I stayed at the Best Western Hibiscus last may. It in the same area as the southermost hotel. We loved that area and didn't mind the walking at all. We walked off a lot of the great food we ate. At night we walked down to Mallory square but took a taxi home after seeing sunset and bar hopping till midnight etc. The cabs were not really expensive for that short of distance.

Have a great time we loved it.

Thanks, Karen, for the taxi idea.

Karen, About how long a walk from Hibiscus to Mallory? We are staying there at the end of April, and although it tells me how many blocks away the motel is , I am wondering the time it actually takes to walk. Thanks.

It is aboout a thirty-thirty-five minute walk at a moderate pace. I know, I stayed at the Hibiscus and walked into Old Town frequently. You are actually on the fringe of Old Town.
I even walked back after a night on Duval. Just remember, the streets are crazy in Key West. Sometimes you think that you are headed north while you are actually headed west etc. Look for landmarks and other buildings around your hotel. There is somewhat of a grid, but it is an old city and the streets bend to the countour of the island shape. It is not as cut and dry as some of the coastal cities in Florida even though it is small. That was my experience anyway.

In March of last year, we snorkeled Looe Key on a boat trip out of Bahia Honda Park. We had a great time, the captain was very funny and helpful, and Bahia Honda is soo beautiful! Rent a kayak and see how far out you can go and STILL be only knee deep in the water! I have details in my trip report at http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34410787

Let me know if you have any questions.

love
roxy

Hi Roxy. Thanks for the great trip report. I remember reading it within the last few weeks (cracked up at the part about Jean Paul). I've ready so many things about the Keys that I'm going crazy not being there! Especially since our forcast is for 4-6 inches of snow today. Yuck!!! I will definitely go snorkeling at Looe Key and I think my DH and kids would enjoy kayaking.

My husband I just spent 1 week in Key West (our first time) and I thought the same about the t-shirt shops. We also thought Sloppy Joes was a "rip-off", expensive drinks and not worth it. Plenty of other excellent pubs/bars to see. The Conch Train was $20. per pers and it was just so-so. Difficult to hear the driver. Rent bicycles-excellent way to get around. Have fun!

I don't think there are any actual "tourist traps" just a lot of cheesy shops. But there are a lot of nice ones too. We just returned this week and took the Conch train tour, did the Hemingway house, butterfly conservatory and enjoyed all of them. You'll have a blast in Key West. They have some great restaurants -- try Mangia Mangia for wonderful pasta and be sure to try to roasted asparagus (appetizer). It's to die for! Have fun.

T-shirt shops are a rip-off if you don't pay attention. Other great places to eat... Blue Heaven, Pepe's on Caroline, B.O.'s Fish Wagon for lunch, Rusty Anchor on Stock Island and The Deli on Simonton. All of these are a good value. June Keith's guide has a great literary walking tour. Saw a guy on Duval turn around to talk to his wife on another moped and slammed into the curb. Compound fracture of his leg and they had only been there for three hours of a week long vacation. As someone said if you are real familiar with them... stay off. Most ride them like they are on a beach instead of concrete and asphalt. Enjoy!