I'm looking at going to Key West this Summer, but have never been. My preference would be a private house with a pool on the beach, but understand that that's probably a unicorn. I've tried to search VRBO, but no matter how I filter, I just keep getting condos. Any suggestions? My priorities are (1) beachfront, (2) pool, and (3) private.

If you're looking for beach, I'd try one of the keys further north

TX04Aggie said:

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I go to KW once or twice a year…. There are no real beachside houses there. Best bet is to do Truman Annex or condos that front Smathers Beach with a condo pool. Theres some Hyatt Residence Clubs that offer the pool and close to beach experience. But Key West isnt a beach town in traditional sense… more like a cleaner, safer French Quarter on a rocky island.

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well said. beach houses are not a thing there. if you like to party stay within walking distance of Duval street. if you want beach time look into excursions in the area. I did a kayak trip to some keys a little to the north and it was amazing scenery

Key west is a trailer park on a rock where the people are generally unhappy you are there and are at times rude to outsiders. And Duval Street sucks IMO. We have had WAY better experiences further North from Marathon to Islamorada. We were there for 5 days in 2012 and were at the airport ready to go at noon for a 7pm flight.

Not a fan of KW at all. There are better options in the keys and you can drive the 30-45 to go see Hemmingway house, southernmost point and Duval Street, and save yourself the pain of dealing with the people of KW.

Garrelli 5000 said:

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555-PINF said:

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I'm looking at going to Key West this Summer, but have never been. My preference would be a private house with a pool on the beach, but understand that that's probably a unicorn. I've tried to search VRBO, but no matter how I filter, I just keep getting condos. Any suggestions? My priorities are (1) beachfront, (2) pool, and (3) private.

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If looking for a beach house in key west you should research the island a lot more. It is a rock with a couple of man made beaches.

People that hate KW often went there for a beach vacation

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See Elite Electric.

Key West is a blast. If you can't have fun it isn't because of the island. Do a little research before you decide what and how you want to vacation. Key West is like putting Northgate or Bourbon Street on a beachless island in a beautiful ocean. Lost of party activities. Lots of outdoor activities such as fishing, snorkeling, kayaking, boating, lobster grabbing, etc.. Little to no beach activities.

The old Ritz (Casa Marina Key West) is the only hotel / nice beach combo that I can think of (unless there's been some new one built in the last 5 years).

Going to Key West for a beach vacation is like going to New Orleans for a baptist convention.

also there is some good people watching when it is time for the cruise ships to load back up in the afternoon

I suspect the conchs were just as glad to see him go…

Speaking of just booked 5 nights at Marquesa over Labor Day. It'll be surface of the sun hot but we'll be there for the Buffett memorial parade on midnight of the first.