DUCK KEY Hawk’s Cay Resort
61 Hawk’s Cay Blvd, 33050 Tel (305) 743-7000 Fax (305) 743-5215 Rooms 176
A haven for dolphin lovers, this hotel, on its own island, has a wonderful tropical ambience. An impressive range of activities are offered here, from sailing, fishing, and snorkeling, to swimming with dolphins in a special pool. Rooms are large with island-style decor and balconies. The Indies spa is sublime. www.hawkscay.com
EVERGLADES CITY Rod & Gun Lodge
Riverside Drive and Broadway, 34139 Tel (239) 695-2101 Rooms 17
This old rustic, clapboard house proudly claims not to aim to meet the needs of all guests. Despite this, it has been host to Mick Jagger, Richard Nixon, Burt Reynolds, and other celebrities. Public rooms are hung with hunting trophies, and The rooms are cosy. The pool features a screened-in veranda with ceiling fans. www.evergladesrodandgun.com
EVERGLADES CITY Ivey House B&B
107 Camelia St, 34139 Tel (239) 695-3299 Fax (239) 695-4155 Rooms 18
Once the recreation center for the men who built the Tamiami Trail in the 1920s, this quaint B&B is composed of the original house, a newer inn, and a private cottage. Note that bathrooms are shared in the main house. The owners are experts on the area and will arrange tours as well. No smoking. www.iveyhouse.com
FLORIDA CITY Everglades International Hostel
20 SW 2nd Ave, 33034 Tel (305) 248-1122 Rooms 20
Housed in an old 1930s boarding house, this bohemian outfit dispels all myths about the antiseptic nature of hostels With a whole lot of charm, helpful staff, and all-you-can-eat pancakes, this place is a gem. Full of nature lovers and adventurous types, you will have good company on excursions run by the owner. www.evergladeshostel.com
FLORIDA CITY Best Western Gateway to the Keys
411 S Krome Ave, 33034 Tel (305) 246-5100 Fax (305) 242-0056 Rooms 114
A standard two-story motel that is 10 miles (16 kms) from the Everglades main entrance. Comfortable and colorfully decorated, it is a convenient and affordable base for the National Park and the Keys. Check before booking, since there may be a minimum three-night stay during events such as the Homestead Speedway. www.bestwestern.com
ISLAMORADA Holiday Isle Resort
US 1 at MM 84, 33036 Tel (305) 664-2321 Fax (305) 664-2703 Rooms 176
Home to a world-famous tiki bar, Holiday Isle is a drinker’s dream come true. Yet, families are drawn to this place too because it is a massive complex, with many types of units, prices, and views. You don’t stay here for luxury, you stay here a lot of relaxation, fun, and long chilled drinks. www.holidayisle.com
ISLAMORADA Ragged Edge Resort
243 Treasure Harbor Rd, 33036 Tel (305) 852-5389 Rooms 12 Road map F5
Shades of Tahiti color this delightful oceanfront resort, from the swaying palm trees to the simple rooms. The place is spotless and all units have full kitchens. Though there is no bar or restaurant, the owner will recommend where you can go. Get in touch with nature at this delightful hideaway and relax in the outdoor pool. www.ragged-edge.com
ISLAMORADA Casa Morada S
136 Madeira Rd, 33036 Tel (305) 664-0044 Fax (305) 664-0674 Rooms 16
Sitting on bayfront property, Casa Morada is a wonderful boutique hotel. The gorgeous landscaping,
a limestone grotto, garden terrace, and the bocce ball court add to the charm of the minimalistic, elegant rooms.n Worth every penny, especially for couples who want a quiet, romantic break. www.casamorada.com
ISLAMORADA Cheeca Lodge and Spa
US 1 at MM 82, 33036 Tel (305) 664-4651 Fax (305) 664-2893 Rooms 209
A supremely deluxe hideaway in the middle of Islamorada, enjoy the beachfront location, with one of the only golf courses in the Upper Keys. There are plush rooms and condos with plasma TVs and balconies, a sublime spa, and one of the best restaurants in the area. Celebrities and royalty swear by this place. www.cheeca.com
ISLAMORADA The Moorings S
123 Beach Rd, 33036 Tel (305) 664-4708 Fax (305) 664-4242 Rooms 18
Secluded and peaceful on a coconut plantation, this place has a delightful beach house ambience, with its large, whitewashed cottages. All the units are tastefully decorated with full kitchens. The beach is one of the area’s best. No motor boats are allowed near the hotel, which makes for blissful peace. www.themooringsvillage.com
KEY LARGO Jules’ Undersea Lodge
51 Shoreland Drive, 33037 Tel (305) 451-2353 Fax (305) 451-4789 Rooms 2
Atlantis is alive and well at the only hotel under the sea. Originally a research lab, you must dive 21 ft (6.4 m) under water to reach the hotel, and then enter the unit via a “moon pool”. The 30-ft-deep underwater suite has two separate bedrooms with a common living area. Room service will deliver your snacks in waterproof containers. www.jul.com
KEY LARGO Kona Kai Resort and Gallery
97802 Overseas Hwy, 33037 Tel (305) 852-7200 Fax (305) 852-4629 Rooms 11
A gorgeous garden of palms, ferns, and tropical fruit trees surround this landscaped escape from the ordinary. Room are private, airy, and cheerful, and bathrooms well-stocked with natural beauty products. An art gallery displaying local and international artworks attracts an eclectic crowd. Absolutely heavenly. www.konakairesort.com
KEY LARGO Ocean Pointe Suites
500 Burton Drive, Tavernier, 33070 Tel 1-305-853-3000 Fax 305-853-3007 Rooms 157
All the rooms in this hotel are suites, either one- or two-bedroom, and are set in tropically landscaped grounds. All have whirlpool tubs, fully equipped kitchens, and private balconies. Flood-lit tennis courts, a waterfront café, heated pool, and a marina are just a few of the on-site amenities. www.opsuites.com
KEY WEST Key West International Hostel and Seashell Motel
718 South St, 33040 Tel (305) 296-5719 Fax (305) 296-0672 Rooms 31
A mere three-minute walk to the beach and to Old Key West, this hostel is usually full of young backpackers. The dorm rooms are somewhat bleak but the price makes up for it. A pool table and cheap bike rentals brighten the picture. They also offer discounted snorkeling, diving, and sunset cruises. www.keywesthostel.com
KEY WEST Angelina Guest House
302 Angela St, 33040 Tel (305) 294-4480 Fax (305) 272-0681 Rooms 14
This former bordello is now Key West’s most popular guesthouse. In this vibrant area frequented by bohemian types and hippies, there are many cheap and good restaurants to choose from. Rooms are cosy, though three of them do not have private bathrooms. Relax in the lagoon-style heated pool. Reservations are recommended. www.angelinaguesthouse.com
KEY WEST Southernmost Point Guest House
1327 Duval St, 33040 Tel (305) 294-0715 Fax (305) 296-0641 Rooms 6
Pets and children are welcome at this guesthouse, which still manages to retain its romantic and historic air. The rooms are exceptional, with extras such as fresh flowers, wine, and a full decanter of sherry. Free wine at the 14- seater hot tub. You can’t beat the location if spectacular sunsets are your thing. www.southernmostpoint.com
KEY WEST The Grand
1116 Grinnell St, 33040 Tel (305) 294-0590 Fax (305) 294-0477 Rooms 11
Definitely one of the better bargains in town, this friendly guesthouse is five blocks from Duval Street. The rooms are cute and cosy, with private baths. The complimentary Continental breakfast is tasty and satisfying. Not fancy but pleasant and functional, and a great place to stay for a few nights. www.thegrandguesthouse.com
KEY WEST Westwinds Inn
914 Eaton St, 33040 Tel (305) 296-4440 Fax (305) 293-0931 Rooms 19 Road map E5
A charming 19th-century clapboard house that exudes tranquility, Westwinds is shaded by lime trees. The two pools, one of which is heated, have private alcoves and fountains. Rooms are homey, with ceiling fans and wicker furniture. Best suited for romantic vacations, children under 12 not admitted. www.westwindskeywest.com
KEY WEST Ambrosia Key West
622 Fleming St, 33040 Tel (305) 296-9838 Fax (305) 296-2425 Rooms 19
A well-kept secret, the Ambrosia’s beautifully landscaped grounds boast three tropical-style lagoon pools, suites, townhouses, and a stand-alone cottage. The decor is appealing, the service fantastic, and occupancy here is 90 percent year round – a record in this very seasonal part of Florida. Be sure to book early. www.ambrosiakeywest.com
KEY WEST Curry Mansion Inn
511 Caroline St, 33040 Tel (305) 294-5349 Fax (305) 294-4092 Rooms 28
This characterful inn, once owned by a pirate, is on the National Registry of Historical Places. However, it has none of the touch-me-not fragility that places full of antiques have. Rooms are decorated in white wicker with four-poster beds. Victorian-style dining room offers a Continental breakfast, and cocktails at night. www.currymansion.com
KEY WEST Duval House
815 Duval Street, 33040 Tel (305) 924-1666 Fax (305) 292-1701 Rooms 28
This gracious Victorian hotel with its white picket fence will win your heart. The rooms are accented with lots of wicker and florals, and the staff are very friendly. Situated in the Old Town district, the location is very convenient. A champagne breakfast is served daily. No children under 16. www.duvalhousekeywest.com
KEY WEST La Pensione
809 Truman Ave, 33040 Tel (305) 292-9923 Fax (305) 296-6509 Rooms 9
An adults-only B&B located in the 1891 home of a former cigar baron. the staff are knowledgeable and friendly. Rooms are gorgeous with ceiling fans, king-sized beds, and no TVs. Lovely outdoor pool and delicious Continental breakfast with made-to-order Belgian waffles. www.lapensione.com
KEY WEST Doubletree Grand Key Resort
3990 S Roosevelt Blvd, 33040 Tel (305) 293-1818 Fax (305) 296-6962 Rooms 216
This reliable and friendly hotel has a great pool and comfortable rooms. The location, however, is something of a drawback for those who want to hit the hot spots quickly, since cab service to and from here can be rather slow. Nonetheless, this is a nice, quiet place with several good dining options. www.doubletreekeywest.com
KEY WEST Island City House Hotel
411 William St, 33040 Tel (305) 294-5702 Fax (305) 294-1289 Rooms 24
Three separate and unique buildings share a patio and pool in this historic three-story house. The Cigar House section offers larger bedrooms. The interiors are old-fashioned, featuring antiques and wooden floors. Some rooms have full kitchens. There’s also an outdoor heated pool and in-room massages. Kids under 12 stay for free. www.islandcityhouse.com
KEY WEST Marquesa Hotel
600 Fleming St, 33040 Tel (305) 292-1919 Fax (305) 294-2121 Rooms 27
Four buildings surround two swimming pools and a waterfall cascading into a lily pond, the place is no less than a little piece of paradise. Two of the houses are restored Victorian homes filled with antiques, and the other two are opulent, with four-poster beds and floral spreads. Café Marquesa is outstanding. www.marquesa.com
KEY WEST Ocean Key Resort
Zero Duval St, 33040 Tel (305) 296-7701 Fax (305) 292-2198 Rooms 100 Road map E5
Right at the foot of colorful Mallory Square, Ocean Key is bright and cheery, with tropical-themed rooms, a pier-bar scene with live music, and prime sunset views. Rooms overlook the Gulf of Mexico, Duval Street, or Key West Harbor. A great pool and sundeck. One of the best restaurants in town, Hot Tin Roof, is also here. www.oceankey.com
KEY WEST Pier House Resort
1 Duval St, 33040 Tel (305) 296-4600 Fax (305) 296-9085 Rooms 142
This is a good choice for those who wish to gaze at the sunset in peace and quiet. The ambience is tranquil and rooms are comfortable. The luxurious spa here is perfect for an afternoon spent pampering yourself with massage, manicure, pedicure, and other assorted luxurious treatments. www.pierhouse.com
KEY WEST Reach Resort
1435 Simonton St, 33040 Tel (305) 296-5000 Fax (305) 296-2830 Rooms 150 Road map E5
Near Duval Street, the Reach Resort sits on stilts and overlooks the water. Rooms are large, light, and furnished in wicker. Try to book one with ocean views. There is a private pier for fishing and tanning. Delicious meals are served at the lauded Shula’s on the Beach, where you can fill up on scrumptuous steaks. www.reachresort.com
KEY WEST Sunset Key Guest Cottages
245 Front St, 33040 Tel (305) 292-5300 Fax (305) 294-4086 Rooms 37 Cottages
This ultra-private hotel is located on its own little island. The Sunset Key Guest Cottages with their whitewashed interiors, picture windows, and fabulous views, are ideal for a quiet vacation. A gourmet grocery, restaurant, bar, and free-form tropical pool are all you need to stay and never leave. www.sunsetkeyisland.com
KEY WEST The Gardens Hotel
526 Angela St, 33040 Tel (305) 294-2661 Fax (305) 292-1007 Rooms 17
An idyllic Key West hideaway, Gardens Hotel comprises carriage houses and an historic main house that is listed on the National Register. The gardens are green and lush, with a small pool, bar, and hidden Jacuzzi. Very private, romantic, and definitely not for the raucous partying crowds. www.gardenshotel.com
KEY WEST Weatherstation Inn
57 Front St, 33040 Tel (305) 294-7277 Fax (305) 294-0544 Rooms 8
A former weather station, this two-story inn has been restored with attention to detail. Two blocks from Duval Street, it is located on the tropical grounds of the Old Navy Yard. Rooms, all with themes, feature Bahama shutters, high ceilings, and huge, modern bathrooms. Breakfast is served by the pool. www.weatherstationinn.com
KEY WEST Westin Key West Resort and Marina
245 Front St, 33040 Tel (305) 294-4000 Fax (305) 294-4086 Rooms 178
Located at the end of Duval Street and in the middle of Old Town, this is a prime spot to stay, not to mention to linger over the priceless sunsets. Rooms are standard but comfortable. A great choice if you want to be in the middle of everything, and yet have the option of retiring to a secluded beach. www.westinkeywestresort.com
LITTLE TORCH KEY Parmer’s Resort
565 Barry Ave, 33043 Tel (305) 872-2157 Fax (305) 872-2014 Rooms 45
A downscale resort with friendly staff and modest accommodations. Many of the unique cottages, some waterfront, have kitchens. Only half-an-hour away from the much livelier Key West, this five-acre resort is popular with large families. Children will love the 19 aviaries filled with exotic birds. www.parmersresort.com
LITTLE TORCH KEY Little Palm Island
Launch at US 1 at MM 28.5, 33042 Tel (305) 515-4004 Fax (305) 872-4843 Rooms 30
This is paradise, though at a pretty high price. Only reachable by boat or seaplane, this place is ideal for those who want to escape their high-powered lives for a while. There are no TVs or phones. The lush foliaged island is mesmerizing. The spa is sublime and the restaurant perfect for a romantic dinner. www.littlepalmisland.com
LONG KEY Lime Tree Bay Motel
US 1 at MM 68.5, 33001 Tel (305) 664-4740 Fax (305) 664-0750 Rooms 30
The only hotel in this tiny town, rooms at Lime Tree Bay are small with tiny toilets but the two-bedroom bayview cottage is quite spacious and with it’s Gulf view, is the best deal on offer. If you are looking for quiet and remote, you will definitely find it here. www.limetreebayresort.com
MARATHON Banana Bay Resort and Marina
US 1 at MM 49.5, 33050 Tel (305) 743-3500 Fax (305) 743-2670 Rooms 60
With a 1950s-retro motel feel to it, this bucolic hideaway flaunts tropical greenery and stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. Rooms are comfortable with private balconies. A recreational area with horseshoes, bocce ball court, and picnic areas is also available. Pretty Joe Rock, the hotel’s private island, is available for long weekends. www.bananabay.com
MARATHON Conch Key Cottages
US 1 at MM 62/3, 33050 Tel (305) 289-1377 Fax (305) 743-8207 Rooms 12
Soak in nature’s bounty at one of the 12 cottages that occupy this tiny island, which at times feels deserted. The cabins overlook a private beach with a screened-in porch, hammock, grill, and a two-person kayak. This place is popular with romancing couples. www.conchkeycottages.com
MARATHON The Holiday Inn & Marina
MM 54 Oceanside, 33050 Tel (305) 289-0222 Fax (305) 743-5460 Rooms 134
Conveniently located in the heart of the Florida Keys, this hotel has all the latest amenities, such as color cable TV, minibar, coffee maker, and work desks. Additionals include a tiki bar at the pool, a fitness center, and business facilities. Staff can also arrange activities such as snorkeling, jet skiing, and deep-sea fishing. www.holidayinnkeys.com
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