The Florida Keys

[Doug Bardwell]

Working on a story for a college publication about visiting the Florida Keys, including Key West.  Looking for the best bargains in accommodations and dining out. Will consider anything that is clean and safe - hostels, motels, rooms for rent, even campgrounds. Anyone have some suggestions? 

Would like to have the information by 9/15/10 as I will be traveling to the region then and would like to see all the suggestions first hand before I do the story.

If you've got any other "not to be missed" ideas about the Florida Keys, feel free to chime in as this is my first trip to the Keys myself.

Thanks in advance for your help. 

[Ken Van Vechten]

It might seem obvious, but make sure you drive down to Key West. Key West has been overrun with all that marks the bad in American travel, but you can't argue with the setting and the drive itself is singular. And kayak.

[Doug Bardwell]

Thanks Ken, kayaking is on my "hope to do" list for sure.

[Loretta Chilcoat Jergensen]

Hi Doug,

I worked on the Rough Guides Miami and the Florida Keys guidebook a little while ago. I can definitely tell you to avoid the youth hostel in Key West (aka Seashell Motel). Having personally stayed both in the hostel and motel, I can tell you it was atrocious. Dirty, not very friendly, and a lot of fellow backpackers had similarly disappointing tales of the place.

-Loretta

[Doug Bardwell]

That's bad news - but good to know. Thanks.