Oh my goodness, absolutely you can do Hawaii for under $4,000. What website are you looking at? How long do you plan on staying? The tours can be costly. It depends on how many tours you plan on doing. Please be more specific on what tours, airline, island and hotel you are looking at.

I got so much help with my Key West question...how about one on Marathon? Anyone heard of the Sombrero Resort on Marathon? Do you recommend it? Are there other moderately priced resorts in the Keys that aren't exclusively diving or snorkeling oriented?

Ruth:
I do not have any information on Sombrero, but I have had friends stay at Seascape and have raved about the place. The owners are artists and have done the place in beautiful colors and furnishings. It is quiet and relaxing and does not allow children under 7.

Just moving up to the top...

Thanks, Hilda, I have seen Seascape Resort's web site and it does look marvelous. The Sombrero, however, is even more moderately priced, which is why I'm interested in it. However, I'm starting to wonder if I should be worried that no one on a few different message boards has heard of it. I know it exists; I just wonder how risky it is to book there without a personal recommendation.

Anyone have advice for me on whether or not I should go for it? I mean, for four days, how bad could it be? And maybe I've discovered a relatively unknown treasure!?

Ruth;
I got a brochure and pricing for Seascape and it is not bad after May 1. It has appeared in numerous guide books. I checked the Fodor's Guidebook and Sombrero is not listed. Sorry, I could not have been more helpful.

I'm not familiar with those two, but a few years back I stayed at the Buccaneer resort and thought it was great if you're looking in the budget range. they are mostly cottages on or near the beach, with A/C, and start at around $60 if you're off the water. They have a decent pool, waverunners etc. available, and good frozen drinks for happy hours. I just checked out their web site,(search Yahoo with their name) and things appear same as I remember. A solid value.

Ruth,
I drove past the Sombrero resort on my way to Key West just 2 weeks ago. It does indeed exist. I've never been there so can't offer help with what the place is like, however, from the exterior, it looks like a typical roadside motor inn.

Thanks, Bill, I saw the Buccaneer's web site and it definitely looks like a deal.

I have to say, this is the best travel message board around. It may have its share of "looney tunes," but skirting around them is a small price to pay for the invaluable personal recommendations I have gotten off the board! Thanks again to everyone who has responded.

FYI - I was recently told that there was a fire at Buccaneer that destroyed their main lodge. You may want to inquire about that if you decide to book.

As a followup to Liz's comment, I took a look at the web site picture. If it was the white building just behind the pool that was destroyed, as far as I remember, it contained only the office and maybe banquet rooms. It was the double round buildings near the dock that contained bar, snackbar and boat rentals. In any case, just be sure taht use of the pool isn't affected. Other than that I wouldn't expect problems.

What about the Cheeca Lodge or The Moorings? Good/decent beach? OK for couples like myself (in the moderate to cheap range...)? Or would you still suggest the Seascape?

Michelle - the Cheeca Lodge and the Moorings are in Islamorada rather than Marathon, and they're both in the upper price range.

I wouldn't mind suggestions on other keys at all; the price range is definitely a factor. We're splitting our trip between Key West and another key, and want to have more $ to spend in Key West and less elsewhere. The idea is Key West will be exciting, busy, and expensive, like it just about always is, and the other key will be more laid back -- all we need is a decent, clean place to stay, with a pool, bar and restaurant nearby. Other amenities aren't as important. That's why I'm looking into these less well known, less expensive resorts.

Again, thanks everyone for your help!

Ruth, I'm doing exactly the same thing as you - except around Memorial day week. Does anyone know what's a great "bang for the buck for 1 week, Marathon or Islamorada are equal to me, too (but I need to cook or microwave food). FYI -I found Jasmine House and Key Lime Inn in Key West as cheap. Any comments from anyone?

To the top...

Just wondering if Michelle is back from her Keys trip and has feedback?

Hi Ruth - Don't know if you've taken your trip yet, but just wanted to add in a word of caution about Buccaneer Resort. We had reservations there a few years ago - for 6 people. Had reserved one of their suites - thinking the picture they show of the kitchen is really nice! Very deceiving. We ended up looking at four different units and all had something wrong with them - urine smell, rat trap on the balcony, front door looked like it had been kicked in and was now closed with a bungee cord. Beach looked rundown, jellyfish were visible. So the six of us decided to cancel our reservation and try elsewhere. We were supposed to stay there 5 nights! Thankfully our travel agent directed us off the beaten path to Coco Plum Resort. A bit expensive - but gorgeous. New pool, and right on the ocean. www.cocoplum.com. The lady said they don't advertise much, its just by word of mouth. And I can see why. I would recommend it in a heartbeat. Just thought I would let you know...

I agree with the slam for the Buccaneer Resort. I found it quite a letdown and wasn't that impressed with the bar. I was scheduled for two nights there and lied about an emergency to back out of the 2nd night and move out to Key West. Don't buy the publicity on that place...

Thanks for the heads up on Buccaneer. I was leaning more toward Sombrero anyways. I'll check out Coco Plum too.