Accommodations in Key West

Located at the tip of the Florida Keys, the city of Key West is known as the continental United States' southernmost city. Once quite isolated, the Florida Keys are now accessible via the Overseas Highway that connects the Keys to mainland Florida. Performing its duty as the USA's gateway to the Caribbean, and located only 90 mi (144.84 km) north of Cuba, the city's unique culture is heavily influenced by its neighbours to the east and sourh.

The numerous accommodation options in Key West range from economy to luxury and suit the needs of business and leisure travelers. The information that follows is an accommodation overview for visitors who are planning a trip to Key West.

Helpful Links

1. Accommodation Directory—This is a complete Key West accommodation directory containing detailed information about hotels, B&Bs, luxury resorts and more. With links to accommodation websites and interactive maps, this directory is designed to help visitors find the right place to stay based on their personal preferences.
2. Secure Room Reservations—Check for Key West room availability and then make secure online room reservations for participating properties with this convenient link.
3. Maps—The Key West map can assist visitors in choosing where to stay by not only indicating where accommodations are located, but also where they are in relation to attractions, restaurants, shops, tours and transportation.

Overseas Highway 1

ACCESS/TRANSPORTATION

Getting There
By Road
Driving is probably the easiest way to access Key West. The 127.5-mi-long (205.2-km) highway, known as the Overseas Highway, is a continuation of US Route 1, which provides road access to the Florida Keys from mainland Florida, and features Key West as the road's end point. It was built along the foundation of the former Overseas Railway, which was partially destroyed in 1935 by a hurricane. Drivers on a schedule should keep in mind that during the busy winter season the highway becomes quite congested.

By Air
The Key West International Airport (EYW) is located on the island's southeast side, quite close to the city of Key West's downtown. Direct and connection flights to EYW are offered from a variety of Florida airports.

By Sea
For visitors who prefer the fresh ocean breeze while they travel, taking a ferry from the mainland is an option. Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry, Key West Ferry and Key West Express are ferry companies that provide year-round service between the mainland and Key West.

Shuttle Services
There are a variety of shuttle services available from Florida's mainland to Key West. Greyhound Lines offer bus transportation between Miami International Airport and the Keys with a few stops along the way. Keys Shuttle features a daily service that makes six trips between the Keys, Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale International Airport. Also able to accommodate individual and group travelers on a daily basis between Orlando, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Key West, is TransFloridian Luxury Motocoach.

Getting Around
The city of Key West is relatively small and provides a perfect setting for walkers and bicycle riders, as the terrain is mostly flat. Thus, many locals use a bicycle as their primary mode of transportation. For tourists, bicycles can be hired from rental shops such as Bike Rentals Key West––which will also rent out mopeds and scooters. The city transit is comprised of several bus routes that are conveniently color-coded and provide transportation around the island. As well, taxi services are efficient ways to get from point A to point B.

Although it might be easier to take advantage of the alternate modes of transportation, travelers who are adamant about driving will find parking spaces scattered around the city. Chain hotels in the newer district are likely to have their own parking facilities while accommodations in Old Town are not. However, metered parking is available along downtown streets.

	Bike Rental 2

ORIENTATION

The Overseas Highway enters the island of Key West from the northeast, splits in two and subsequently becomes Roosevelt Boulevard north and south. Divided by White Street, the city of Key West is organized into east and west sections in a grid pattern. The west side is known as Old Town, because it was the city's original neighborhood. Containing architecture from the late 1800s and early 1900s, this area is home to characteristic bungalow and guest mansions. Popular tourist attractions within the district include Bahama Village and the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum.

The east side of the city is referred to as New Town. As its name suggests, this section of the city was developed more recently and is a popular residential area for locals. The area contains the Key West International Airport and a number of chain hotels, as well as a variety of shopping centers and strip malls.

WHEN TO VISIT

Weather-wise in Key West, the year can be divided into two seasons—the wet winter season and the dry summer season. Year-round, Key West experiences moderate temperatures, thanks to the cooling sea breeze that sweeps over the island due to its location between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. The wet season (receiving 53 per cent of the year's precipitation) occurs in May through November. Showers can be expected in the early morning on a daily basis, and the average temperature at this time is 80°F (26.7°C ). The dry season (receiving less than 25 per cent of the yearly precipitation) occurs between November and April, and is characterized by an abundance of sunshine. Temperatures are pleasent at this time of year and the daily averages range between 75°F - 80°F (23.9°C - 26.7°C). The end of December until mid-April is the city's busiest time, however if visitors want to take advantage of the low season, the fall and early December provide moderate temperatures and good deals. Hotels offer discounted rates and packages, making it well worth visiting at this time of year.

DISTRICTS

Old Town Accommodation
Encompassing the west side of the island, Old Town is the historic heart of Key West. Having attracted artists, song writers, musicians and members of the gay community throughout history, visitors are likely to spend the majority of their time in this upbeat and lively area. Though some say Old Town has been consumed by tourism, the district offers an array of dining and accommodation options and is a great place for visitors who want to experience a vacation unique to Key West.

Guesthouses and Bed & Breakfasts
In Old Town there are many historic homes that have been transformed into exquisite guest accommodations, making Bed & Breakfasts a popular alternative to staying in a hotel. These quaint guest homes give visitors a chance to get to know the proprietor and perhaps experience the local Key West way of life.

High-End
Those looking for high-end accommodation in Old Town will find it at the luxury resorts located nearby and on the ocean shore. Located by Mallory Square, the Ocean Key Resort & Spa provides guests with a vast amount of top quality amenities. Residing further down Duval Street is the 1926-built Crowne Plaza Hotel. Though not on the waterfront, the Crowne Plaza features many amenities and is within walking distance of the beach, major tourist attractions and restaurants.

Westin Hotel & Harbor Walk3

Constructued in 1920 and listed in the National Register for Historic Places, the Mediterranean-inspired architecture of Casa Marina Resort & Beach Club adds to the resort's relaxing and luxurious atmosphere. Another posh property situated on the waterfront is the Westin Key West Resort & Marina. Guests can appreciate the hotel's ideal location and appealing ambiance as they meander along the oceanfront promenade and discover the Marina shops.

New Town Accommodation
Mid-Range
Accommodation options to the east of White Street differ from what is found in the historic downtown. More recently developed and primarily a residential area, lodgings found in New Town are newer and are likely to be well-known American hotel chains. Although not located in the heart of the hip downtown, New Town hotels offer more reasonable prices, and transportation to the city's core is readily available. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Key West enjoys a convenient location 2 mi (3.2 km) from Duval Street and just minutes from Mallory Square. A bit farther from downtown, Holiday Inn Beachside Key West is located on North Roosevelt Boulevard and provides guests with many amenities including an outdoor pool, Jacuzzi, tennis courts and more. If driving to the island New Town accommodations offer an additional bonus––ample parking facilities accompany most of the chain hotels.

Campgrounds and Budget Accommodation
Though the majority of accommodations range from mid-to-high-end, there are a handful of campgrounds and budget accommodations that visitors can take advantage of. The closest campgrounds to the city of Key West are located on nearby Stock Island. Situated at the island of Key West's entrance, Leo's Campground is at mile marker 4.5. Transportation to downtown from Boyd's Key West Campground is made easy as the site is found on the city transit route. Boyd's has a variety of hotel-like amenities such as wireless Internet access, laundry facilities and more. For those on a tight budget, though not wanting to camp, the Key West Youth Hostel & Seashell Motel provides cheap accommodation at an idea Old Town location.

ATTRACTIONS

	Duval Street4

Most of Key West's must-see sights are located in Old Town. The main drag and Key West's business district is called Duval Street. Chock full of unique island pubs and wild bars, it is hard to find time to explore them all. Attending a pub crawl by Key West Promotions is a popular way to pack as much of Duval's cool nightlife as possible into one fun and unforgettable evening. For a more relaxing nightout, visitors can head down to Mallory Square to watch the sunset while enjoying the antics of quirky street performers.

Highlighting the culture of Old Town Key West, guided walking tours are an interesting and informative way to explore the city. From the Trails of Margaritaville to the Ghosts & Legends of Key West, there are a number of excursions that may spark the interest of visitors.

During many of Key West's various annual festivals, an overflow of people flood the city looking for some added entertainment. Though the city has tremendous gay pride all year-long, PrideFest is a popular festival held annually in June. Celebrating achievements of the gay community and promoting respect and tolerance, activities at PrideFest are fun and entertaining. Another notorious event, bringing visitors to Key West in the low season, is late October's Fantasy Fest, which combines Halloween and Carnivale festivities.

1. Overseas Bridge; Key West, FL, USA
2. Bike Rental; Key West, FL, USA
3. Harbor Walk & Westin Hotel; Key West, FL, USA
4. Duval Street; Key West, FL, USA