Key West
 

So after we get back from our 21 day cruise on December 22, we plan to get off the ship and into a rental car headed for Key West. Does anybody have a recommendation for accommodation?

I'm looking at a place called Captain Pips Marina and Hideaway in Marathon. Has anyone stayed there before?

Captain Pips Marina and Hideaway Vacation and Boat Rentals

Thanks for all tips.

Stayed in the keys a few times but don't recall names. This is the season too, so rooms are high dollar... Lots of folks plan well in advance for a trip there so prepare also for possible difficulty finding descent lodging. Also prepare for lots of traffic during the season. PS, If you ask where something is located the typical response will be a number. They are referring to Mile Marker numbers on the side of the road. Also take flashlight when walking at night, some lethal critters come out at night. You don't hear much about that as it's bad for tourism. All in all you should have a great time, very relaxing. If you don't dive you might still try some snorkeling. I would not recommend renting a boat as there are many reefs that have caused those unfamiliar with the area big problems. Great diving, snorkeling and fishing. Have fun!

Instead of a car, maybe you could rent an RV when you dock and take it down US Hwy 1, camping as you go.

Here are some interesting Key West spots:

hemingwayhome.com | Home

Key West Art & Historical Society | Lighthouse & Keeper?s Quarters

The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

Thanks!

Browsing through the various websites for hotels, almost all of the fleabag ones are booked full, leaving only those that want $450 a night. Like Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus, there was no room at the inn near Marathon, so we had to double back. Found a cute little place in Tavernier. If worse comes to worse, we'll just find a chain hotel in Homestead. Or we'll head to Shalimar and look up Cousin Mel. Luck smiled on young World War II pilot Melvin Bryant - Top Story - Northwest Florida Daily News

We only have 2.5 days wandering around otherwise we'd rent an RV.

Try running a search for vacation rentals.

Here's one: Search Key West Vacation Rentals

Parking downtown can be a pain, I usually rent a scooter or a bike when I'm down there.

Hawks Cay Resort just north of Marathon

Aren't you a Delta pilot? A friend of mine said he was able to get the Delta crew rate at the Double Tree ~$100.

Ally and myself stayed at the yellow tail Inn and had a good time in marathon .ph.305 743 8400 small av.museum at the airport you might want to check out also. Fred

With the hassle of a last minute trip to the Keys during the season, I should have recommended driving straight to Jack Browns Seaplane Base in Winter Haven, unless you already have that rating.