Key West - Jan 2009

Ok, here is my thoughts on the wonderful island of Key West, Florida.  I vacation here about every two years and I know what I like,  so don't expect much to change unless I discover some new place. 

Hotels:

1. Hyatt Key West Resort – this place is incredible.  This is my all time favorite hotel in the world.  I would live here if I could and they have a heated pool (great for winter time) and a small private beach.  Also you can do pretty much any water sport you want (except excursions) right at the beach.  The bar by the pool is a great place to start happy hour and watch the sun set.  Be sure to have breakfast on the balcony restaurant.
2. Doubletree Grand Key Resort – this hotel is wonderful.  It is on the other side of the island from Duval (but offers a shuttle) and is about 1/3 the price of the other hotels.  The pool area is wonderful and it is right near the big public beach.  For the money this hotel is the best on the island. 
3. Garden House - If quaint and romantic is your beef, this B&B will not disappoint.   It is hard to get a room, so book a year in advance.

Best Restaurants:

1. A & B Lobster House -  has a great Key Lime Martini.  Expensive unless you do the happy hour from 4:30 – 6:30.  If you go for lunch or dinner, get a table by the window or outside if it is cool enough and watch all the big yachts come and go.  This is by far my favorite restaurant on the island.
2. Conch Republic Seafood Company – great food but they have Happy Hour specials each day of shrimp and oysters caught that day.  Best food for the value on the island.
3. Margaretville – very, very, very touristy but has great wings.

Must do:

1. Rent a golf cart for the day.  You will see everything and spare your feet.  Make sure you go by the historical sights.  Be sure to go by Hemingway’s House and look for all the cats. 
2. Snorkeling off Key West Reef.  I use Key West Catamaran which is located right on the KW Harbor.  They have everything but sun block and lunch.  On the way back they serve beer and wine.  If you do an afternoon trip you will come back as the sun is setting. 
3. Duval Street
   at night.  I suggest you stay away from doing a pub crawl unless your hotel is nearby, but do stop in to a few bars or breweries. 
4. U.S. Southern Most Point.  I know it sounds cheesy and touristy, but it is not.  If you can go right as the sun is setting to get the best photo.  There will be tons of people there and not the best neighborhood.  I take the golf cart down around sunset, get my photo and then head back to Duval quickly.  This is a ritual and one of the best photo locations on the island.
5. Mel’s Fisher Museum – has tons of artifacts from local ship wrecks if this is your thing.  This one is better than the actual Key West Shipwreck Museum.  I loved it! 

Don’t bothers:

1. Public beach……sucks!