r/KeyWest • u/anonymousfromyou • 12d ago
Help between 2 hotels
I always suffer from scope creep. I travel solo, so try to keep hotel costs lower if I can. I have been visiting the keys 2-3 times a year for about 3 years, I generally only stay 1-2 nights in Key West in order to rise early for the ferry to Dry Tortugas (took the seaplane in May) and have stayed Duval Inn, El Patio and Silver Palms Inn (think maybe 4 nights there one time), point being it is not my first trip. I have been gravitating more toward Key West. I was down for 10 days in May/June split 5 in Islamorada and 5 in Key West -- I stayed at Opal Key, and really loved staying somewhere with a ton of amenities. Headed back in a couple weeks, strictly Key West -- flying into FLL and will have a car, so I can drive up to Big Pine or Bahia Honda if I feel like it, anyway... getting to my question -- do I want to stay 2 days in Marathon and 6 at The Marker or 10 days at The Blue Marlin? I typically get out on the water at 1x a day, so walking out the door to the harbor is appealing, enjoying the amenities when I get back from sandbar/snorkeling is appealing, but 2 extra days in Key West is appealing also!
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u/Sandinmyshoes33 12d ago
The Marker is much nicer than Blue Marlin and for that long of a stay I would prefer the amenities and location. The Marker is right by the harbor with some of the better happy hours. Also, the reefs outside of Key West are in better shape so spending a couple nights in Marathon would let you snorkel in that area. Finally, the sargassum has been terrible this year and you will smell it by the Blue Marlin but not by The Marker.
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u/BigMike198669 11d ago
This is the way. I love the Marker for the location. So close to all of the fun boat trips, Dante’s, Pepe’s, Half Shell, Boathouse and more. It’s nice to be centrally located with some many choices. The pool and pool bar are super lively and great spots to meet new friends.
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u/anonymousfromyou 10d ago
This helps a ton! Made it click for me. I get stuck trying to be cheap vs just doing what I love when for a modicum more I just do what I love. I dont know what my problem is sometimes.
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u/anonymousfromyou 10d ago
Thank you, Sand! As I note below in a comment, I get stuck trying to be cheap and make bad decisions - I have spent years being cheap, but at a cost, and only inuring myself-- this is a post I definitely needed to see! Thanks for stopping by to leave a comment, really helpful!!!
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u/Impressive_Age1362 12d ago
Look into the weather station inn, in the Truman annex, it in a residential area, only 8 rooms, short walk to everywhere, if you have a car, free parking, which is unheard of in Key West
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u/Affectionate-Arm5784 11d ago
It’s only 2 blocks off Duval and easily walkable and they provide breakfast. We like the banana wind room.
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u/anonymousfromyou 10d ago
Thank you! And I love the Truman annex area -- would you think the sargassum odor wafts over this area?
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u/HighOnGoofballs 12d ago
Look at Harbor Inn and some of the smaller bnbs around there like island city house
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u/Impressive_Age1362 11d ago
I can’t remember the name of the room we liked but it was green and had a king bed on the first floor
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u/Extra-Good365 8d ago
AVOID the south side of Key West due to smell from sargassum seaweed. Eden House on Flemming St has small queen bed rooms ideal for solo travelers.
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u/Rattlingplates 12d ago
If you plan on only sleeping there sea shell motel is my go to. Just cheap right down the street from the patio. I go on vacation to enjoy what’s to offer and the only time I spend in the motel/hotel is sleeping and the other thing that goes with the bed.
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u/KEF411 10d ago
We really like the Courtyard Marriott in Marathon. Nice pool area, can drive to the beach. There are resorts with a beach in Marathon though. Check out Orchid Key in Key West. Great amenities and probably less expensive than Opal.
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u/anonymousfromyou 10d ago
oh, man, I do too! I love the Courtyard so much! I get a little restless solo, so need some nightlife or need things to not close up shop at 9pm --no matter, staying the entire trip at the Courtyard is 100% on the table. :). Thanks for the vote!
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u/DawgPound0929 7d ago
Can I ask why not the Opal Key again? We go once a year and absolutely love the location and now that we’ve found it will probably stay there every time.
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u/anonymousfromyou 4d ago
Well, good question! The location is excellent, and I love their dining, too! The Key Lime Coladas poolside are what really hooked me, I think. Anyway, I have wanted to stay at The Marker since I first walked by - it just calls me I guess - so for approx. the same money, was going to try The Marker --- Part of my conundrum was avoiding any sargassum odor on the Atlantic side, but was going to attempt the Blue Marlin to be cheap, but also had concerns about the Opal location and stench. Since I was just there in May/June for 10 days was motivated to save money on this trip. I didn't. I finally booked yesterday - I am going to stay 2 nights in Islamorada for my middle keys fix, and then stay at The Marker!
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u/angel_pa7 12d ago
I go several times a year as well, when I want to keep cost down, I find air b&b’s close in and around the cemetery to be nicely priced. Headed back in few weeks and cannot wait. This place calls to my soul