Trip Report

I do not like writing trip reports so please forgive me.

Headed on out to our very first trip to Key West. The ride was simply breathtaking. From the beautiful ocean views to the towns. No traffic delays whatsover. Saw cops writing a few tickets to the speedsters. It is definately not worth speeding. You miss so much.

Ride to Key West from Broward County, Florida - A+(Total time was 3.5 hours/173 miles with no stops, we were too excited to get there).

Checked into the Casa Marina Resort. Valet parked. Beautiful hotel. Dark woods with a modern decor. Very clean. However the lobby had a musky smell. Not trying to be picky. Just hoping that management will address it. (Think Ocean Key, had a rest stop here and the lobby smelled divine. The lady at the front desk said it was coconut mango. Delightful). The rooms also had a musky smell, a modern decor with a partial ocean view and decent balcony with two chairs and a small table. Bathroom was a bit tight. Room was cleaned and linens replenished daily.

The property is so relaxing and clean. One adult and one child pool. Two bars, hammocks and great ocean view. The beach was nothing to speak of. Too many weeds and also a foul smell. My teenagers enjoyed the pool and said the service here was also great.

Hotel/Check-In/Room Service/Valet - B (I would have given this hotel higher marks had it not been for the bathroom, smell and beach issues).

Headed out to Duval Street. No trouble in parking close to the Southernmost Hotel (I think). Had a leisurely and interesting stroll. A bit overcast so it was a bit easy on the body.

Duval Street - B

All my research and anticipation of eating at all the recommended places flew out the window. Not sure what happened but did not get to eat at Blue Heaven or Carolines or Sloppy Joes or A%26amp;B or ...

Had a quick bite at Hard Rock Cafe. Liked the idea of people watching so we sat outside under the fear of rain. Heavy thunder but the rain speared us.

Hard Rock Cafe - C (The BBQ chicken and ribs were a bit hard and the drinks were nothing to write home about. The servers were somewhat busy and not readily attentive. The kids enjoyed their burgers though).

Had a stroll over to Mallory Square on the first evening. Missed the sunset as it was very overcast. On the second evening prompty shared an elephant ear. Delicious. Checked out some of the entertainment and wares and again missed the sunset.

Walked on over to the Mallory Square market and picked up a few items for family friends back home.

Mallory Square - C (Bear in mind that we did not stop to have drinks or saw the sunset).

Return walk down Duval and surrounding areas. Had a lot of fun taking pictures and soaking in the atmosphere. Chatted with other visitors. Bought ice-cream at Mattheson%26#39;s. Kids swore it was the best ice-cream they ever had. I had the toasted coconut -yum.

Return Walk Down Duval - A

This was just our first evening as we arrived in Key West about 5:00 p.m.

Our subsequent two days were filled with getting to know the entire island, trying to find a decent beach and relaxing by the pool.

Key West Beaches - D

We also did the Butterfly Musuem. Very relaxing. We however ended up wanting more. Ended too quickly.

Butterfly Museum - B

There was so much we did not get to do. (No water sports or tours or the many other museums or day trips). I think we needed an extra day or two. Good thing is that we will want to return, without the kids though.

Overall score for Key West - B- (Key West with teenagers - two days. Key West without kids - about 3-4 days).

Trip Report

Sounds like you got your feet wet in Key West and sometimes, that%26#39;s all it takes.

On your next trip, I%26#39;d strongly urge you to stay out of the production food, chain places. WAY too many locally owned places that feature Florida Keys fare! You mentioned several of them including Blue Heaven.

As for the beaches.... We have never put ourselves out there as a beach destination. (Now, if your were from Colorado, the beaches here kick major a$s but you%26#39;re from Florida so they don%26#39;t measure up. True!) So glad you had a good time and want to return.... You%26#39;ll have a different perspective and likely, a different vacation without the kids. (Kids are good but they can modify a vacation to some degree.)

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