Ilove

For the record, it wasn't my intention to start a debate about spending more vs. less while on vacation. I just found your trip report very sad ... as I said, you listed the cost of every bit of food you ate and every activity you engaged in, and mused a bit about weather conditions and the lodge you stayed at, but nowhere in your report did you talk about the atmosphere of Key West, what it was really like to be there. You must have spent so much time writing this report -- perhaps you even wrote while still in Key West. You should give places, people and bread more than one try. I hope on your next trip you do have a companion, and I hope everything is wonderful for you.

Owen O'Neill

Not to "Ilove": I spent about 15 -20 minutes in total writing this report - all three sections, If I weren't such an abysmal typist it would have been faster. The thought of taking notes or writing on a vacation would, for me, detract from my enjoyment. The overall vibe, laid-back atmosphere and tropical charm of Key West has been expounded upon in this forum on many, many occasions. I thought that a report focusing on some specifics would be of inyterst to some folks and it appears that my thinking was correct. It never occurred to me that snorkeling would be marginal at best when the weather is windy and I'm sure other people share my lack or awareness. Had I known I would have delayed my snorkeling trip for a day or two. Upon reflection, it appears to me that "what it is really like to be there" is remarkably subjective and although worth providing commentary on, is not pertinent to what many people wish to know about the destination. Specifics about the prices and perceived qualities of dining and other activities are of interest to many, as evince by some of the responses to this post. I am blessed (or cursed depending on one's perspective) with the ability to easily recall specific details about travel and other activities in my life. I couched my commentaries on the Eden House in a perspective that made it clear that other guests found it motre desirable I did. Did you also miss the mention of my intent to return to KW? What about my comment that I'd return to Latitudes for another dinner but would choose a different entree. I didn't even criticize the food - simply said I chose an entree that was not to my liking (it can happen to any of us). Also, would you have preferd that I pretend the baked goods I purchased at Cole'z were delicious when in fact they were not? I made it clear that their bread is probably better and yes I do intend to try it on my next trip there. My harsh response to your original reply was based on the fact that your remarks were stated in a crude, insulting and extremely judgemental manner, apparently with little or no thought given to why I might have chosen to post as I did. IN addition, you focused on anything I said that was less than positive about my experience and ignored my favorable comments. Oh, also... "for the record"... I spend about 15-40 minutes per day on the Internet, have never tried a chat room, don't "surf the web" and participate in exactly one on-line forum - this one. In fact, I have a rich and full life and don't need to somehow go out open my mind to "the real world".

maggi

Please allow me to add my own opinion about low-cost travel. My husband and I began our lifetime love of travel when we were first married and had no money. We traveled across the country in a Volkswagen bug loaded with camping equipment, cooking over a campfire and sometimes driving through the night. One of many rewards was a misty sunrise double rainbow overlooking the Grand Canyon. We wouldn't have had stumbled on this experience in a fancy hotel room. Then there was the extended trip we spent in our schoolbus/camper. We had exactly $75 and a lot of canned goods. We worked for temporary agencies when we ran out of money, which really gave us the flavor of a city, working with locals. I think we enjoyed those trips as much or more as the more costly vacations we take now, 25 years later. Expensive hotels and restaurants don't really connect you to what a country is like, mostly you are just exposed to other tourists.

Heidi

another thanks to Owen. I enjoyed all your comments and the price of things will really help. I can travel as much as I do because I scimp on some of the things like dining so you were most helpful.Now a question, owen would you ever stay at a place outside old town or not near Duval st. I ask because my friend wants to stay at a condo that is a 10 min. drive to old town. Also how long does it take to get from the airport to old town. Thanks a lot I really enjoyed your comments.

moby

I don't know so many people have to be negative. Here is a guy that is trying to help anyone who is going to visit Key West and he has to deal with *******! Thanks Owen

Paige

I have been to Key West several times and I always enjoy myself. Owen's trip experience was interesting to read and the criticisms were unjustified IMHO. Yes, I do like reading how much someone spent and how they liked the food. I am $ conscious and while I enjoy the nice things, I can also appreciate the inexpensive things. We have always stayed at the Marriott Marina, which is not owned by Marriott any longer, but I think anyone who is familiar with Key West will know where I am talking about.

We had a very nice meal at Latitudes last May and yes, Owen, do go back and try something else. Our meals were pricey and the dining was a whole evening's experience, but we enjoyed ourselves immensely and the food was very good. I don't have the recall that Owen has, but I do remember that my entree was delicious and the evening was a complete success.

Key West is one of those places where everyone can have a different experience based on where you stay and what you do for leisure. We always snorkel and have had some excellent experiences and some mediocre ones, but that's the way things go. Duval Street is a scream, and I have seen things that offend me and I have seen things that send me into uncontrolled fits of laughter. I love Key West and it is truly a place for big spenders and not so big spenders.

I enjoyed your report, Owen. Please do not be discouraged.

Owen O'Neill

Thanks to Paige and others for their positive remarks. Heidi - IMHO staying on Old Town is the way to go and I suspect most who've visited there will agree with me. One really gets the feel of KW and the opportunity to absorb the laid back vibe by walking or biking everywhere. A ten minute drive would put them almost as far away as the airport (which is 12-15 minutes from Old Town by car). As for remarks that were perceived by some as unfairly negative - I attempted to clarify them in the interest of fairness and if the posts is re-read carefully it may become more evident. Other than the baked goods from Cole'z (which were very dry and lacked sweetness and flavor - reminded me of macrobiotic baking - just not my cup of tea), I enjoyed everything or clarified the subjective reasons why I did not. I'll reiterate that if you want a good snorkeling experience, so not go on a windy day. By the way - I'll definitely return to Latitudes. Despite mn having chosen an entree that was not to my liking (it was well prepared but I don't care for sweetness with fish dishes and I made a poor choice), it was a great experience and I'd recommend it to anyone visiting KW. Be sure to try the fresh mango sherbet - fantastic!

Kam

Thank-you! Thank-you Owen for the wonderful report. The whole reason I visit this site, is to hopefully find good reviews like this To get a good opinion we need details like those... not just "yes" and "no" !!! We need good reports, details, and the reasonings why the writer feels that way! Thank You Thank You!

Carolanne

I've asked this on another post and didn't get any replies, so I thought I'd try here. I've made reservations at
a b&b called Papa's Hideaway on Louisa street. It is a block from Duval. Is this an ok location? Has anyone heard of this place?