My 25th wedding anniversary is coming up in October, and we've kind of settled on Key West (or anywhere in the Keys) as a destination. International travel still seems like a huge hassle, and Florida seems to be the best bet for vacationing in the states.

Does anyone have any recommendations or "stay the hell away"s for resorts or hotels there?

We'd like something on the beach and fairly quiet, maybe even adults-only, but we are traveling during the week in October, so don't think kids will be much of an issue anyway.

For the Florida Keys I usually recommend the following:
Baker's Cay
Bungalow's Key Largo (can be all-inclusive, but pricey)
Cheeca Lodge
Hawk's Cay Resort
Tranquility Bay

I don't really have a favorite in Key West proper - most clients like staying out and then going into Key West for a day trip.

Just remember that The Keys aren't really a huge beachy destination. Most beaches are man made, in a cove, or pretty rocky. Fishing is the main draw for visitors here and the 'island time' vibe.

Hawks Cay

In KW our favorite hotel is The Marquesa Hotel.

Other than renting homes/townhomes this is the only one we've stayed in but did our research to choose it.

At the time the nicest rooms were the Jr Suites but they've expanded since and likely have more options.

If you stay in the Jr, unit 6 had the most private patio.

He's not lying, there are really NO BEACHES in Key West. The other keys have some, but really if you want beaches, its the wrong part of Florida. Also, only the West side of Key West is what you see in pictures. That's the historic side that is pretty cool with bars, restaurants, shops, etc. It's where Hemmingway's house is, and the place you'd want to stay.

The rest of the island, you could just as easily be in Galveston.

I liked the Keys but didn't fall in love with them. Others love it. Just make sure you know what your getting before you go.

Bluecat_Aggie94 said:

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He's not lying, there are really NO BEACHES in Key West. The other keys have some, but really if you want beaches, its the wrong part of Florida. Also, only the West side of Key West is what you see in pictures. That's the historic side that is pretty cool with bars, restaurants, shops, etc. It's where Hemmingway's house is, and the place you'd want to stay.

The rest of the island, you could just as easily be in Galveston.

I liked the Keys but didn't fall in love with them. Others love it. Just make sure you know what your getting before you go.

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All caps statement is not quite true. There's a small beach at Ft Zachary Taylor State Park.

Just be sure and don't travel the week of Columbus Day. Lots of schools in different parts of the country get a long weekend or use that week for their week-long Fall Break. The rentals I own on Sanibel and Islamorada are always quickly booked that week every year.

ETA- Above comment only applies if you want to be positive there won't be a lot of kids running around whichever resort you end up staying at. In Islamorada- Cheeca Lodge gets overrun with kids when schools are out.

murphyag said:

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Just be sure and don't travel the week of Columbus Day. Lots of schools in different parts of the country get a long weekend or use that week for their week-long Fall Break. The rentals I own on Sanibel and Islamorada are always quickly booked that week every year.

ETA- Above comment only applies if you want to be positive there won't be a lot of kids running around whichever resort you end up staying at. In Islamorada- Cheeca Lodge gets overrun with kids when schools are out.

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The Moorings in Islamorada would be a nice place for a quieter adult/anniversary trip. If you ever watched the show Bloodline, you would recognize it.

I'm fine with the beaches in Key West but I grew up in Matagorda so my frame of reference might be a bit skewed.

Our favorite place to stay in Key West is The Gardens Hotel. Very private if you want to hide away... One block off Duval when you're ready to party.

Bluecat_Aggie94 said:

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He's not lying, there are really NO BEACHES in Key West. The other keys have some, but really if you want beaches, its the wrong part of Florida. Also, only the West side of Key West is what you see in pictures. That's the historic side that is pretty cool with bars, restaurants, shops, etc. It's where Hemmingway's house is, and the place you'd want to stay.

The rest of the island, you could just as easily be in Galveston.

I liked the Keys but didn't fall in love with them. Others love it. Just make sure you know what your getting before you go.

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By 'on the beach', I really mean, 'can see the water from our patio/balcony/whatever', so this sounds perfect to me. Neither of us are into swimming in the ocean or laying on the sand. I don't like sand. It's course and rough and irritating and it gets everywhere. But I want to be able to sit in a lounge chair under a covered patio or balcony with an adult beverage and just watch the waves.

And my wife wants great seafood, but I'm guessing that isn't in short supply anywhere.

wessimo said:

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Bluecat_Aggie94 said:

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He's not lying, there are really NO BEACHES in Key West. The other keys have some, but really if you want beaches, its the wrong part of Florida. Also, only the West side of Key West is what you see in pictures. That's the historic side that is pretty cool with bars, restaurants, shops, etc. It's where Hemmingway's house is, and the place you'd want to stay.

The rest of the island, you could just as easily be in Galveston.

I liked the Keys but didn't fall in love with them. Others love it. Just make sure you know what your getting before you go.

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All caps statement is not quite true. There's a small beach at Ft Zachary Taylor State Park.

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That is a very flattering picture of that beach.

You can certainly get a water view. Not a lot of waves in the Keys unless there is a storm. I'm not trying to dissuade you from going, there is a lot there and most people really like it. But the main draw is more of the quirky town, bars and shops and stuff. If what you are looking for is a relaxing beach vacation, you really might want reconsider Key West.

Maybe, but it is a beach (and is better than any you'll find on Lake Conroe).

We are driving to Florida this summer just to get out of the house and do something. A couple nights in Miami, few days in Orlando to do the parks, and we will probably swing in to the Keys for 2-3 days.

Is it kid friendly? Will they enjoy it? Or is it more centered around adults?

Thanks!

48secDunk said:

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We are driving to Florida this summer just to get out of the house and do something. A couple nights in Miami, few days in Orlando to do the parks, and we will probably swing in to the Keys for 2-3 days.

Is it kid friendly? Will they enjoy it? Or is it more centered around adults?

Thanks!

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You should really consider skipping Miami. Especially with kids. Wife and I just spent three nights in Miami and three nights in KW last week. South beach was an absolute cesspool of filth. Although, I would recommend it if you're into VERY large African American women wearing nothing but a teeny bikini with a fish net covering while walking everywhere.

I can only speak for south beach, but seriously...stay away from there. It's bad.

lawless89 said:

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48secDunk said:

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We are driving to Florida this summer just to get out of the house and do something. A couple nights in Miami, few days in Orlando to do the parks, and we will probably swing in to the Keys for 2-3 days.

Is it kid friendly? Will they enjoy it? Or is it more centered around adults?

Thanks!

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You should really consider skipping Miami. Especially with kids. Wife and I just spent three nights in Miami and three nights in KW last week. South beach was an absolute cesspool of filth. Although, I would recommend it if you're into VERY large African American women wearing nothing but a teeny bikini with a fish net covering while walking everywhere.

I can only speak for south beach, but seriously...stay away from there. It's bad.

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This is truth. Skip Miami, unless you are into that life. And even if you are into that life, not sure how you would pull off clubbing til 0400 and then spending the day with the kids.

Spend some time in the middle keys. We liked Hawks Caye. Great spot for kids.

Damn. Thanks for the advice. Last time I was in Miami (in 07 for the Ags v U game) South Beach was gorgeous, and a cool place to walk around and hang out. Is there another beach that might be more kid friendly?

We were just going to do Miami for a day to take the kids to the Everglades, some beach time, and then a Marlins game. I'm trying to see every stadium-- 24 so far. After that head into the Keys.

Small but maybe important thing to consider, the people of Key West, overwhelmingly, do not want you there and are at time vocal about it. I believe this is directly related to it being a cruise ship stop.

Duval Street, which is their main (and only) drag, is nothing to write home about. As a fairly avid traveler KW is one of my only "would not do again" spots, unless I were on a cruise ship experiencing claustrophobia and needed to stretch my legs. Dry Tortugas was pretty cool but to us KW proper is a trailer park at the end of a great scenic drive. There are many places in the keys to visit that are far superior to KW. My 2c

I described Duvall Street, which is essentially Key West, as a slightly less trashy version of Bourbon Street in New Orleans. And I need several grades of less trashy before I'd consider it a kid friendly destination.

yeah definitely NOT kid friendly

EliteElectric said:

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Small but maybe important thing to consider, the people of Key West, overwhelmingly, do not want you there and are at time vocal about it. I believe this is directly related to it being a cruise ship stop.

Duval Street, which is their main (and only) drag, is nothing to write home about. As a fairly avid traveler KW is one of my only "would not do again" spots, unless I were on a cruise ship experiencing claustrophobia and needed to stretch my legs. Dry Tortugas was pretty cool but to us KW proper is a trailer park at the end of a great scenic drive. There are many places in the keys to visit that are far superior to KW. My 2c

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got it. So you don't like to fish or have fun AND care about what people think of you.

wrong on both counts just sharing what I thought might be pertinent info

Garrelli 5000 said:

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In KW our favorite hotel is The Marquesa Hotel.

Other than renting homes/townhomes this is the only one we've stayed in but did our research to choose it.

At the time the nicest rooms were the Jr Suites but they've expanded since and likely have more options.

If you stay in the Jr, unit 6 had the most private patio.

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I just booked the marquesa for august. Thanks for the rec.

The Florida Keys are way overrated.

48secDunk said:

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We are driving to Florida this summer just to get out of the house and do something. A couple nights in Miami, few days in Orlando to do the parks, and we will probably swing in to the Keys for 2-3 days.

Is it kid friendly? Will they enjoy it? Or is it more centered around adults?

Thanks!

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I am a native Floridian, now living in Texas. We lived in Florida ( Brandon, Tampa area) until the kids were 5 and 8 but have returned manny times. One of the most fun places for my kids was Venice beach on the gulf coast south of Sarasota. There is a beach there where you can sift the sand for sharks teeth. It is the same beach as a restaurant called Sharkeys. Anywhere from Destin to Panama City has beautiful beaches with white sand and clear water. If you go further south, Clearwater beach south to Siesta key, very nice and the Naples , Sanibel the best shelling anywhere. I would stay away from the east coast with children. If you love the Atlantic, go to St Augustine to the north. I also love the barrier island of Georgia on the Atlantic. They are not clear and calm like the gulf, but beautiful in a wild way. Of course my kids loved Disney , but one day in the magic kingdom. They love epcot living sea the best. They also loved universal studios. If you get the tour you can do all the rides in one day because you go to the front of the lines. For older kids go to Cape San Blas, south of Panama City. It has both beach and a lovely clear shallow bay with lots of great sea life. Gulf county is very dog friendly in case you travel with dogs.