cindy

We are going to Key West the first week in April. We have an 8 yr old child. I have found a good deal using the Entertainment Club card at the Sheraton Suites. I realize it is off the beaten path...but can we bike to Duvall St??? The Sheraton offers a free shuttle service. Is it worth it to save $200+ over staying at the Merlinn Artist Cottage? or Ambrosia house? I want to do the right thing. My son loves a nice pool. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

susan

You can bike to anyplace in Key West, but I think it depends on how much time you're willing to devote to it. The Sheraton Suites isn't within walking distance of anything but the beach, which is across the street. I'm a little confused about one of your other two choices. Ambrosia House and Ambrosia Too have wonderful reputations, though I've never heard of Merlinn Artist Cottage. There's a Merlinn Inn and an Artist House. Are you thinking of one or both of them?

Becki

We stayed at the Sheraton a couple of years ago and loved it. It would be quite a bike ride from there to Duval. You can take the shuttle from the hotel, or you can drive in and park in the city parking garage. You can then take their shuttle bus into town. It stops at many places along the way and you can get on and off as many times as you like. We got some great restaurant recommendations from the bus drivers.

cindy

Thanks for your responses. I meant Merlinn House (their artist cottage is available for children) and Ambrosia (the one w/ the garden behind it). Any other good suggestions would be appreciated...the Sheraton is a good deal but I don't want to end of wishing I were closer in.

pc

We stayed there (extended family about 10 of us) two summers ago. We wished we had stayed closer in. Also, we weren't made aware of all the beaches being closed when we checked in or even the next day. On our way to the beach by taxi, we were told that we couldn't go in. Not much communication or information from the staff. Rooms were nice sized.

Mary

Your bike ride to Duvall will probably be about 15 to 20 minutes from the Sheraton. YOu can also trythe bigger hotels closer to Duvall like the Hyatt, Hilton, Casa Marina or Holiday Inn La Concha. Did you make sure these other places you are talking about allow children under twelve? Because alot of B&Bs don't.

susan

If I were you I'd try to get closer to the Gulf. I can't imagine your being sorry with that decision, but can imagine your being disappointed that you were far away.

bob

We stayed at the Sheraton last April with our two kids 6 and 7. It has a nice pool but not good for late afternoon sun. We ended up wishing we were closer to town and plan on going back this year and staying at the Hilton. To us it will be worth the extra bucks to be within walking distance of everything and not having to be concerned about getting back to the hotel. If you like the night-life (and I hope you do because Key West has great night-life) then I'd stay in town.

Wendy

Depending on the deal you got, true, not close to anything other than the beach, which for the past couple of years has been off limits to swimmers.
You might check the Island City House on William. Great locatioin, clean, pool, beautiful gardens. The big house offers appartment amenities.

cindy

Thank you for all of your help. I could get a room at the Island City house (cigar house) for $65 more a night than what I am paying at the Sheraton. Is the Island City house in a good part of town...kid friendly? The picture of the cigar house pool looks great. Please give me your thoughts.

Wendy

The cigar house is the best choice w/kids. The newest addition, rooms are like apartments, and overlook pool. Each has hamocks on front porch/balcony. The Island City House itself is a bit less expensive, but be aware, nude sunbathing is permitted on roof. Otherwise this is about as kid-friendly as Key West gets.
Also at ICH, lovely breakfast including fresh juice, fruit, coffee, breads in beautiful garden. That can allow you to focus on one nice meal out per day.

pat

I just returned form Key west...Deccided last minute to take a vacation and at the time I booked hotel space was at a premium...I stayed at the holiday inn beachside..It is located .at the enterance to key west although off the beaten path of Duvall St.It was a great place to stay..A shuttle runs every half hour from 8am to 10pm also taxi service ....WE booked poolside room with breakfast daily for less than 200..I don't recommend the gulf view rooms...dissapointing view for more money...The swimming pool is new ..freeform..very tropical..drinks and lunch are served poolside...the hotel has watersport rental on site and a very helpful staff that will assist you with dinner reservations and various tours...The hotel was mostly families...it also has a small man made beach area...sufficient enough...having seen the Sheraton and Hyatt, and other more expensive properties,I wasn't at all dissappointed that I chose the Holiday Inn..I had all that extra money to spend on fantastic dinners..and sunset cruises

Linda

We just returned from Key West last week and had a wonderful stay at the Sheraton Suites. The shuttle van leaves every hour on the hour from 10am to 11pm and returns at 20 minutes after every hour. The van driver is very knowledgeable and humorous. Smathers Beach is across the street and is not contaminated at this time. We rode our bikes to Duval Street frequently and had no problem. We also enjoyed the Sheraton's pool. Enjoy!