Does anyone know of inexpensive motel with a pool in downtown district of Key West? Most of the major chains are 2 - 3 miles away and we'd prefer to be closer to the "action".

Thanks for any advice you can give....

There really aren't any motels per se in Old Town, which is probably where you want to be. All the big hotels on the Gulf are pretty - if not very - expensive. But there's a wide variety of bed and breakfasts at all prices so if I were you, I'd just do a web search. I've only stayed in hotels, so I can't help you further.

Kate, go to WWW.KEYWEST.COM and see the large listings of hotels, B & B's, Inns and guest houses. Key West is only 2 miles by 4 miles square, and a bike or a moped will get you just about anywhere you want to go. Our daughter has lived there for 22 years and there is nothing cheap in Key West- except for a few out of the way restaruants. How "inexpensive" is inexpensive? Have fun, 'cause it can be a fun place to visit.

I stayed at a great bed and breakfast in Key West in November 1997. It is called the Southernmost Point Guest House and it is run by a very nice woman named Mona Santiago. This place was recommended in Frommer's (so you can get the phone number from that book if you find it in a bookstore or library, or you may even be able to get it from the Frommers website at www.frommers.com) and I was really glad I found it. The prices were very reasonable -- I paid $55 per night for a room with a double bed (but that was the off-season, and the lowest-priced room), and the price included a very nice breakfast of fresh breads, bagels, pastries, lots of fruits, cereal, coffee, juices, etc. every morning, which you could help yourself to and then eat it outside on the huge front porch. In my opinion one of the best things about the place was the location. It is located on Duval St., which is the main street going through town, but it is at the very southernmost end of Duval Street across the street from the beach (so I definitely didn't mind not having a pool)! The beach was small but very convenient and not crowded, and since there is a hotel adjacent they rent out beachchairs if you want (or you can bring your own towels or chairs), and they have waitstaff who will bring you fruity drinks while you sunbathe. Since the B&B it is at the quiet end of Duval Street you don't have the noise that you have if you stay right in the center of it all, yet it is still very close to everything and you don't need a car to get around at all (although they do have a parking lot where you can park if you do have a car, and the parking is free). There is a jacuzzi on the premises and a nice yard with secluded little seating areas -- swings, hammocks, etc. It is a short walk (10-15 minutes) to the central part of Duval Street. There is a very good restaurant across the street in the hotel that sits right on the beach, which has waterfront dining. It is a historic house and very unique. I definitely recommend it! I am told that a couple of the upstairs rooms are very romantic and have views of the ocean -- you might ask. Good luck and have a great time.

I have been to Key West many times. One of ny favorite places to stay is the Southernmost Motel. It is a middle range motel within walking distance to the downtown area. (It can be a long walk depending on the weather and time of day.) There are 2 pools. Food is served at lunch; however, I don't think they is a restaurant. The rooms, although not luxorious are nice. Employees are friendly. I would stay there again in a heartbeat. I love Key West.

I would recommend the icker House B&B. It is on Duval Street but several blocks south of the busy section of town which is fun but can get loud and rowdy late at night. They have a small pool and of course breakfast is included. An easy walk down to th center of town and to the Carribean Village where there is a great restaurant with a patio area that has chickens walking around! Sounds crazy but there is always a line to get in. I wish I could remember the name. Have fun!

That would be the Wicker House, not icker, sorry!!

The name of the restaurant with the chickens walking around is Blue Heaven. It was a favorite haunt of Hemingway years ago when it was a bordello and staged cock fights!!!

I second the nod for Southernmost.

Whatever you do, DON'T stay at the Eden House.

I have been to Key Wet numerous times. One trip included a stay at a cute motel called the Key Lodge. It is clean and family run with a swimming pool just outside your door. The rooms were not fancy but they were clean &the staff was very helpful. It is close enough to walk to the " action", the sunset festival and Hemingway' house yet far enough that you can sleep peacefully. Rates were also reasonable which is a plus in the Keys!