Going to Key West for first time and can't bear not to stay on a beach property, even though I realize the beaches are not great. Is there a place anyone knows of that is walking distance to Old Town and still on a decent beach? We are a family of 5... 2 "real" adults and 3 young adults so I was thinking a suite or condo might be best.
I'm stumped as to where to stay...help!

I stayed at the Pier House years ago. It is in the main part of downtown and has a tiny beach area. Key West just isn't a beach place though there is plenty of beach space at the public beach if you saty somewhere not on the beach. I love a small hotel, Andrew's Inn, where I have also stayed. Much cooler than most places and very cute! It is perfect for a family as they rent several different room arrangements. You will love it.

Sue, I'd forget the beach and go for an Old Town guest house which has charm and character. I stayed at the Island City House Hotel two weeks ago and highly recommend it.

John's right. If it's a "beach experience" you're after, Key West is not a great destination. ALL the beaches are man-made with imported sand.
The resort that has the best beach in Key West is Casa Marina, but it doesn't always rank high in other departments, and it's not as well-located as places nearer the Gulf. If you'll forego the beach (even though there's a small one) you might look into the Galleon, which is a timeshare that rents to non-owners. They have two bedroom fully equiped condos and are perfectly located.

One more thing...the Casa Marina really isn't within walking distance of the best part of Old Town, i.e., Mallory Square, etc. So if you stay there, you'll need to rent bikes or mopeds.

You might want to try the condos at 1800 Atlantic. Just do a search because there are a few rental agencies. The main website is www.1800atlantic.com. Its right on the ocean. Pool is very nice and has a beach. Unfortunately, its not within walking distance of Duval Street. I've stayed there twice. Its a great property.

Thank you so much for the information! I have a much better idea of what to expect from the area. We have decided to go for Old Town over a beach...thinking of Galleon if the prices are not too exhorbitant. Any info. on which place in the Old Town area has the best pool area? (Still thinking of condo/suite set-up)

You can rent 1, 2, or 3 bedroom houses in an area of Key West called the Truman Annex. These houses are "gingerbread" design, and are, for the most part, recently renovated. It's a neat, and quiet, area of Key West. Depending on which house you rent, you should be well-located, i e, walking to shopping and restaurants. If not, get a bike. I don't have a website or phone number, but if you put in "Key West Truman Annex Rentals" into a search engine you're sure to get something. Have fun.

I have been to Key West a dozen times,each time staying at a new hotel or B&B. The beach at Casa Marina is a sandbox, and Smather's Beach is way too far from the real Key West.
The hot spot for your "gang" is the Ocean Key House...the hotel is right on the ocean at Mallory Square at the foot of Duval St(across the street is the Pier House mentioned earlier).. I stayed in one of the top floor suites with a bedroom, large living room(with fold-out bed) balcony, and even a dining area/mini-kitchen... if that's too pricey for you, go for the two connecting rooms. With all of the action in Key West, you will forget about the beach, and concentrate on the water sports, snorkeling, sunset cruises, party atmosphere, patio restaurants, and the nightly craziness just outside your hotel... rent scooters or golf carts for that trip to the beach if you must...but after your first trip to Key West, you will never think about beach and KW again. Young adults will enjoy this stay more than you think, and you can save the romance of a Key West Inn or B&B for you and Dad on the next trip...

There really is no beach in Key West- I would not consider it a beach town.
One place to stay that has some beach (no better than in Key West) is Sunset Key. Sunset Key is located right off Key West. I believe there are cottages you can stay at and then just take a boat (approx. 5 mins)to get to Duval Street.