and many of the b&b's mentioned are booked. So right now Avalon, Old Suites, and Key West Harbor Inn have some availability. Avalon is the most reasonable and seems pleasant so leaning there. We also have our original reservation at Sheraton but heard not so great things about location,etc. Any thoughts would be appreciated, never been to KW! Thx!

Jubilee
We stayed at Key West Harbor Inn and enjoyed our stay there. Our room was small but very clean. I think there are rooms of different size however. They offer a very good deluxe continental breakfast around the pool. They also offer a complimentary cocktail hour from 5 - 6pm They are just minutes from the pier and Mallory Square. The only thing I didn't like is we paid for 3 nights and was called home after 2 nights and they would not refund our 3rd night monies. Oh well...business is business...

I would suggest staying at the Gardens Hotel if there is still availability. We stayed here last year in March and thoroughly enjoyed our stay that we are returning this March. The location is very ideal, close to Duval Street and yet when you are lounging around the pool it seems so far away from the hustle and bustle of Duval. I highly recommend it! - Susan

I've not stayed at any of the places you mentioned. We're staying @ (what used to be an Eaton Lodge property) later this week. Check www.eatonlodge.com & there are links to their new website(s). The Curry Mansion is kind of fun also, & has a great location. They also have a happy hour w/music as I recall.

well after realizing a lot of the recommended places were booked, we went with something no one had mentioned yet: Southernmost House. It's a converted Victorian mansion/museum, now a 13 room b&b on the ocean. On the quiet side of Duval but accessble to every thing. Hoping it's a good choice. We want some romance, relaxation, and access to everything, but not TOO much craziness. Let's hope the gamble pays off..not much feedback on this place on the net. Thanks all. Next I'll have to figure out the "must sees" at best restauarants!

The Southernmost House looks beautiful from the outside, though they really got slammed during the hurricane and lost some lovely huge foliage surrounding the house.

They used to offer tours of the property, and I wouldn't particularly want to be staying somewhere while a tour group went through, but they may not do that anymore.

On the plus side, you're near Louie's Backyard! Some people consider it a tourist trap, but my husband and I dearly love it (for lunch, when it's cheaper!). It's definitely pricey, but the location and property is lovely.