My sisters and I are planning on surprising mom for her 80th birthday. We would like to go to Key West. Any places that would be nice to stay within a budget? Or any advice or websites that I could look into. Doesn't have to be Key West but none of us have been there and we thought it would be fun.
We were going to take her on a 4 day cruise but she doesn't have a passport. We are looking to spend about $700 a piece (not including mom)

How many persons total? Sheraton Suites have rooms with 2 double beds plus a sofa bed.

There is going to be 4 adults

Shannan,

Do you live in Florida? Or will you e flying down?

There are many hotels in Key West to stay at. Try the Doubletree Grand Key Resort, or the Chelsea House Pool and Gardens. Both great hotels.

As for a cruise, almost all cruises down here that originate in either Miami or Ft Lauderdale go to some non-US Island. And the state dept has pushed back the sea portion or the passport requirements till June of 2009. So as long as she has a valid ID like a birth certificate and a drivers license or some other government issued id she will be ok.

If you want, you can email me at [email protected]. And we can talk more about cruises and hotels in Key West. I have lived in Ft Lauderdale for almost 27 years and have been to the keys many times.

We will be flying down from Ohio.
so that will be adding to our cost.

We stayed in a 2BR condo at Key West Villas. It is walking distance (less than 4 blocks) to Duval. It is not on the beach, has a hot tub and bbq in a really pretty, old key west style courtyard. I don't remember the price but we didn't have a ton to spend and it fit our bill perfectly. Could save money by eating breakfast in the condo and occasionally packing a lunch. Not much on Key west is on the beach so your best bet is staying close to to Duval or on one of the marinas. The "beach" places there are typically really far away from the action on Duval. Condos at Key West Villas were nice, new and clean. Was a few years ago, but the staff was great and helpful. Its not a really resorty kind of town so for your 80 yr old mom, you would want to be sure she is up for some walking. Otherwise, maybe check out Naples, which has a better combination of "on the beach" and restaurants/shops.

Also be warned that during certain times of year Key West is mostly a young, drinking, partying crowd. Naples is a little more mature yet still has fun restaurants, shops etc.

Do you have just 4 days for the trip? Doesn't Key West mean a flight to Florida then a long drive down the keys, taking your entire first and last days?

We spend 4 to 6 weeks a year in Key West and as clarkgriswold says, it takes us a full day to get there from Arkansas. We either have to go on Delta with a long stopover at Atlanta, or go (backward) through Dallas, to Miami, then to Key West. With all that travel time, we need the full two weeks to relax.

I absolutely LOVE Key West, but if you have to travel a full day to get there, and then only have a couple of days of vacation, I'm not sure I'd recommend it.

However, if I've misunderstood your plans, I'd recommend you look into the Island City House. The location is wonderful and they have all sorts of accommodations, some with kitchens, and some without.

If your mom is very spry, you might consider the Best Western Hibiscus on the quiet side of the island. They have large rooms and the prices are good. They also get wonderful reviews.

I'd definitely advise you to find something in Old Town, where you'll be within walking distance of tourist activities and restaurants.