November 22, 2004 - This tiny group of atolls that marks the United States' southern-most tip is known for revelry, charm, scuba diving, literary history and good old fashion relaxing. They could also be known for their recent good luck. Despite popular belief, Key West and its neighboring islets escaped those horrible storms that decimated Florida's east and west coasts this past hurricane season. While the natives got lucky by having the physical devastation pass them by, their economy took a hit as tourist numbers dropped precipitously immediately after. What to do? Have a fire sale (of sorts).
Travelers can take advantage of off-season prices while they last through late December. After that, it's back to high-season and higher prices. Combine off-season hotel deals with American Airlines (tel. 800/433-7300; www.aa.com) drop in fares to sunny Miami and Key West to make an affordable fun-in-the-sun vacation.
Round-trip flights to Miami from New York's LaGuardia just dropped as American Airlines looks to compete with Jet Blue's (tel. 800/538-2583; www.jetblue.com) low-frills flights into Ft. Lauderdale that had young adult travelers driving the 35 mile jaunt to Miami for South Beach fun. American Airline roundtrip fares just went to $216 plus departure taxes for the New York to Miami route. With Miami only a quick and pretty hour and a half to two-hour drive through the Florida Keys, travelers can hop a plane and rent a car to be in Key West in no time.
A five-day rental car in the economy class that seats four can be found at Thrifty Rental Car (tel. 800/847-4389; www.thrifty.com) starting at $94 not including insurance fees or taxes. You get unlimited mileage with this rental. If you're traveling with a group of friends or have heavy scuba equipment, Thrifty is offering a mini-van deal for approximately $38.99 a day in the Key West and Miami rental areas good through the holiday season. See the "Deals" section of the Thrifty website or www.thrifty.com/specials/5867.aspx for details. Enterprise Rent-a-Car (tel. 800/261-7331; www.enterprise.com) has a weekly package rate for an economy car out of Miami beginning at $104 plus taxes and insurance fees. Check out the website for weekly rates on other size vehicles.
Now that you've hustled down to Florida on your cheap flight and are cruising toward Key West in your rental car, you need to start thinking about a place to stay. From pretty inns and cozy bed and breakfasts to large-scale resorts, Key West has plenty of options in several price points.
While Key West might be your final destination, you should consider stopping overnight at any number of idyllic spots along the way. If you book travel by November 27, the Hawk's Cay Resort has a $129 per night travel deal that comes in at 40 percent below the normal room rate. On the beautiful Duck Key, just North of Key West, the Hawk's Cay is known as a peaceful retreat with great amenities and great snorkeling. Go to www.hawkscay.com/hcr.asp and click "Book Now" then "Nightly Internet Specials" for full details. Or call the resort at 888/674-2403 for on-going deals. This current special also offers breakfast for two on a daily basis. Travel is good through December 23, 2004.
For a complete listing of bed and breakfasts in Key West, check out www.happydayskeywest.com for photographs of places to stay, rates and an availability engine that tells you if the inns have openings or not. The site www.keywest.com has a full listing of hotels, restaurants and things to do on the island.
The Garden House Bed and Breakfast (tel. 800/695-6453; www.mostfuninnkeywest.com or www.the-garden-house.com) is a ten-room house with tastefully furnished rooms and a small lagoon-style indoor pool that also has a happy hour and a continental breakfast service. Rates start at only $129 for the summer months (April 24 thru December 23) and $159 the rest of the year. The small inn is conveniently located near Duval Street, Key West's main stretch of shops, bars and restaurants.
The Banana Bay Resort in Key West (tel. 800/226-2621; www.bananabay.com/keywestbedandbreakfast.htm) offers a "Romantic Escape Package" that includes a three-night, four-day per couple price of $499. Couples get a king sized bed with a canopy, a sunset cruise and beachside breakfast each morning. A seven-night per couple trip goes for $999.