Good Hotels in Lower Keys (Key West)

Washington Street Inn

Washington Street Inn is a tiny spot but in this case, small is significant. Its 10 rooms are attractively decorated and a pool is tucked away in a jungle of greenery. All rooms have private baths, and there's no charge for telephone calls. Private parking is available upon request. Washington Street also serves a Continental breakfast, after which you can stroll two blocks to a beach or to shopping on Duval Street.

Fairfield Inn by Marriott

You may not be sleeping smack in the middle of it all at this Marriott property but on the other hand, you aren't circling the blocks for a parking place. Just south of the entrance to the island, this attractive property features the modern furnishings typical of this chain. The two-story building houses 106 rooms that are easily accessible from exterior corridors and there's a convenient island shuttle and trolley stop here. Two swimming pools and a thatched-roof tiki bar add to the allure.

Duval House

A Conch house built in the 1880s is today this handsome inn occupying an enviable location facing Duval Street, center of the Key West action. Rooms in this two-story building vary in size from cozy to spacious, but all are furnished in elegant style that adds up to a most romantic atmosphere, complete with pool and gardens bordering on jungle. You can indulge in a poolside breakfast surrounded by those gardens and revel in your secluded paradise. Rates vary seasonally.

Sunset Key Guest Cottages

There are a variety of accommodations available in Key West—Sunset Key Guest Cottages definitely falls into the luxurious category. For those who appreciate privacy as well, the cottages are located on Sunset Key, a 10-minute launch ride from the Key West Hilton Resort and Marina. The 37 cottages have access to a private beach and 24-hour boat transportation. The comfortable two- or three-bedroom cottages have complete kitchens, pantry bar and a mini-safe. There is also a restaurant, market, bar, private chef and garden pool available. For rates and reservations, log onto the website.

Best Western Hibiscus Motel

The Best Western Hibiscus Motel is located in Key West's Old Town, one block from the ocean, one block from busy Duval Street, and a mile from Mallory Square. There are plenty of restaurants, tourist attractions and shops within walking distance. The 61 rooms are comfortable and offer basic amenities like queen-sized beds, refrigerators, in-room safes and cable television. For recreation, on-site scooter rentals are popular, as are the heated pool and hot tub. The two-story building is surrounded by exotic palms and parking is free

Courtyard Key West/ Waterfront

This hotel is geared to the business traveler. The amenities include conveniences to make business easier, such as two phones with data ports, a work desk, in-room coffee, fax machine and copy machine. There is a restaurant onsite and many local restaurants are either within walking distance or will deliver to your room. However, the hotel is not all about working. The pool and whirlpool are on hand for relaxing and recreation activities like snorkeling, fishing and boating are less than a mile away.

Grand Key Resort

At Grand Key Resort, white balconies allow views of surrounding palm trees. The rooms are both cozy and convenient, with cool tropical colors, ceiling fans, Internet connection, Sony PlayStation, a desk and two telephones. The pool area has more than just swimming; there is an adjacent waterfall, bar, Jacuzzi, massage area and exercise room. For dining, the restaurant offers indoor or outdoor seating and the poolside lounge serves drinks and snacks. The resort also has a free shuttle to Smathers beach, where you receive a free towel and umbrella.

Hyatt Key West Resort and Marina

The Hyatt Key West Resort & Marina is a relaxing resort with a glorious view of the water. The rooms are large and airy, with wicker furniture and a tropical décor; private balconies offer a view of the sunset after a day of fishing, diving or snorkeling. Popular restaurants are located two blocks away on Duval Street or you can dine in one of two on-site restaurants. The full-service marina offers sailboats, waverunners, parasailing and sport fishing, or you can rent a bicycle or scooter and explore the area.

Abaco Inn

This is a quaint little inn, which lies half a block off Duval Street in a small-town. It is centrally located and is in the midst of restaurants, shops, museum and beaches. The inn will appeal to any traveller on a shoestring budget. It has three non-smoking rooms which are clean and modestly equipped. Each room consists of a queen bed, twin-size fold down bed, color cable TV, refrigerator, coffee maker, AC, microwave, ironing board, hair dryer and a phone. There is an additional $15 charge if you want to share the room with a third person.

La Concha

La Concha has been around since 1925 and has been the address of Presidents, Pulitzer Prize winning authors and high society. It mixes Key West informality with art deco style from the 1920's. The hotel provides first class service; also check out the fabulous meals at the hotels restaurant-Crown Plaza. The hotel is known for being the tallest structure on the coast and has the 'Quarterdeck' located on the seventh floor. Guests can dance under a star-speckled sky or take in a blazing sunset while sipping one of the exotic rums on offer. To add to its glamour, La Concha is placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Big Ruby's Guest House

Big Ruby is known for its warm, friendly atmosphere and its beautiful private bungalows. The hotel has a great ambience, consisting of magnificent palm trees, a lagoon pool and a jacuzzi. Chill out on the sun deck or Lounge area or the treetop walkway that overlooks an exotic garden. You can also be adventurous and take part in sailing, snorkeling or scuba diving, just some of the many activities that the hotel can organize. All in all this is a very attractive and enjoyable hotel to spend your holiday.

Ambrosia Key West

This famous B&B offers luxury at affordable prices. The smartly decorated rooms are a marriage of modern amenities and tropical ambience. You can laze about in the verandahs, admire the gardens with beautiful sculptures or just frolic in one of the three pools. The Duval Street is around the bend if you wish to visit the Key West attractions. Rates start at $125 and change seasonally.