Shop at the southernmost point in the contintental U.S. but head to Duval Street.
Key West vacations are all about fun but they don't have to be all about money. Enjoying Key West can mean gazing at the shop windows on Duval street or visiting Hemingway House instead of just sitting at a bar. The money spent at Key West Florida hotels and bars can certainly add up, but there are some tricks to saving money on your next Key West vacation.
Instructions
1. Call and book your Key West hotel directly. Booking your hotel in Key West through a travel agent is a great way to get an insider's view of the best places to stay and may be advisable for your first trip to Key West. But, once you have the lay of Key West and know what part of the island you prefer, for future trips, call the Key West hotel directly to book your room. You can generally expect to get a reduction just by asking when you book your own hotel in Key West.
If you prefer nice accommodations for less money, consider booking your hotel or private home rental through Vacation Rentals By Owner (VRBO.com). You can frequently deal on the price and you will always get a bigger room, frequently, a condo.
2. Avoid traveling to Key West during holidays. You will pay a premium on a hotel room in Key West to stay if you're looking to be there around any kind of festival or holiday. Fantasy Fest in October is particularly expensive. For the best Key West vacation deals, book in the summer when it's very very hot and tourism wanes. That said, everyone should visit Key West Fantasy Fest at least once.
3. Plan a few nice meals but rely on the restaurants in Key West where locals eat. A few nice, waterfront dinners may be great but you will get the best value for your money at the places where the locals eat in Key West, such as BO's Fish Wagon. Be open minded too as the local spots may not look fancy but you won't find a better, fresher fish dinner in all of Key West.
4. Save money on purchases in Key West. One of the nice things about Key West is that Duvall Street is lined with little, independently owned shops. Ask everywhere for at least 10 percent off. If the shop owner won't deal, walk out and purchase a similar or the same item at a shop where you can get a deal.
5. Shop on the Southernmost side of Key West island. Cruise ships dock by Mallory Square in Key West so you will pay a premium in shops on that side of the island. Instead, take a beautiful stroll up Duvall Street and look for your purchases at stores a bit off the beaten path.
Tags: book your, your hotel, Duvall Street, Fantasy Fest, hotel directly, hotel West