I am going to South Beach and Key West a month from now in mid July (yes, I know it's crazy and that it will be hot and that Key West is a 3-4 hour drive.) Considering that I want to stay in the $115 and under per night range on both places where should I go for the nicest rooms and the best service? I also would rather avoid the family scene as I am in my late 20's and travelling alone.
I currently have reservations for the Blue Moon, the Wave Hotel and the Sagamore on South Beach, and the Doubletree Grand Key and the Crowne Plaza La Concha in Key West. Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Stayed at the Wave for 3 nights in June last year. After a bit of initial trouble with the room and the air con the stay was fine, especially for $109 + tax per night. Best rooms overlook the courtyard. Location is good, just a short distance away from the livelier parts of Ocean Drive, but this may not fit your profile. Did not stay in the La Concha in KW but it is right in the heart of the action on Duval Street.

I did not stay in the Blue Moon in Miami, but I did go and and look at it. It looked very nice. If you can get that for $115 or under, I would do it.

The Southernmost in Key West is in a better location than the Doubletree. Haven't stayed at the La Concha but I have been there several times. It doesn't have that 'resorty' feel but the location is great. Pool is miniscule.

Of the three properties you list, the Sagamore is the most recent renovation and the most "high-end". Its rack rates are astronomical, but it looks like they're really dealing. I'd say stay there.

The LaConcha has had good and bad news lately. But I hear the bar is great for seeing the sunset. You may want to check into LaConcha a little bit further. There are loads of nice places to stay in KW. Being a single traveler, I'd stay close to Duval, which you apparently are trying to do. I'm curious what type of rate you got for LaConcha. It looked pricey to me (but I didn't want to go thru Priceline or Expedia).

Sagamore's renovations look amazing. You're very close to the Delano for drinks/partying and steps to Lincoln Road for restaurants, shops, etc...That's my pick if you can't afford the Shore Club or Delano!!
Have fun

I got the Sagamore for $99, the Wave for $99 and the Blue Moon for $75 using quikbook, and then got the LaConcha for $118.50 through their website (which if I book will have to be done this week on the 21 day advance prepaid rate) and I have the Doubletree for $112.50 through their website. I will only be in Miami for 3 days and Key West for one day (since it's a 3 hour drive you may as well spend the night and I missed the sunset the last time I went!)

I am booked at the Hotel Chelsea for the 3rd week in July in South Beach. I am paying somewhere between 65 and 75 for wed and thurs and like 85 or 90 for fri and sat. split between two people that is not bad

Not sure where the Blue Moon and Wave are, but the Sagamore is a bit of a walk from the action in South Beach and in July it will be tough to get to it without working up a sweat. But if you're going clubbing, you're likely going to sweat anyway . . .

The Wave and the Blue Moon are farther south on Ocean and Collins, respectively, than the Sagamore, which is closer to Lincoln Road and any clubs up in the Collins Park area. The Wave will be closer to Nikki's Beach Club (One Ocean, right?) than the others. The Blue Moon will be closer to the clubs on Washington (all within a few blocks of the police station), but not by much. I walk everywhere from the Cardozo when I'm there-- it's just not that far, even on a hot night. Of course, I don't get as hammered as I used to, either.

I am doing much the same trip, I ended up at the south seas resort for about 89 a night and Wyndam Reach Resort for about 130 a night. I was trying to keep it at about 100 a night as this is post carribbean and pre a week in FLA for me, kids and extended family my treat. The pool looked great at South Seas and the beach and location of the Wyndam looked great in key west.
I got the rates off of onetravel.com
I use travel axe to narrow down star rankings and it checke rates of about 8 different booking sites.

Hey Blueaguave, since we will be in Miami around the same time, maybe we could meet up for drinks somewhere....I'll think of a place eventually, my dates are July 17-21 leaving for Key West on the 20th..as for Miami I am sticking with the Sagamore but not ruling out the Blue Moon, and in Key West I am also considering some B&B's since I may have someone with me for that trip....any good suggestions on B&B's to try even if I end up going alone? I will have a rental car so driving is not a big deal.

I second the vote on the Sagamore in South Beach. I've heard Blue Moon is good, but the Sagamore's directly on the beach and is a more luxurious property overall (usually $400/nite). Yes, it's farther to the action, but it can't be more than a $5 cab ride, if you're too far gone to walk it.

Ok someone shoot me!!!! I am guessing due to low tourist numbers or low season that now every resort and fancy suite hotel is offering low rates!! Now I have more options and want to scream! I saw the Royal Palm Crowne Plaza and the Savoy for $99 a night and the Wyndham Grand Bay and Sonesta Coconut Grove for under $100 a night. Anyone know anything about these hotels????

I can't help you with SoBe, but since I was just in Key West, I'd suggest you try the Ambrosia House or Ambrosia Too. We stopped by and throught they were beautiful. If you are only staying for one night, the slightly higher prices of $125-$150 wouldn't be that bad. We were staying 6 nights and the extra bucks were a bit out of my budget, but next time I'm splurging because it was so clean and nice. The pool was a small lap pool. They also had some parking spaces (probably first come, first served -- like most places in key west). Whatever you do, don't stay at Eaton Lodge. We stayed there and didn't care for it. The hosts weren't very friendly.

Have fun on your vacation!

Thanks for all the suggestions!

I decided to forego Key West all together as my drive back would have been the same day as my return flight and God forbid traffic or an accident holds me up, I'll miss my flight....

As for Miami, I have a prepaid reservation for the Clinton Hotel which I got for 123.00 and last night free for a Queen Balcony room. Still holding onto my other reservations until I am positive on this.

I also appreciate the more expensive suggestions, but seeing as how the time spent in my hotel will be minimal, I don't see the point of plunking down loads of money for a room.

I also don't care for the "see and be seen" clubs or bars. I prefer to just go somewhere to have a good time, not worry about if I look good enough to be somewhere. Nor am I type to drink martinis...of ANY flavor!

For those going during the 3rd weekend in July, I'll see ya there!