Cynics may call Valentine’s Day a “Hallmark Holiday” (see: my husband), but many couples take advantage of incredible getaway vacation deals offered by Florida hotels for a romantic getaway weekend. It just so happens that this year, the big V-day falls on a Sunday (that’s February 14, 2010, just in case you forgot), so a romantic weekend away is the perfect way to celebrate your love and commitment.

Bungalow at Little Palm Island Resort & Spa

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Although there are approximately 1700 islands in the Florida Keys, most visitors to this 135-mile long archipelago focus on the southernmost island, Key West. It was the same for me when I first began visiting the Keys many years ago. I wanted to stroll down Duval Street and pop into Sloppy Joe’s, where Hemingway bellied up to the bar every afternoon and gossiped with locals. I relished attending “Sunset,” the daily celebration where jugglers, acrobats, and animal acts perform for the crowd as a fiery red sun extinguishes itself the ocean. But after a few visits, the craziness and round-the-clock revelry of Key West began to wear on me. I still craved aquamarine waters, soft white sands, and huge hammocks strung between gently swaying coconut palms, but I also craved peace and quiet and a place where I could wind down from my stressful life. That’s when I discovered the Drop Anchor Resort and Marina on Islamorada.

Buildings at Drop Anchor Resort are painted in bright Caribbean colors

Located approximately in the center of the Florida Keys, Islamorada is ideally situated for visitors who prefer a laid-back atmosphere yet want to be close enough to Key West for a day trip. That’s not to say there’s nothing to do on Islamorada. Because most world fishing records have been set here, it is known as the “Sport Fishing Capital of the World.” It is also a favorite of divers because of its proximity to the largest living reef in the contiguous U.S. and numerous shipwrecks and artificial reefs that provide excellent dive sites. Islamorada has four public beaches; four state parks; is home to Read More »

Conceived and designed by railroad and oil magnate Henry Flagler as a testament to his life-long love of Florida, the Casa Marina Resort in Key West opened its doors on New Years Eve in 1920 to great acclaim. Artists, dignitaries, royalty, and the ultra-rich since frequented the resort until World War II, when it was converted to a military operational headquarters. After the war, Casa Marina briefly recaptured its glory as an exclusive vacation destination, but with its location at the southernmost point of Florida, the property was soon needed for military use once again – this time as a launch site during the Cuban missile crisis. The resort was reopened in the ‘70s and has been in continual operation ever since.

Historic Casa Marina Resort

During a recent $43 million renovation the lobby’s original wood floors were restored and all 311 guest rooms and suites were redecorated with Italian tile floors, earth-toned area rugs, painted wooden window shutters, custom artwork, sectional sleep sofas, and a dining/recreational table with teak captains’ chairs. The renovation stayed faithful to the Spanish hacienda style, incorporating the resort’s original 225-foot grand veranda, sweeping archways, and expansive lawn stretching to a private white sand beach.

Refurbished rooms at the Casa Marina

Stlll, what really sets the Casa Marina apart from other luxury accommodations on the island is its location. Nestled in a quiet, residential neighborhood on the the south side of the island, the resort is within walking distance of famous DuVal Street, yet far enough away to not be impacted by the noise and general debauchery that so defines Key West. In fact, everything a guest could possibly desire is available right on the premises. Water activities – jet ski rentals, scuba diving, snorkeling, boat charters, deep sea fishing expeditions, and a one-of-a-kind dolphin encounter experience – are can be booked at the private beach, and two oceanfront heated swimming pools are lined with plush chaise lounges and hammocks. Casa Marina also has three restaurants and an on-site massage studio that offers a full menu of beauty treatments ranging from Swedish massage to reflexology and aromatherapy.

Private 1,100 foot beach

Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Casa Marina recently joined the Hilton family, which is dedicated to maintaining a level of service that would have made Henry Flagler proud.

Photo credits: Casa Marina Resort

Article by Barbara Webel at Hole In The Donut Travels

Best Western Hibiscus Key West

This is my third installment about Key West, Florida hotels. And, believe it or not, I am writing very positive things about a Best Western! From my experience, Best Westerns are usually cheaply appointed hotels that are good for nothing else for a bed to sleep in at night. I’ve had some bad experiences at Best Westerns in the past – so many, in fact, that I completely swore off the hotel chain about 4 years ago.

To my pleasant surprise, the Best Western Hibiscus in Key West, Florida is a completely different bird. It’s new-looking, has a large pool that’s a common social gathering (think people sipping drinks poolside), has very large, bright and exceptionally clean rooms, and it’s within walking distance to fun Duval Street. There’s a good, free Continental breakfast too. Honestly, when I first walked in my first thought was “This is a Best Western?”

Here’s the thing. The hotel staff is not enormously helpful. You’ll probably come across an older gentleman at the front desk, with a beard, sort of looks like a sailor, who’s pretty grumpy and not at all forthcoming. That aside, though, our experience was excellent.

Prices are anywhere from $85-$199 a night (really!!), depending on the time of year you book. Definitely not your run of the mill Best Western, and I will for sure be back.

NOTE: Don’t confuse this hotel with the Best Western Key Ambassador, which is farther away from town. That one is nice as well, but a bit more expensive I think, and the rooms aren’t as nicely appointed.

Photo Credit: Best Western Hibiscus website