Alright, so I wanted to figure out the best places to stay in the Florida Keys. I’ve heard so many different things, so I decided to do my own deep dive. Here’s how it all went down.
Started with a Broad Search
First, I just Googled “best places to stay in the Keys”. You know, to get a general idea. I got tons of results, listing all the usual suspects like Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, and Key West. I made a note of these, figuring they were popular for a reason.
Checked Out Some Travel Blogs
Next, I started looking at travel blogs. I figured these would have more personal experiences and maybe some hidden gems. I read a bunch of posts about different areas, making notes about what people liked and disliked about each place. Some folks loved the quiet of the Upper Keys, while others were all about the party scene in Key West.
Looked at Specific Hotels and Resorts
Then, I moved on to looking at specific hotels and resorts in each area. I made a list of the ones that seemed interesting and that had good reviews, based on the vibe I was looking for:
- Key Largo: Noted down a few resorts that looked family-friendly, since that’s sometimes a concern.
- Islamorada: Found some really cool-looking boutique hotels and some places right on the water.
- Marathon: Checked out a couple of places that seemed good for fishing and boating, since that’s big there.
- Key West: Looked into some guesthouses and hotels near Duval Street, since that’s where all the action is.
Read a Ton of Reviews
This part took a while. I dove into reviews on various sites. I wanted to see what real people were saying, not just the marketing stuff. I looked for comments about cleanliness, noise levels, how helpful the staff was, and whether the place was actually close to the things I wanted to do.
Compared Prices
Of course, price is a big factor. I compared prices for different dates, checking to see if there were any deals or discounts. I quickly realized that Key West was generally more expensive, especially during peak season. I started to lean towards some of the options in Islamorada and Marathon, which seemed to offer a good balance of price and amenities.
Made My Decision (Finally!)
After all that research, I finally made a decision. I ended up picking a smaller resort in Islamorada. It seemed like the perfect mix of relaxation and things to do, without being too crazy expensive or too crowded. Plus, the reviews mentioned that the staff were super friendly, which is always a big plus for me.
So, that’s how I went about finding the best places stay in the Keys for me. And, it works! I’m super excited. Hopefully, my adventure in the Keys will go swimmingly.
