Visiting elderly relatives necessitates being in south Florida. Since neither husband nor I have been to the Keys, we thought that might be a nice 2-3 night get away, but I'm having problems finding accommodations that are mid priced and decent looking. Any suggestions? We were thinking of staying in the lower keys, no farther north than Marathon. Thanks

You are peak season in the Keys. There will be few bargains. The Marathon Holiday Inn shows $150 a night rooms. I doubt you will find much better.

We stayed on Duck Key at Hawk's Cay resort. It was fantastic. The pool is beautiful and the cottage we stayed in was great. At the resort you can just relax or you can play tennis, so snorkeling, rent jet skis, go fishing, etc. There were four of us, but I think for 2 people they have hotel type rooms rather than the stand alone cottage.

http://www.hawkscay.com/ResortAndSpa/hcr.aspx

Check out the Hampton Inn on Islamorada... great location,pool, fake beach, and reasonable...

Patsy...I would suggest that you stay in Islamorada ( a large island with lots to do and many restaurants and places to stay) or travel (slowly) on and stay at Key West where there are also lots of places to explore. The Hampton Inn at Islamorada mentioned above is a good spot. In Key West check the Heron House and the Gardens Hotel.