U.S. 1 is lined with chain hotels in all price ranges. In the Upper Keys, the best moderately priced option is the Key Largo Ramada, off U.S. 1 at MM 100, Key Largo (tel. 800/THE-KEYS or 305/451-3939), which has three pools and a casino boat, and is just 3 miles from John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Another good Upper Keys option is Days Inn Oceanfront Resort, U.S. 1 at MM 82.5 (tel. 800/DAYS-INN or 305/664-3681). In the Middle Keys, the Wellesley Inn, 13351 Overseas Hwy., MM 54 in Marathon (tel. 305/743-8550), offers reasonably priced oceanside rooms.
Since the real beauty of the Keys lies mostly beyond the highways, there is no better way to see this area than by boat. So why not stay in a floating hotel? Especially if you're traveling with a group, houseboats can be economical. To rent a houseboat, contact Houseboat Vacations, 85944 Overseas Hwy., Islamorada (tel. 305/664-4009; www.thefloridakeys.com/houseboats). Rates are from $847 to $1,012 for 3 nights. Boats accommodate up to eight people.
