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Key West is the most southern point of the Continental USA and boasts the highest cost of living in the State of Florida, but it won’t break your budget to stay there. With over 35 Resorts and Hotels, 104 Bed & Breakfasts and Inns, 15 Specialty Lodgings and 505 Vacation Rentals, Key
West has a wide variety of Accommodations to choose from. There are no Key West camp grounds or trailer parks.

So how do you find the cheapest place to stay?

First, it’s important to understand the layout of America’s
Southernmost, drive to tropical island. The Island of Key
West is divided into two distinct parts. Old Town (referred
to as Downtown) and New Town. Each area has its own
advantages to the vacation visitor.

Staying in Old Town provides the advantage of walking
accessibility to most Key West restaurants, attractions and
bars. If you’re flying into the Key West International
airport, you can take a taxi to your hotel and there’s no
need for a car rental. There are plenty of inexpensive bike
and scooter rentals as well as comfortable electric cars to
choose from. There are also numerous pedicabs that will be
happy to take you and a guest around town.

Old Town Key West features the more elegant Hotels as well
as many privately owned Bed and Breakfasts, Inns, and Guest
Houses. Those looking for a true Key West experience will
find that these Accommodations have easier access to the
Old Town region and provide the intimate feeling of being
right in the center of Key West.

The architecture of Old Town Key West is historically
reflected in these older structures. But don’t let their
quaint exteriors fool you. Most, if not all, have
meticulously renovated interiors complete with internet
connections, spas and all the other amenities you’d expect
to find in a five star luxury hotel. It does come however
with a price and may exceed those budget travelers
pocketbooks.

If you decide to stay out in New Town then you will be
about 1-3 miles away from Downtown. You can either drive
into town in your rental car or take one of the many Key
West taxis. Most inexpensive Hotels and Motels in New Town
offer shuttle service to the Old Town area.

New Town is where you’ll find many popular chain operated
Key West hotels. Many of these hotels feature suites with
small kitchens along with large pools, on-site restaurants
and banquet facilities. Another advantage of New Town is
its proximity to several large super markets. Cooking-in
can greatly keep your family vacation costs down but don’t
miss out on the many affordable ethnic and casual
restaurants that Key West has to offer. From coffee cafes
to waterfront dining, Key West has it all.

So how else can I save money?

The first thing to consider when planning a trip to Key
West is time of year. Off Season and High Season. High
season runs from December through April and off season runs
May through November. Generally, high season cost more than
off season so you may choose to base your Key West travel
plans accordingly. Keep in mind however, even in off season
there are short spikes in prices based on the many annual
Key West Events.Also, hurricane season runs June through
October, but most hotels eliminate worry and provide a
hurricane refund policy should your travel plans get
disrupted by an unlikely storm.

For a short stay (under one week) the many Key West Hotels
and Bed and Breakfasts are the way to go. Should you choose
to stay longer, then look into the hundreds of Vacation
Rentals that are available throughout the city of Key West.
Often times you’ll be able to enjoy a long term rental for
the cost of one week at a conventional hotel! Many come
with parking for your car, which can otherwise be difficult
as well as full kitchens plus 2, 3 and even 4 bedrooms!
These weekly rentals are often popular with couples who are
getting married in Key West and have large families or
wedding parties.

Many of the large Old Town Key West Hotels are located
directly on the water and most rooms have a water view from
their balcony. In addition to being situated in the center
of things, these hotels almost always feature an on-site
gourmet restaurants. Many hotels also have in-house water
sports facilities that provide scuba, snorkel and
para-sailing excursions plus fishing charters.

All of these hotels are located within walking distance to
the world famous Duval Street which features dozens of
Restaurants, Bars, Attractions and Key West Nightlife.

Some of the medium size Key West Hotels have recently
undergone condo conversions which means that they now have
full kitchens. A Key West Condo is a perfect choice for a
budget vacation and has the convenience of being located in
Old Town!

The choice is up to you.

Most times, the least expensive room will be located out in
New Town and can range from under one hundred dollars a
night an up.(based on double occupancy)  Great for families
as well as those who make the drive down the Overseas
Highway to the bottom of the Florida Keys and arrive in Key
West. Large pools, family oriented restaurants, ample
parking are just some of the features these chain run
hotels have to offer.

For middle range priced rooms are the charming Bed and
Breakfasts as well as the numerous Key West Guest Houses.
These historic accommodations are marketed more toward
couples without children and some are targeted toward the
gay and lesbian community. Generally these establishments
run around two hundred dollars a night and up. Because they
are privately owned the price can often be negotiated a
little.

The highest in price are the many large, traditional Key
West Hotels. These resort rooms generally begin at three
hundred dollars and up peaking out around eight hundred
dollars a night. Often times because of the resort size,
it’s possible to pick up last minute vacancies for half the
original price, depending on season.

For the long term vacationer there is no doubt that a
vacation rental is the right choice. These range from
around five hundred to five thousand dollars a week
depending on the amount of rooms, location and amenities
available. Many vacation rentals feature a private pool.

So it really comes down to what you want your Key West
vacation experience to be. If it’s means staying right in
the center of it all then Old Town is the place for you. If
you’re looking for a family style experience then a modern
hotel or motel in New Town might be a better choice with
just occasional trip into town.

If you’re looking to live like a local, then pack your bags
and move in to a short term rental somewhere in the city
and you may never leave!

The lyrics from a song written by local Key West singer
songwriter Michael McCloud says it best. “Just came down
for the weekend, but that was 35 year ago.”

See you in Key West, the Southernmost City in the
continental United States!

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Craig Grant Hollenback is Director of Photography, Vice
President and co-founder of The Conch Republic Media Group
in Key West, Florida. The company specializes in high
definition, travel video production, website design,
hosting & site maintenance, digital photography and
internet marketing. Informative, entertaining video
episodes, provide the latest tourist information about The
Florida Keys and Key West. Visit http://www.conchtv.com
today.