The island of Key West is known for a lot of things: tropical sunshine, palm-lined streets filled with music and mopeds, colorful sailboats bobbing on turquoise green waters and sunset parties that kick off lively evenings on Duval Street. Another renowned feature of Key West happens to be expensive lodging costs. It is one of the most popular vacation spots in the country, and demand generally keeps prices high year-round. However, economy options can be found with both locally owned properties and national brand name hotels.
Chain Hotels
Although the vibrancy of Key West can be felt more fully in the Old Town area, staying on the outer rims of the island can provide some relief on the wallet. The entire island measures only about two by four miles, so guests need not worry that they'll be isolated from all of the fun. Recognizable names in the hotel industry can be found directly on U.S. Highway 1 as it becomes North Roosevelt Boulevard. Situated across from the waterfront are a Days Inn (daysinn.com) and a Comfort Inn (qualityinn.com), both with swimming pools and free wireless Internet.
Southwind Motel
The Southwind Motel (keywestsouthwind.com) offers affordable lodging on Simonton Street, just a block over from Duval and a short walk to Smathers Beach on the Atlantic Ocean. It is a small, single-level property surrounded by a white picket fence, with a tropical theme throughout, from the spacious gardens to the decor inside. Some rooms include kitchenettes and all guests can enjoy the large outdoor swimming pool. It has two sister properties, the Harborside Motel and the Spindrift Motel.
Harborside Motel and Marina
The Harborside Motel and Marina (keywestharborside) provides inexpensive stays for sport fishermen and divers across from the Key West City Marina and Charter Boat Row. Situated on Garrison Bight, the motel allows guests to dock their boats and provides areas to clean fish and barbecue. The motel also features a freshwater swimming pool, houseboats and outdoor showers.
Spindrift Motel
The Spindrift Motel (keywestspindrift.com) is a small property with a great location in Old Town, one block from Duval Street and a very short walk to Smathers Beach. There is a swimming pool and laundry room on site. Parking is free, so ditch the car and rent scooters, mopeds or bicycles within walking distance of the hotel. Guest rooms are basic but affordable, with options for upgrading to suites with full kitchens and separate living spaces.
Anglina Guest House
The Angelina (angelinaguesthouse.com) is an old-fashioned guest house with no phones or television, and was a bordello and gambling hall in the 1920s. It is positioned only a couple of blocks from Duval Street. Guests must be at least age 18 and accompanied by a parent if under 21. Days can be spent gliding through a heated, lagoon-style swimming pool or swaying in poolside hammocks to the lull of gently splashing waterfalls. The 13 rooms include a variety of room choices, some with kitchens and a few with shared bathrooms. Breakfast is provided and includes the hotel's signature homemade cinnamon rolls.
Key West Hostel and Seashell Motel
The Key West Hostel (keywesthostel.com) is a very inexpensive way to stay in the best area, just a few blocks from Old Town and the ocean beaches. Backpackers flock to this small property, which also is home to the Seashell Motel. Guests can mingle with one another to play pool, grill fresh fish or burgers in the courtyard kitchen area and rent bicycles to explore the island. The hostel provides dorm rooms with bunk beds, while the motel section offers private rooms with small refrigerators and a family room with extra beds. All facilities are air conditioned, with complimentary wireless Internet throughout.
References
Photo Credits
- key west sunset image by itsallgood from Fotolia.com