Florida Keys hotels

Looking for recommendations for hotels in the Keys. I have never been south of Naples before and not sure even which area (i.e. Key West/Largo)is the best.

Looking for a 3/4 nights stay in November must have nice restaurants nearby, relaxing and 4* plus. Budget is not a problem - this is a birthday present to myself.

Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Jilly

Jilly,
Ive stayed in the keys a few times and to be honest never in the same place!!

I usually just drive along the 1 and stop at places that look alright and check availability/price

I tend to use local motels/hotels rather than chains as I think its important to support the conch economy!!

[Scrooge]

Do a quick search for Florida Keys,you'll find a number of places mentioned..our personal fav is http://www.azulkeylargo.com/

Thanks Dave - that definitely looks like the sort of thing I'm after.

One more thing for me to investigage.

Jilly

Hi Jilly
If you're thinking about Key West have you thought about a guest house ? A bit different from the usual corporate chains and a lot more personal (also supports the Conch economy as Jonathon says).There are some pretty upmarket guesthouses (which in the main are old traditional buildings)which are all pretty central and mean you can dump the car (and not have to use the dreadful tourist transportation).Tried one for a change back in November and had o lovely time.Will try and link websites I used but as I struggle technologically I may fail miserably .

Have you looked at the VH web page - they have some properties down on the Keys and you can get 10% off the price by being an FC member - we are going next Septemeber and will be staying at the Ocean Key Resort.

Have fun

Can I just check that you are aware of the distance and road connecting Miami to Key West. It does take a fair while to drive all of the way down.

FWIW, I prefer Key West and the Hilton is pricey but FANTASTIC. Key West also has a nightly ritual of watching the sunset from/near the Marina and the I guess most people hit either Sloppy Joes or the Hogs Breath.

Also if you go to Key West make sure you ride the Conch Train and hire one of the 'lookalike' battery cars, seen Hummers and everything on the last visit (about 3 weeks ago)

Islamorada is a lovely key about half way with a Dolphin Sanctuary on it. Not stayed in a hotel on Islamorada

Paul

Thanks Paul - Intend to make an early start from Orlando in the last 4/5 days of a 17 night stay and head straight to Key West spend a couple of nights and then make our way to Key Largo and Miami before the flight home.

I have looked at the Hilton - I presume you mean the Resort and Marina and not the Sunset Cottages - I think the cottages may be pushing the budget too far!

I am leaning towards doing something smaller in Key West but it will depend on the accommodation we find in Key Largo. I am awaiting a reply to email requesting accommodation at the Azul del Mar, which Jetwet suggested.

Will probably go for one large hotel and one small guest house to ring the changes.

Jilly

Jilly, Yes I was referring to the Resort and Marina. Good luck with you pricing returns and it is worth a trip, however Orlando to Key West is probably close to 8 hours (and more if you get stuck behind a slow moving vehicle on the single track parts of US 1) with a couple of rest points.

You can fly that you know.

Paul

Paul I've found the flights quite expensive and the drive (which we can share) is something we've wanted to do for a while.

Intend to book a convertible and hope for good weather en route.

Hope it's worth it as this 'free trip' is getting more expensive by the minute.

Jilly

Paul's spot on with that - we are flyig into MCO then flying down to Key West- collecting a car and then having a couple of nights there before heading North via the Everglades, Gulf coats resorts and Busch Gardens before staying in Orlando and returning to the UK from there. As I mention earlier - VH has done all the hotels, car and internal flight for us.

Firstly, if you are not in a hurry the drive is pretty good once you get past Miami.

However, if cost is your enemy, then have you thought about a Southwest flight from MCO to Fort Myers ($29 o/w + tax) and then take a ferry ride from Fort Myers to Key West which is a 3.5 hour trip but lovely on smooth waters. Costs $119.00 return. Just something 'different' to consider.

BTW, Key Wesy is very expensive so your 'free' trip will be anything but.

Paulr

Link for the 'Ferry'
http://www.seakeywestexpress.com/

Paul

Thanks Paul - just wanted to take it slower rather than fly really. This kind of journey is one we could never have done with 3 kids in tow forever asking 'are we there yet'? The cost isn't the most important factor.

However, the 'Ferry' could definitely be an option, I might actually enjoy that more than the drive and I can see the advantages.

Thanks again
Jilly

Hi

We are looking at going to Key West this year and plan to take the ferry from Fort Myers. We have had a recommendation from good friends for the Key Lime Inn, if you google it you should get the web address.

Originally posted by Boyle73
Hi

We are looking at going to Key West this year and plan to take the ferry from Fort Myers. We have had a recommendation from good friends for the Key Lime Inn, if you google it you should get the web address.

Funnily enough I had already looked at this one - unfortunately no rooms available for my dates[n]

Thanks anyway.
Jilly

I stayed at the Marquesa Hotel in Key West. Absolutely fantastic, very central but quiet as well.[y]

Thanks elaine I'll take a look.

I have just discovered that the reason I am having some problems booking accommodation is that it is NASCAR race week - the final day in Miami as we leave. Most small accommodations have got a 3 night minimum stay - VH bookings are looking very good at the minute as they will let me book the odd one night along our route.

I could have booked to go a week later but then I would have had the problems of Thanksgiving!

Jilly

Hey Jilly, ever thought about taking one of those huge RV's for a spin? I have always wanted to but never got round to it. Then all you need in a Camp Site (or maybe a secluded lay-by!?). You then end up combining hotel accomodation with car hire. There you go, all the other options we have come up with are costing you money, this will save it.

Paul

Paul - I'm starting to wonder what you'll come up with next!

My husband would be for the camping idea - so much so I daren't even mention it to him.

Now if you met me you'd realise camper vans don't match my personality. I like high heels, dresses, long nails, make-up and oh yes - can't travel anywhere without my hair straighteners. Along with all of that I like all the creature comforts of a hotel or villa with a pool or beach nearby.

Seriously though, have definitely decided to do the 'ferry' at Fort Myers to cut down the driving so really grateful for that info.

Jilly

Hi Jilly, We stayed at the Sheraton Beach Resort Key Largo
97000 Overseas Hwy. Key Largo 33037. This had two nice restaurants and a great (although small) private beach with very good snorkeling. Nice bar with live music.

Originally posted by jilly
Paul - I'm starting to wonder what you'll come up with next!

My husband would be for the camping idea - so much so I daren't even mention it to him.

Now if you met me you'd realise camper vans don't match my personality. I like high heels, dresses, long nails, make-up and oh yes - can't travel anywhere without my hair straighteners. Along with all of that I like all the creature comforts of a hotel or villa with a pool or beach nearby.

:DI am awash with ideas that will keep me going back Florida for the next, ohh I dunno, say 100 years or so, so I need some help in exploring them all.

Well, I reckon that some of those RV's could have a pool (or maybe a hot tub) and I don't think it is about the 'camping' experience.

I thought it would be something like a 4 star hotel room on wheels.

I mean, can you imagine driving THIS into THIS RESORT or something similar??:D

Paul