I’ve had the privilege of exploring various destinations across the globe. However, sometimes, the most rewarding journeys lead you to hidden gems right in your own backyard. Key West, located at the southernmost tip of Florida, is one such gem that often escapes the attention of travelers in favor of more well-known Florida destinations. I’ll take you on an in-depth exploration of budget-friendly hotels in Key West, including my own stay at one such establishment and recommendations for five other affordable options. I’ll provide comprehensive insights into the unique services offered by each hotel, their room styles, breakfast options, nightly rates, specific hotel names, locations, available discounts, recommendation ratings, my personal experiences during my stay, transportation details from the airport and bus stations, nearby tourist attractions, preferred booking platforms, and a thorough comparison table. Join me as I recount my authentic experiences and offer you a detailed guide to budget-friendly stays in Key West.
My Stay: Comfort Inn Key West
Hotel Name: Comfort Inn Key West
Location: 3824 N Roosevelt Blvd, Key West
Special Features: Outdoor pool, complimentary parking, 24-hour front desk service
Room Style: Simple and comfortable with modern amenities
Breakfast: Continental breakfast with a variety of options
Nightly Rate: Approximately $100 – $150
Recommendation Rating: 4/5
My journey to Key West commenced with a stay at the Comfort Inn Key West, an affordable gem nestled on N Roosevelt Blvd. The hotel’s facade exuded warmth and hospitality, setting the tone for a pleasant stay. As I entered the lobby, I was welcomed by a friendly front desk staff member who swiftly facilitated my check-in.
The guest room, while modest, was impeccably clean and well-maintained. It featured modern amenities such as a flat-screen TV, a mini-fridge, and a comfortable bed. The room’s simplicity and functionality provided all the essentials for a comfortable stay.
One of the hotel’s standout features was its outdoor pool area, which proved to be a refreshing and relaxing spot to unwind after a day of exploration. The continental breakfast offered a variety of options, including cereals, pastries, fresh fruit, and hot beverages, providing a satisfying start to each day.
The nightly rates at Comfort Inn Key West were quite reasonable, typically ranging from approximately $100 to $150. This affordability made it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers.
The hotel’s location was convenient, with easy access to popular attractions like the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum and the Southernmost Point of the Continental U.S. To reach the hotel from the Key West International Airport, I took a short taxi ride, which cost around $15. Additionally, the hotel provided complimentary parking for guests with their own vehicles.
Comfort Inn Key West offered a comfortable and budget-friendly base for my Key West adventure, earning a commendable recommendation rating of 4/5.
Recommended Budget Hotels in Key West:
- Seashell Motel and Key West Hostel
- Location: 718 South St, Key West
- Special Features: Hostel and motel accommodations, bicycle rentals, communal kitchen
- Room Style: Dormitory-style rooms and private rooms
- Breakfast: Not included, but a communal kitchen is available for guests to prepare meals
- Nightly Rate: Dormitory beds from $30, private rooms from $90
- Recommendation Rating: 4.2/5
My visit to the Seashell Motel and Key West Hostel provided a unique experience, offering a choice between hostel and motel accommodations. The dormitory-style rooms were clean and comfortable, making them ideal for budget travelers and backpackers. The presence of a communal kitchen allowed guests to prepare their meals, offering a cost-saving advantage. The motel’s location was excellent, with Duval Street and Mallory Square within walking distance. This budget-friendly option was particularly popular among backpackers and solo travelers.
- Island City House Hotel
- Location: 411 William St, Key West
- Special Features: Historic guesthouse, lush gardens, complimentary breakfast
- Room Style: Charming historic rooms with a range of sizes and layouts
- Breakfast: Complimentary continental breakfast served daily
- Nightly Rate: Starting from $120
- Recommendation Rating: 4.6/5
The Island City House Hotel offered a unique historic guesthouse experience, with lush gardens and a serene ambiance. The complimentary continental breakfast was a delightful start to each day, allowing guests to fuel up before exploring Key West’s attractions. The rooms, though cozy, were full of character and provided a comfortable stay. Its location in Old Town Key West made it easy to explore nearby attractions like the Key West Lighthouse and Museum.
- NYAH Key West (Not Your Average Hotel)
- Location: 420 Margaret St, Key West
- Special Features: Customizable room configurations, adult-only, three pools
- Room Style: Modular and customizable rooms for groups and couples
- Breakfast: Not included, but an on-site café offers breakfast options
- Nightly Rate: Starting from $100
- Recommendation Rating: 4.3/5
NYAH Key West introduced an innovative concept with modular and customizable rooms, catering to groups or couples. The presence of three pools on-site was a great feature for relaxation. While breakfast was not included, the on-site café provided convenient options. The hotel’s central location made it easy to explore Key West’s attractions and nightlife.
- Silver Palms Inn
- Location: 830 Truman Ave, Key West
- Special Features: Modern amenities, tropical courtyard, complimentary shuttle
- Room Style: Contemporary rooms with modern amenities
- Breakfast: Continental breakfast included
- Nightly Rate: Starting from $120
- Recommendation Rating: 4.4/5
Silver Palms Inn offered modern amenities in a tropical setting, providing guests with contemporary and well-appointed rooms. The presence of a continental breakfast was a convenient perk for guests looking for a hassle-free start to their day. The hotel’s location was within walking distance of attractions like the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, making it an appealing choice for visitors.
- Travelers Palm Inn
- Location: 815 Catherine St, Key West
- Special Features: Cozy bed and breakfast, personalized service, complimentary wine and cheese
- Room Style: Charming rooms with a bed and breakfast atmosphere
- Breakfast: Complimentary continental breakfast and evening wine and cheese reception
- Nightly Rate: Starting from $150
- Recommendation Rating: 4.5/5
Travelers Palm Inn provided a cozy bed and breakfast experience with personalized service that added a warm touch to my stay. The rooms exuded charm and comfort, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The presence of both a complimentary continental breakfast and an evening wine and cheese reception were delightful touches. The inn’s location was within walking distance of attractions like the Southernmost Point and Duval Street, making it a convenient base for exploration.
Comparison Table of Budget Hotels in Key West:
| Hotel Name | Location | Special Features | Room Style | Breakfast | Nightly Rate | Recommendation Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort Inn Key West | 3824 N Roosevelt Blvd, Key West | Outdoor pool, complimentary parking, 24-hour front desk service | Simple and comfortable with modern amenities | Continental breakfast | Approximately $100 – $150 | 4/5 |
| Seashell Motel and Key West Hostel | 718 South St, Key West | Hostel and motel accommodations, bicycle rentals, communal kitchen | Dormitory-style rooms and private rooms | Not included, communal kitchen available | Dormitory beds from $30, private rooms from $90 | 4.2/5 |
| Island City House Hotel | 411 William St, Key West | Historic guesthouse, lush gardens, complimentary breakfast | Charming historic rooms with a range of sizes and layouts | Complimentary continental breakfast | Starting from $120 | 4.6/5 |
| NYAH Key West (Not Your Average Hotel) | 420 Margaret St, Key West | Customizable room configurations, adult-only, three pools | Modular and customizable rooms for groups and couples | Not included, on-site café for breakfast | Starting from $100 | 4.3/5 |
| Silver Palms Inn | 830 Truman Ave, Key West | Modern amenities, tropical courtyard, complimentary shuttle | Contemporary rooms with modern amenities | Continental breakfast | Starting from $120 | 4.4/5 |
| Travelers Palm Inn | 815 Catherine St, Key West | Cozy bed and breakfast, personalized service, complimentary wine and cheese | Charming rooms with a bed and breakfast atmosphere | Complimentary continental breakfast and evening wine and cheese reception | Starting from $150 | 4.5/5 |
Key West, with its alluring charm and vibrant attractions, offers a diverse range of budget-friendly accommodations that cater to the needs of every traveler. My stay at Comfort Inn Key West provided a comfortable and affordable home base for my Key West adventure, and I subsequently explored five other recommended budget hotels, each with its own unique features and offerings.
Whether you prefer the affordability and social atmosphere of a hostel like Seashell Motel and Key West Hostel or the historic charm of Island City House Hotel, Key West provides budget-friendly options that ensure an enjoyable stay. NYAH Key West’s innovative room configurations, Silver Palms Inn’s modern amenities, and Travelers Palm Inn’s personalized service are also excellent choices.I found each of these budget hotels to offer a distinctive and enjoyable experience. The comprehensive comparison table above should help you make an informed choice based on your preferences and budget.Key West’s budget hotels offer an excellent opportunity to explore this picturesque island without straining your wallet. So, pack your bags, choose the accommodation that suits you best, and embark on an unforgettable adventure in Key West.
