First time in Keys - 5 days to CHILL. Suggestions? - Key West Forum

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bmwolan

home

posts: 54

reviews: 1

First time in Keys - 5 days to CHILL. Suggestions?

Dec 11, 2012, 12:27 AM

Hi, we are a couple in their 30s travelling to the Keys for the first time. We'll be there for 4 or 5 nights from Jan 10-15. We live in NYC and need 5 days of relaxation. We are still considering the Caribbean but hear great things about the Keys as well.

We are into unique places, boutique hotels, beaches, swimming, and nature. But most off all we want to relax, read a book, hear our thoughts (remember we live in Manhattan!). Not looking for a cultural adventure this time.

We don't feel like we HAVE to go to Key West necessarily. We are looking to spend about 200-300/night and eat fresh fish.

Haven't bought tickets yet but will most likely fly to MIA and rent a car. Maybe FT L if we get a good deal.

All help is welcome!

Edited: 12:28 am, December 11, 2012

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8 replies to this topic

hoosierhubby

posts: 121

reviews: 3

1. Re: First time in Keys - 5 days to CHILL. Suggestions?

Dec 11, 2012, 1:59 AM

Lime Tree Bay Resort on Long Key in the Middle Keys. There's a pool and fishing pier and all the relaxation you could stand. All rooms have a kitchen. Across the bay is a boat/jet ski rental place; across the street is a convenience store and a gas station bout a mile up the road. It's right at half way between Islamorada and Marathon, so not too far to drive for eats.

I've never flown into Mia but hear it's a train wreck. We always fly into FLL and have never had a problem.

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marcomamma

Knoxville

posts: 1,188

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2. Re: First time in Keys - 5 days to CHILL. Suggestions?

Dec 11, 2012, 6:45 AM

Agree with Lime Tree Bay . . . It's our favorite spot in the Keys!!

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3. Re: First time in Keys - 5 days to CHILL. Suggestions?

Dec 11, 2012, 7:47 AM

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ConchyLee

Central Illinois

posts: 629

reviews: 17

4. Re: First time in Keys - 5 days to CHILL. Suggestions?

Dec 11, 2012, 12:06 PM

FLL or MIA? Both have their positives. If you choose FLL, it'll be easier and quicker to get a rental car and to return it. I'd budget an extra 15-20 minutes drivng time from FLL, which is my particular preference.

That said, the flight times and pricing have made me choose MIA recently. While I wouldn't characterize MIA's rental car center a train wreck, I wouldn't argue with hoosierhubby, either. MIA took the concept of a consoladated rental center which FLL implemented and ran with it. Unfortunately, it's far away. So you have to walk a long distance in the airport, then take a train out to the rental center.

Depending on which rental company, you may be in a long line, then talking to the agent who takes care of your paperwork and sends you to the parking garage where you get in another line to get your car.

Exiting the garage, it's difficult to understand the signage to get onto LeJeune road, then eventually head south to the Keys. FLL is much easier.

There are plenty of wonderful spots for you to take it easy in the Keys. Since my preference is Key West, I'll leave the rest to others...but wanted to chime in on the rental car situation. Best of luck to you.

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marcomamma

Knoxville

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5. Re: First time in Keys - 5 days to CHILL. Suggestions?

Dec 11, 2012, 12:28 PM

I just reread the first post and I am almost positive our room did not have a kitchen (or any semblance of one - it had a mini-fridge and that's it) and I would not call Lime Tree Bay a boutique hotel at all. Having said that, we LOVE it and recommend it highly! The ONLY thing we did not like about it were the TINY bathrooms. Being from Manhattan, though, you might be used to that!:)

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BrittNH

posts: 65

reviews: 3

6. Re: First time in Keys - 5 days to CHILL. Suggestions?

Dec 11, 2012, 12:45 PM

A little more pricey but worth it is The Moorings in Islamorada. www.themooringsvillage.com Beautiful, peaceful, you can do as much or as little as you want. Good location to do day trips if you want or head out on the water. Great food right nearby.

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