Suzette85

We are planning on going to Key West in the fall with Mom who is turning 65 and sister who is turning 40. I've heard that it is best to stay on Duvall St, but the larger chain hotels are a few miles away.

Our budget is about $200 a night. Any recommendations?

321go

I find Duvall Street to be too noisy for me, YMMV. What type of accommodation are you looking for?

SusieQQ

IMHO you should stay in Old Town but not on Duval Street. You want to be able to walk to the attractions, restaurants, shops, etc. Part of the fun of being in Key West is being in one of the traditional Inns of B&BS rather than a chain hotel. I particularly like Island City House.
http://www.islandcityhouse.com/

cd

I agree with Susie. Stay in Old Town close to Mallory Square. There are so many wonderful Inns and B&B's to choose from, many with pools.

321go

Susie, I just bookmarked their website. I like that location, and anyone who has cats is OK in my book!

SAnParis2

There are many places on Simonton which are well situated. Afre you thinking Hotel, B & B, apartment, or what ?

Fra_Diavolo

Here's a large hotel on Duval Street where we enjoyed staying last year. You're close to everything but noise wasn't an issue. Rates vary by date of course -- October looks like it is in your range. Plug in your dates and see if it works for you.

http://www.laconchakeywest.com/

SusanCS

Definitely stay in Old Town, but avoid staying on Duval. The Island City House is great, but there are others that are nice, too. Toward the Atlantic side of the island is the Best Western Hibiscus - it gets great reviews and has reasonable prices.

I'm not sure when in the fall you plan on visiting, but be aware that Fantasy Fest is at the end of October and you probably won't want to visit during that time. It's Key West's version of Mardi Gras and the prices are hiked and minimum stays are required.