Key West, Florida is an island that comes with
plenty of things to do and lots of unique, offbeat charm. The popular
vacation destination has plenty of hotels, but there are a few things
you should know before booking a room. Here are the top things to know
about Key West hotels and resorts to help you make the most of your
trip.
There are budget and luxury accommodations available.
Though Key West is a small island that mainly caters to tourists,
there are some cheaper accommodations to be found. Some of the moderate
chain hotels can be found along U.S. 1/Roosevelt Boulevard as you enter
the quaint island town. The trade-off with staying at one of these more
affordable hotels is that you are further from the island’s hot spots
when it comes to dining, drinking and shopping. If luxury hotels and
beautiful views are more your style, stay on the southern side of the
island where the larger resort hotels are located.
Key West offers some offbeat lodging in addition to hotels.
One thing to consider when searching for a Key West hotel is the
small inns, guesthouses and lodges on the island. Many of these are
located very close to the center of downtown, so staying there means
you’ll be closer to the activities and events going on. These lodging
options are usually located in beautiful Victorian or Bahamian homes, so
it provides a cozy, home-like feel.
Much of the action takes place in and around Mallory Square.
Mallory Square is located on the West End of the island and is
considered to be the heart of downtown Key West. Every night, Mallory
Square is the home of the Sunset Celebration, an arts festival that
features magicians, live bands, jugglers and other acts. Many visitors
gather here each night to see the performers and catch stunning sunset
views. After the sun goes down, the action moves to the many bars and
taverns along nearby Duval Street. If you enjoy being in the thick of
things and meeting lots of other travelers, be sure to book a hotel near
Mallory Square.
Key West hotels are cheaper in the summer and late fall.
The summer months are the quieter in Key West, so hotel rates are
cheaper during these months and there are fewer crowds. While some
Florida residents do head to Key West for a weekend retreat during the
summer, the season is overall the cheapest and quietest time to visit.
Just be sure to schedule your trip around any major summer events,
especially late July and early August when the lobster sport and
commercial seasons are in full swing. Another option for cheap hotel
rates is November to mid-December. It’s late enough that the tropical
storm season is over but the Christmas rush hasn’t yet begun.
Check the fine print before booking.
Key West inns and guesthouses may have some restrictions that you
won’t find at larger hotels or resorts. For instance, some don’t allow
children and many don’t permit smoking. Meanwhile, the hotels often tack
on extra sales or resort fees (sometimes 12.5 percent or more) that you
might not anticipate. Regardless of where you stay, it’s best to check
the fine print before you book a Key West hotel.
Factor in all the perks.
If you’re wavering between a cheaper hotel and a more expensive
resort, consider whether each option offers you any added perks. While
most of the chain hotels have basic amenities like a fitness center or a
pool, a resort sometimes includes bonus amenities in their room rates
which can really enhance your experience on Key West. For example, some
Key West resorts offer equipment rental for going snorkeling or boating
and guests get access to their spa and salon. If you plan to take
advantage of any of these types of services during your Key West
vacation, it may be worth it to pay a little more for a resort stay.
Look for discounts and deals.
Key West is such a popular travel destination that deals and
promotions are common. Sign up for alerts from sites like Expedia,
Travelocity and Orbitz so you find out when a sale is happening. You can
also sign up for travel discounts from deal sites like Groupon or
LivingSocial. If you do these things far enough in advance, there’s a
good chance that you may come across a discount on Key West hotel rooms.
Bottom Line
Part of what makes Key West a great travel destination is the fact
that the options for hotel rooms vary widely in price and the style of
accommodations. Whether you want a ritzy resort or a no-frills
guesthouse, this island offers something to meet your tastes and your
budget.
