Hi,
Which one??? We are looking at Southernmost because of its location, we didn't want to be driving back and forth. But Parrot Key looks a lot nicer. Anyone stayed at either and have suggestions? Thanks.

Southernmost is the best choice hands downs. It is downtown, near the water and walking distance from all sights. Parrot Key has nicer newer rooms but far from sights, you can always catch a cab on the 2x4 Island. EIther one depending on your activity will be a good one.

Why are you limited to those two???.. Parrot Key is off of Old Town and Southernmost is at the opposite end of the island from Sunset pier... there are dozens of Inns and hotels that are better located... if you list your reasons and budget, we can help you find exactly the right place...

Parrot Key is very new, and apparently really nice. But it's on one of the busiest streets in Key West that's filled with nothing but strip malls and fast food restaurants. The location alone would eliminate it for me.

The beauty of Key West is that if you stay in Old Town, everything you want to do (including sunset celebrations, restaurants, water sports and other tourist activities) will be within walking distance.

There are several Southernmost properties, including the newest, which is Southernmost on the Beach. It's newer than Parrot Key and is getting excellent reviews. The Southernmost Hotel is the oldest of the properties, and wouldn't compare favorably to the others. I'd encourage you to check out Southernmost on the Beach.

http://www.southernmostresorts.com/s...ost_beach.html

Thanks you guys. We wanted to be near the "action" and aren't limited in where we stay. It's that we have two 7 year olds so most B & B's are out (Island City House booked full)and wanted something that's higher end (Casa Marina is too far, Pier House is booked and so is that other one at 0 Duval). We had hoped to keep it under 300 a night but that may not be possible (it's the weekend). We may need to just do the SM on the beach. I'll double check avail. there. Any suggestions given the above? Thank you!

Casa Marina is right near Southernmost... try Crowne Plaza La Concha on Duval or Ocean Key Resort...

I'll have to disagree with gary about La Concha. It might be a great place for frat boys, but definitely not for a family. The rooms are very small and Duval is a zoo!

Since we started going to Key West in the early 90s, the popular areas have changed. The Atlantic side has grown in popularity with families and many people who prefer the quieter side of the island.

My husband and I stay at the Galleon - which in our opinion is a perfect, quiet location - on the bay side of the island. The Galleon is next door to the Hyatt on Front Street (which is next to the Pier House) It's definitely NOT swanky, but you can get a two bedroom unit with a full kitchen and washing machine and dryer,

I assume you mean the Ocean Key Resort is booked...Another option might be the Hyatt Sunset Harbor - a timeshare - that's next to the Westin. Speaking of the Westin, have you tried it? You couldn't get any closer to the "action" than it is. Smack dab in the middle of the sunset celebrations, and just down from the Ocean Key and Pier House.

Good luck!

Susan... when was your last stay at La Concha???

gary - I've never stayed at La Concha - nor have I stayed at Southernmost on the Beach. But I've spent between 4 and 6 weeks a year in Key West for nearly 20 years and I used to be what's now called a destination expert on trip advisor.

If you read nearly all the daily comments both here and trip advisor you get a pretty good idea of which places would be most suitable for singles, families, and people who have other particular needs. The people I know who've stayed at La Concha have complained about the size of the rooms, and occasionally about the noise level. As I'm sure you know La Concha is very close to the street and I don't think it'd be fun for a family.

The proximity to the street is irrelevant... Ocean Key and Pier House are on Sunset Pier in a very noisy area with boats and evening crowds, along with Sloppy Joes music... the Crowne Plaza underwent a makeover when converted from a Holiday Inn a few years back... be careful about wearing that badge of expertise when all you have is a drive-by and some "people you know"... we are here to help with our experiences, not guesses... best always...

Gary, when the sunset celebration is over, the crowds at the Ocean Key and the Westin immediately start to thin out. An hour after sunset, Mallory Square is virtually empty, and the few people who've enjoyed the sunset from Sunset Pier are nearly all gone. Sunset Pier belongs to the Ocean Key, and the Pier House is not part of it.

You might not think proximity to Duval Street is relevant, and if it were some other street, I probably wouldn't either. But when we're talking about the biggest party street in Key West, and the OP is traveling with two young children, then street noise becomes an issue. I'm aware of the makeover of La Concha but can't see how noise or room size would be affected by that.

I'm sure you know that Sloppy Joe's is blocks from Ocean Key and Pier House. Hog's Breath is closer, but not so close that the music could be heard from either there or Sloppy Joe's at the Ocean Key or the Pier House.

I'm wearing no "badge," gary, nor have I ever. If you find fault with something I say, I'm happy to respond. You might be interested in knowing that I've also passed on information about other things I've never done in Key West based on things that've been said by people I know and trust.

Travelbully...

When I stayed there, they offered me a adjoining room for my children for $99... made things much cheaper and larger...

my point is simple... if you don't know something... your guess is misleading to travelers... for your "used to be what's now called destination expert" status to be valid, you must know about the properties.... just visiting Key west shouldn't justify misleading info... just trying to help the OP find correct information...

good heavens, gary! I haven't given misleading information, nor have I guessed. I simply stated what I've been told by people I know.

I appreciate all the info. Please don't take it too seriously on my account

We've decided to do one night in KW to enjoy the chaos and evening celebrations, maybe a sunset sail, oil permitting. We cannot picture ourselves dragging the kids in the heat up and down the street to view art. We're going to Hawk's Cay in Duck Key which will better suit the needs of the kids. Thanks for all the suggestions and info, I appreciate it!

Hawk's Cay is a great family place. Have fun!

For a fun, family-friendly sunset sail, the Jolly Rover is great. You can bring food and drinks (cans or plastic bottles), too. http://www.schoonerjollyrover.com/

Bookmarking for good info.