DH and I are going to Key West for 3 nights. I want to be close to things (doing chemo, so tire easily when walking), but would like a quiet place for when I need to rest. I'm not outgoing enough to enjoy small B&Bs where there is a lot of interaction with hosts/other guests, but I like the individuality of medium sized places or small to medium hotels. Gardens, quiet reading areas would be nice - we plan to take Christmas books and relax. What do you suggest? Thanks!

Key Lime Inn is a small 37 room hotel with pool and outdoor areas to accomodate relaxation. It's two blocks from Duvall and a great location. Historic Inn's owns Key Lime and 4 other similar properties. You can access them on this website. I think you would enjoy either one of them.

Key Lime Inn @ 725 Truman Avenue, Key West, FL 305 - 294 - 5229.
http://www.historickeywestinns.com/t.../key-lime-inn/

It's been a long time since I went (note to self: go back to Key West!), but we really enjoyed the Reach.
http://www.reachresort.com/

It's near Duvall Street and the sunset.

We stayed at the Conch House a few years ago and like it:

http://www.conchhouse.com/

This is going to be really hard to decide! I fell asleep after posting, and now the boys are home and want some computer time - darn!

We wanted something special at the same price the hotels asked. We stayed at a small place, Jasmine House. There are only two suites and we never saw another guest, so we didn't have to interact. Our suite had a Jacuzzi and large deck with lots of plants. It would be perfect for enjoying your books.

http://keywestjasminehouse.com/

bellhouse - There are so many places in Key West that I think you'd like, it's difficult to choose. The Ocean Key Resort is a wonderful hotel on the water and next to Mallory Square. It's in the thick of action, but quiet. If you could get a waterfront view, I think it'd be great.

http://www.oceankey.com/oceankey_rooms.aspx

Two smaller hotels that get rave reviews (but I haven't stayed at either) are the Gardens

http://www.gardenshotel.com/

and the Marquesa

http://www.marquesa.com/

I'd second the Gardens if it's in your budget. Another, less expensive option, is Island City House. We've stayed there twice, both times in the 'main house'. Friends stayed in the Cigar House, it was nice too. I'd avoid the Arch House, unless they've renovated recently. The rooms seemed kind of old.

Good breakfasts, but a large enough property that there wasn't much socialization when we were there. They do allow children, though, if that's a factor.

We enjoyed our stay at this small apartment complex with a pool: http://www.roselanevillas.com/

Very private, yet about a half block from Duval Street.

Have a fun and relaxing trip!

We stayed at The Tropical Inn. It's right on Duval Street, so you can walk to everything, pop in and out as your strength level dictates. The garden is incredible with lots of places to kick back and read your Christmas books. The ambience of the whole place is quiet. When we were there, we didn't feel at all like we needed to interact with others unless we made an effort to, and the hosts are very respectful of everyone's privacy.

Here's the link: http://www.tropicalinn.com

How was the noise staying on Duval Street?

bellhouse... I did my chemo visit at the Gardens Hotel which is very private... one important thing is there is lots of shade and even a section of the pool is shaded... they also had a continental breakfast... and its only a couple of blocks from the main Sunset celebration... also no kids

however if the rates are too high, try Marquesa where they have two pools, no kids and they will bring you breakfast on the deck at your room, there are some great first floor rooms on the patio/pool side if stairs are a problem... Marquesa also has a great restaurant if you're up to it...

Stay away from the chains and Ocean Key... too many kids and action... I know exactly what you're going through, so it may be better to spend a little extra for these places...

both offer great quiet for daytime napping

Hi bellhouse,
We stayed in a small 2-bedroom condo with an adult son a few years ago. It was in the Truman Annex complex. Very nice and quiet, short walk to Duval Street. Reasonable rates. I think I got it from the rental website - we rented from owner. I would definitely stay there again. Wishing you well.

You might look at Casa del Sol

I like a couple of places on Simonton, that places you only a block off Duval, yet still close to things. Truman Annex would be too far in my opinion. Heron House, Marquesa & Pilot House come to mind.

I usually decide pretty much on my own where we are going to stay, but this was so overwhelming that I brought DH in on the decision. After lots of time on the computer looking at websites, we finally decided on the Marquesa. We could, on fairly short notice, get a queen with a small sitting room - good for when I have to rest or if it's cold (and the weather this December - we're in Bradenton, just south of Tampa/St. Pete - has been dreadfully cold.) Next - on a new post - where to eat and lo key things to do! Thanks so much everyone!

I just wanted to thank everyone for your help - we had a wonderful time! More on a trip report that I hope to start on Friday - I'm a dreadful procrastinator!

Glad you had a good trip. Looking forward to hearing about it.

Thanks for checking back with us, bellhouse. Take your time with the trip report - we'll be happy with it anytime!