FLORIDA KEYS -- WHERE TO STAY

Image by Andy Newman Florida News Bureau

WHERE TO STAY

Accommodations
The Florida Keys can provide accommodations that are as limitless as your imagination. Here you can find small bungalows near the water with limited amenities to luxurious, high-end digs that pamper guests with spas, room service, activity desks, infinity-edge pools and private Jacuzzis and more. It's all up to you. Stay in an out-of-the-way cottage away from all the hustle and bustle, rough it at one of the many campgrounds, or stay in a quaint bed and breakfast in the heart of the action in Key West.

There are so many options, it can seem a little daunting. But luckily there are several websites that cater to the Florida Keys traveler.  When searching for accommodations check out fla-keys.com or floridakeysplacestostay.com. Also check out travel websites like travelocity.com, kayak.com and tripadvisor.com.

Types of accommodations:   

Bed and Breakfasts
Typically in the Keys, these accommodations offer all the modern conveniences such as air conditioning, private baths, specialty décor and furnishings and a certain amount of privacy. Many offer upscale master suites with Jacuzzi tubs, high-end bedding, themed suites with matching furnishings, private patios or decks and more. A great resource for bed and breakfasts is bbonline.com.

 

Hotels, Motels and Resorts
These types of accommodations start with budget-friendly mom & pops and go on up to lavish, tropically landscaped upmarket resorts. All along the main drag (US Highway 1) you'll find all kinds of hotels and motels along with a variety of dive resorts. Some have a dock and dive boat on-site and others have arrangements with local dive operators. Check out tripadvisor.com for consumer reviews of various accommodations in the Keys. Also try hotels.com and travelocity.com.

 

Campgrounds and RV Parks
There are a number of camping areas in the Florida Keys. It's a great way to save a little money for more important things … like diving, shopping, and working on your tan! While there are no campgrounds in Key West, the other islands have a variety of camping facilities that run the gamut from totally roughing it with no facilities whatsoever, to camping areas that offer restrooms, showers, heated pools, restaurants, shopping, marinas, laundry facilities and more! Keep in mind no overnight parking of RVs is allowed anywhere in the keys unless it's in a designated campground or RV facility. For more on camping in the Keys, check out fla-keys.com or florida-keys.cc.

 

Condo and Vacation Home Rentals
A popular and growing trend is staying in a private home or condo that's used as a vacation rental. These homes are just like being in your own home, with everything you need from dishes, cookware, linens, towels, multiple baths, several bedrooms, average to elegant furnishings, appliances and more. Some include a private pool or spa, patios, balconies, screened lanais, pool toys, bicycles, multiple TVs with CD and VCR players, video games and some even come with pinball and arcade games! These can be rented by owner or through a vacation rental company. And remember … these may be a good option for larger groups where everyone can chip in a little for larger digs. Try some of these websites: vrbo.com, vacationrentals.com, homeaway.com and goin2travel.com.