FWIW The Doubletree Grand Key Resort consistantly gets good reviews from families with children. They have a great pool area and access, kinda, to Smathers Beach, and the shuttle to Old Town which was mentioned.

Pk

Actually, I'm glad this old post got topped. DH & I are planning a trip to FLA in March 2009. Yes, we're doing a week at WDW, but then we want to see more of the state.

We were thinking of going up to St. Augustine & then Savannah, GA (we're history buffs). But everyone recommends the Keys. I would love to see Miami (bask on a nice, warm beach!) and then the Keys.

If you have any more suggestions on hotels in the Keys that would be great.

Should we head straight to Key West, or stop on another island? Which one? How long?

I always go straight to Key West and keep thinking I would stop along the way someday. I always find enough to do just staying in Key West for 7 - 8 days.

This gives a kind of overview for how Key West is laid out and some suggestions of where to stay...

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g3...e.To.Stay.html

hth
Pjk

We stayed at Olivia by Duval- it was ok. It had a great location and the price (around $100 per night off season for the Poolside Suite- it's the one with the sink next to the bed) was right. It was huge by Key West standards. It's just far enough off Duval to not hear the noise, but it's still right there.