We are going to Key West in November for the Boat Races and will stay at either Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn, or BW Ambassador. Any suggestions? Where are the races held? We will have a car so that isn't a big problem but would like to be in an okay area. The Hampton looks very nice for the money but no beach.

The boat races are in Old Town in front of the Hyatt, Hilton, Pier House, Ocean Key Resort and the Galleon. Unless ou are staying at The Holiday Inn on Duval Street, you won't be near them. The town will be packed and you will have a problem parking. I would find something closer.

Thanks for your help. All of the above are booked or in excess of 400. per night. Well, maybe not all, I have no information on the Galleon. We can also for the Comfort Inn. The Holiday Inn is on the beach. I understand there is a shuttle for $7.00 a day per person that we can use and not have to worry with parking. If you are familiar with the Hampton, BW Ambassador and also the Comfort Inn could you give me opinion s on them?

The Holiday Inn La Concha is on Duval Street in downtown Key West. The Holiday Inn "on the beach" is right when you enter Key West - on water, but not the beach you want for boat races and any other action. Parking is horrendous during that time so you want to avoid driving a car into town, but if you must, park at Fort Zachary Taylor off Whitehead Street. Have you considered a bead and breakfast? You might get a better rate than a hotel and it will certainly be a nicer atmosphere.

Celeste,
Thanks! Is the Holiday Inn on Duval an okay place? It didn't look very good on the site that I saw it but one can really never tell about the ads. I'll check for availability there too. Is the Ambassador any nicer than the Hampton Inn?

The Holiday Inn on Duval is in a far superior location to the Holiday Inn Beachside, which isn't really on a beach, but instead is on a busy 4 lane thoroughfare. The La Concha has recently been refurbished and although the rooms are apparently small, the location is perfect.

We have stayed at the Holiday Inn on Duval Street - I agree, it's the perfect location for exploring the town, especially walking. Even though it's older, the place has a lot of character & the rooms were good - we weren't in them that long - too busy exploring! The place had a "1940" feel to me, with big paddle fans, etc. Also, the view of Key West from the roof bar is interesting.

First, let me say that I hope that you are not going to Key West for the beach, you will be very disappointed. If you would like to stay someplace with that tropical laid-back feel, I might suggest you try the Heron House. Very nice at the middle of the island just a block off of Duval and esily within walking distance of the gulf. I would personally never go to Key West and not stay in Old Town.

I really appreciate all of your assistance. We are going for the boat races and all the places close in are full or at least $200 more per night. I'd love to use the great suggestions given but just can't this time. Maybe we'll plan earlier next time! About the only places we can get are Hampton, BW Amb. and Holiday Inn Beachside. We'll have to use the shuttle service or taxis. Even doing that we'll still come out way ahead. Would you prefer one of these places over the others?

Have stayed at the Hampton Inn. It was very nice. Good breakfast. It's a couple of miles from where you want to be. Probably too far to walk but it seems that you have that taken care of. I'm sot sure about the others.

THe Hampton is your best choice. They are the most consistant and fairly priced. Plus they have a lot of parking and one or two of the boats might actually be displayed there.

Have you considered renting a scooter to get you around Key West. Easier parking them than a car! The races are a blast - we went several years ago and enjoyed them immensely.

I don't know anything about the hotels but am wondering about the boat races. We will also be in the Keys in November and would like more info. What kind of boats? Where? When? Ticket prices(if needed)?? Where can I get more info on this?

Forget about the hotels. We had a group spend 5 great days/nights in the Key Garden. It is a B & B on 329 Elizabeth.
Close enough to walk to everything. I'm not sure of the rate but having stayed on all four sides of the island, this is by far the best value.

James,

Here are a couple of websites for you to do some websurfing on. Most all the events in Key West & the keys are posted under the entertainment bracket & the calendar of events. If you have any problems, E-mail me & I will help ya.

November 04 to November 10, in Key West
KEY WEST OFFSHORE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS - Key West. World-class racers are featured at this week-long championship challenge. Contact: John Carbonell at (305) 296-8963.

KeysNews.com - Online News for the Florida Keys! - News, Sports, Tourism

keynoter-dot-com - Your best source of print and online news from the Fl

my husband and I stayed at the Holiday inn beachside last February.The staff was wonderful,the pool was the best! We enjoyed all aspects of the hotel. I checked out the Hampton inn and the comfort inn ,and was happy with my choice of the Holiday inn. Although it is a short shuttle ride from old town and not walking distance I was pleased with the location.The hotel room was adequate.. The restaurant serves breakfast and dinner..lunch is available poolside ...It cost far less than the larger hotels in oldtown..so we could spend more on dining and entertainment..we were also able to arrange water sport rentals ,sunset cruise tickets, and tours at the hotel. There is information about the hotel at the holiday inn web site...