What's the hotel situation like in February? Would like to find a place near Duval. Price isn't the biggest issue, but want something that's clean, has a pool, and some character. Any suggestions?

Hello Frank, sorry I missed this thread. If you are going in late February through mid March, I would suggest getting reservations right now :D! That is the time for all of the college students to head to Florida for spring vacation & especially in Key West. Some people don't like B&B's but in Key West they are the best & they will accommodate you in any way they can. Got to remember that this is the high season so prices will be very high around Old Town.

Here are the hotels: Hyatt Resort, Pier House Resort, Ocean Key House Resort, Hilton Resort, The Galleon, Hyatt Vacation Club Sunset Harbor (next door to the Hilton) & the Beach House (as you come into Key West city limits). They are all great lodging, some have very small beaches, its where you want to stay, which I highly recommend close to Duval St. or Old Town where you would be in walking distance to everything.

The B&B's I would recommend are: The Marquesa Hotel, if you have the bucks :), Ambrosia or Ambrosia Too, Heron House, Mermaid & the Alligator, La Pension, Key Lime Inn, Merlinn Inn (all located on Truman Ave. & all on the high end of Duval St. but within walking distance to Mallory Square), The Gardens Hotel, Truman Annex & a bunch more. They all have websites, great pools & gardens, superb ambulance, great staff & the B&B's have a continental breakfast by the pool or in your room & some have wine & cheese in the afternoon around the pool. If you pick one of the B&B's on Truman Ave. be sure not to stay in front of the house because of all the traffic & noise. Try & reserve one of there cottages or suite if you can.

I hope this helps & here are some websites you can check-out for yourself to see which one can be accommodating to your needs.
;) Enjoy your stay in tropical paradise & if you need more information, I hope some other posters will help you.

http://floridakeys.net/
http://spottswood.com/faroblanco.htm http://www.vrbo.com/vrbo/flkeys.htm#Key+West
KEY WEST PARADISE Travel Guide to Key West, Florida or http://KeyWestParadise.com

Thanks Ron, I didn't realize there were that many options. We hadn't really considered B and B's because we didn't think they have pools. If they do, that's sure to be more private than a hotel. Have to give that some thought.
You've given us something to mull over, thanks!

This is our second trip to Key West in six months and we saw the B and B's but it was fantasy fest the first time and we weren't really paying attention to that kind of thing! Been calling around and they sound like an interesting change of pace. We're visiting relatives so it's nice to have a calm, homelike place to go for some quite. Thank you Ron, I think we'll really like the change.

FrankJ, I think you will enjoy the bed and breakfast experience. My wife convinced me to stay at one in New Orleans and we've not looked back since.

It is not for everyone. You usually get a more personal type of service at the b and b's and some people find that to be intrusive. Also you will have a more homelike environment when some want to feel like they are at a hotel.

All I can say is that I'm now a believer in the whole b and b deal!

Thanks everyone. It's about time to go and we're thankful for the help and advice we've gotten.

Thanks Ron, and everyone else for your advice. Well, we ended up deciding to stay at the Holiday Inn Beachside. The B & B's sounded good. But I am set in my ways and finally just went with the tried and true.

We had a great time. Got to see some of the sights like Ft. Taylor and the Harry Truman Summer White House. The art show at Ft. Taylor state park was very interesting although some of the works were not to my taste. Still it was very enjoyable.