March 27, 2021
For me, advanced planning a vacation is difficult. My husband’s line of work does not allow for him to just take off on a whim. So, when we see we have an opening, we take it last minute. While sometimes this works out fine, many times it presents a problem as hotels sell out and so do activities.
Coming to Key West is no different. Many people like to fly by the seat of their pants, coming down to the island last minute thinking that finding a room and things to do will be a breeze. Maybe that was the case several years ago, but that just is not the case anymore. Sure, there many be certain times of the year when this is possible; think hurricane season with no events and high temperatures. But during the winter and spring, it is almost a miracle to be able to find a room, or to find one last minute at affordable rates. And the same goes for activities, from fishing charters to day trips to the Dry Tortugas National Park.
As an example, my husband had a regular client of his scheduled to fish with him during Valentine’s weekend. The client called the day prior to the trip to cancel. The reason; he thought getting a hotel room last minute would be no problem, but could not find one. I personally made some calls and checked around myself to see if I could help him out, all to no avail. I did find one property with an opening, but the room rate was over $1,000 a night! That was a bit rich for his blood, and I could not blame him. The cancellation left a hole in my husband’s schedule and someone else that did not plan in advance (and was paying over $1,000 a night for a hotel room as it turns out) was lucky enough get out on the water with him.
Right now, checking availability at one of my favorite resorts on the island, Ocean’s Edge, I can see that room rates for the next three weeks range from $600 to $1,125 a night plus taxes and resort fees, depending on the night, room availability, and local events. However, the following week, room rates go down to $375 to $825 a night plus taxes and resort fees. You can bet that as we get closer to the dates and the availability lessens, these rates will skyrocket back up to the $1,000 a night range.
So, my point is to book hotels early for better rates! And also, book your activities now because if you wait, chances are your fishing guides and other island tours will be sold out as well.
There are so many places to eat on this island, so before you decide where to go, be sure to read my Key West restaurant reviews; check out our restaurant review section of this blog.
And for more information about the fun side of Key West… things to do and see in our island city, go to our Key West Web Site.
Feel free to Email Me if you have any questions about Key West!!
