Places to Stay in Keys

**SheilaF** · 19-04-2004, 19:35

Hi Everyone,

I have posted only a couple of times in the past, but still keep up with the reading....... great forum.......
We are spending the entire summer in Orlando from June to September, how lucky are we !!!!!! We intend to take a few trips during that time. Miami and the Keys are first on the list and i wonder if anyone can recommend hotels/motels/etc in both those places. Also, Is it a 'must' to do the whole of the Keys?
Much appreciated
SheilaF

**Ruth** · 19-04-2004, 20:32

We have stayed at Amy Slates "Amoray" Dive Resort in Key Largo a few times and love it there. I will see if I can find you their website

**Ruth** · 19-04-2004, 20:57

It is http://www.amoray.com/

**Ray&Sarah** · 19-04-2004, 21:10

Hi Sheila,

We are green with envy!

We stayed at the Howard Johnson in Key Largo, pretty standard accomodation, one good point was we had rooms over looking the pool so could keep an eye on the kids from our patio. It was also right on the beach which was nice and we saw manatees a few times, they came in to drink from a hose pipe.

We wouldn't recommend the Thunderbird Resort in Miami, although it was right on the beach it was a bit too basic and needed a great deal of TLC.

Have a wonderful holiday.[msnsmile2]

**esprit** · 20-04-2004, 08:04

Also stayed in Key Largo. Just the Holiday Inn but very nice place. Not as busy as Key West.

**blott** · 20-04-2004, 16:57

Wouldn't recommend the Surfcomber Inn on Collins, South Beach, Miami even though it's art deco and was right on the beach!

Parking is a nightmare in Miami with hotels charging for valet parking as there are no car parks. I'd recommend somewhere like Coconut Grove to stay which is close enough to get into Miami but far enough away to relax.

Doubletree is a good location in Key West.

Doubletree Grand Key Resort
3990 South Roosevelt Boulevard
Key West, Florida United States 33040
866-823-9330

Must do at Key West is to watch the sunset ceremony at Mallory Square, take a conch train ride, have a stroll around the art and craft stores, visit Duval Street for shopping and don't forget Ernest Hemingway's house.

At Key Largo, check out the boat used in the African Queen film.

**fiona** · 20-04-2004, 17:02

Don't stay at the Fairwinds on Collins Ave and South Beach either - in fact, go for one of the modern hotels slighly further away from South Beach which is a madhouse - unless that is what you want!

**mikewj** · 20-04-2004, 17:20

We've stayed at the Travelodge just as you enter Key West (basic but cheap and cheerful) and this year we'll be at the Courtyard by Marriott.

We stayed at the Courtyard a few years ago when it was Howard Johnson and although its a bit more expensive, decided to go for it again.

Will you pre-booking a hotel or just turning up ? We've done both and found that you actually get better rates when pre-booking (unless you have discount coupons). But the main Key West entrance is awash with Motel/Hotel chains such as Quality Inn, Howard Johnson etc.

The good thing about the Courtyard is that its opposite a good bike rental shop that we always use. Cycling is THE way to get the most out of Key West as it gives you much more freedom to explore than with a car.

Blott has covered the main Key West attractions. As far as the other Keys are concerned, if you're not into fishing or watersports, then there isn't that much to offer.