Fla. keys flop

[Hoss the Hermit]

Gotta go to the keys in late March. Granted, it's a nice place, but, expensive. Would prefer to find a place to flop in the mid keys, instead of Islamorada or Largo. Anybody know of a place around Grassy or Big Pine, cheap? Can't do more than $700 for a week. Help would be appreciated.

 

[beerrun]

Re: Fla. keys flop

I just came back from FLA last Friday. We went down to the keys Dec. 30 (the night before New Years Eve!) and had a he!! of a time finding a room. We ended up in Marathon, about an hour south of Largo, 40 minutes north of Key West in a place called Rainbow Bend. It was the only room we could find and it was their last room. I paid for the room on the cell phone in the car and the woman on the phone told me about 6 times that it was non refundable. What could I do, It was that or 4 people sleeping in the Explorer. I was expecting a totally dirty, sleezy room. We got there and I was so relieved.The room was spotless. Right on the beach. There was a fridge in the room, the bathroom was spotless and the people were extremely accomodating. We were after all putting 4 people in one room. At least there were 2 double beds. They brought us extra towels before we could even ask for them. The room included breakfast in the morning. Not just a bagel or cold cereal but french toast or eggs at the restaraunt upstairs overlooking the beach. The best part was that in the morning you get a Boston Whaler for 4 hours!! They had fishing poles you could borrow, kayaks, paddle boats,and snorkel gear. They have about 10 Whalers and you just have to pay for the gas. $10. We felt like we really lucked out and I would definitely stay there again. It was a little pricey- $235 for the night but I think that was because there were 4 of us and it was a holiday. If you call them they may have a weekly rate. Or try telling them what you can spend and see if they can do it. Its a small family run business.You can look them up at http://www.rainbowbend.com/
I hope this works out for you. We thought it was a great place.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Fla. keys flop

marathon is a nice area to stay. we pay $3,500 for the house we stay in during August, on Little Torch Key next to Big Pine. For sure while there venture down to Big Pine Key, over to No Name Key. to the No Name Pub, best pizza in the keys, and extremely reasonable.
http://76.163.159.232/no_name_pub.htm

 

[SgtMaj]

Re: Fla. keys flop

Yeah I was going to suggest Marathon also. Last time we were there we paid about $800 for a resort package deal thingy there for about a week (I think we only stayed 6 days though). But that was also a pretty nice resort, and we stayed in a full suite with a full kitchen, living room, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, etc. I'm sure one of the regular hotel/motels there will be in your price range.

 

[JRJ]

Re: Fla. keys flop

Pretty cool deal in Marathon for retired Navy/Coast Guard.

 

[TD_Maker]

Re: Fla. keys flop

Wow, trying to find a place in the Keys for $700wk? This is going to be almost impossible for that time of year. We will be right in the middle of Spring break time, and THOUSANDS and THOUSANDS of people will flood the area looking for the same thing. Sorry, it will not happen in the Keys. Not that time of year. Expect to pay two to three times that much.

You may want to try Homestead. It is at the base of the Keys, and generally is a little less expensive.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Fla. keys flop

Just checked out the website, beerrun - nice place! The summer and winter rates are listed and they really aren't too bad when you consider what you get.

 

[Hoss the Hermit]

Re: Fla. keys flop

marathon is a nice area to stay. we pay $3,500 for the house we stay in during August, on Little Torch Key next to Big Pine. For sure while there venture down to Big Pine Key, over to No Name Key. to the No Name Pub, best pizza in the keys, and extremely reasonable.
http://76.163.159.232/no_name_pub.htm

TD, I was into the No Name last time I was down there, it IS a great spot

 

[SgtMaj]

Re: Fla. keys flop

Whatever you do, don't try conch chowder... not good stuff, although it will give you memories (just, not good ones).

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Fla. keys flop

conch, is definately an aquired taste, and texture.

 

[SgtMaj]

Re: Fla. keys flop

conch, is definately an aquired taste, and texture.

Oh it's not bad by itself... I had some at my brother's wedding. I just wouldn't recommend it in chowder.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Fla. keys flop

did some checking, this doesn't look too bad.
"http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g34347-d531434-r3271364-Coconut_Cay_Resort_Marina-Marathon_
Florida_Keys_Florida.html"

right in the middle of the keys, day trips are easy from here.

 

[beerrun]

Re: Fla. keys flop

Whatever you do, don't try conch chowder... not good stuff, although it will give you memories (just, not good ones).

You must have had some bad chowder. Conch chowder is the first thing I order when I get down there. When in the Bahamas its Conch salad and a Kalik please.
Jay- It was a really fun place and we didnt think the price was bad either. They put up with the 4 of us being out on the beach all night drinking beer and didnt say a word.(we tried to be somewhat quiet) They looked at us a little funny when we were up at 7:30 wanting to take out the Whaler.

 

[Hoss the Hermit]

Re: Fla. keys flop

Big fan of conch, both chowder and fritters.