Accommodations for 2009 Workshops

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Places to stay suggested by Bob Fisher  

For additional information and listings, explore the Key West Innkeeper's Website

The Grand Guest House (1116 Grinnell Street, phone 305/294-0590 or 888/947-2630) exudes old Key West charm in a totally un-touristy neighborhood, though it's not far from pleasant Higgs Beach, the long White Street fishing pier, the art galleries on nearby White Street, and it’s just five short blocks to Duval. At the Grand, the ambiance is friendly and welcoming. The rooms are comfortable, sparkling clean and they all have private baths, AC, TV, phone, and refrigerator. Queen rooms start at $168, efficiency suites with kitchenettes at $208.

L'Habitation (408 Eaton Street, phone 305/293-9203 or 800/697-1766, web site www.lhabitation.com ) is another agreeable choice for those on a budget. The ambiance here is European, as the owners are French. Rooms with private bath start at $119 including a continental breakfast with freshly baked pastries. Staying on Eaton Street gives you the advantage of being in the heart of Old Town, close to all the historic attractions and just a short stroll to the sunset celebration.

Hibiscus blossoms float on the pool at Westwinds (914 Eaton Street, phone 305/296-4440 or 800/788-4150 web site www.westwindskeywest.com ), and the tropical atmosphere is welcoming. Guests on a budget can choose simple accommodations in the $90 to $170 price range, although your neighbor in the roomier cottage next door might be paying twice that. The gracious owner offers fresh linen every day, air-conditioning in every room, complimentary continental breakfast served beside the pool and a guest laundry.

The Abaco Inn (415 Julia Street, phone 305/292-4040 or 305/393-4828, web site www.abaco-inn.com ), formerly the Tradewind Guest House, is well located on a somewhat neglected side street that runs between the elegant quieter end of Duval and historic Whitehead Street. Each of the three cozy rooms (priced at $119-$189) is cheerfully decorated in crisp blue and white with the feel of a summer cottage.

If you like small town hotels that have retained their old-fashioned fixtures and room rates, the Eden House (1015 Fleming Street, phone 305/296-6868 or 800/533-KEYS, web site www.edenhouse.com ) is a great choice. What's particularly appealing about this 1920s era hotel is the wide range of accommodations to suit travelers of varying means. The spare $85 European rooms open on to a long, covered second floor balcony. At this price, you must be prepared to share bathroom and shower down the hall. Semiprivate rooms at $90 share a full bath between just two rooms. Whatever your room rate, you'll have access to the grand pool, sun decks and secluded outdoor "library" with hammocks swinging under a giant ficus tree. The friendly staff will book boat trips and direct you to sights nearby. 


On a charming, hidden lane is another vacation bargain. Courtney's Place Guest Cottages (720 Whitmarsh Lane, phone 305/294-3480, web site www.courtneysplacekeywest.com ) is a bit frayed around the edges in typically Old Key West fashion. Off the free-form pool, winding paths lead to palm-shaded bungalow rooms and cottages. In shadowy rooms, walls are painted in bright tropical colors hung with eye-catching local art. Big breakfast. Kids and pets OK. Winter rates start at $99 with a 10% discount is you stay a week or longer.

At the bottom, price wise, is the Key West International Hostel (718 South Street, phone 305/296-5719 web site www.keywesthostel.com). This is not a converted 19th-century house, far from it, but if you're really into saving, you can get a dorm bed here in winter for $31 ($28 for International Youth Hostel members). There are eight to ten persons in each very bleak room. A private double motel room with bath runs from $75 to $105, depending on room size and whether there is a kitchen included. Lots of European backpackers vie for attention around the pool table, and they serve all three meals daily. Bike rentals $15 daily.

Additional Locations in Key West include:

Fairfield Inn Key West www.fairfieldinnkeywest.com   
Best deal on Key West offering affordable rates, free breakfast daily, 2 pools and access to endless activities.

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