Hotels

How soon do I need to book hotels? I was planning to wait till the airline has it's dates up for February.

Key West is a very popular travel destination, especially in February when the weather is ideal and many visitors from colder states flock to the Florida Keys. Hotel availability can become limited quickly, and rates can increase as the date approaches. Waiting until the airline announces its February schedule may put you at a disadvantage, especially if you are looking for specific hotels or room types.

For February travel, it is generally recommended to book your hotel as soon as possible once your dates are somewhat confirmed. Ideally, booking 3–6 months in advance gives you the best selection and pricing. Key West has a limited number of hotels and resorts, and February is considered peak season, so last-minute bookings can be expensive or even unavailable.

Some strategies to consider:

  • Identify your preferred travel dates and hotel area first (Old Town, near Duval Street, or waterfront properties).
  • Check flexible booking options or free cancellation policies to allow for airline date changes.
  • Compare rates on multiple booking platforms as well as the hotel’s own website.

If you absolutely need to wait for airline dates, you can still monitor hotels and set alerts for availability and pricing. This way, you can book quickly once flights are confirmed.

Hotels to consider for February stays in Key West include:

  • Luxury: The Reach Key West, Ocean Key Resort & Spa, Casa Marina Key West
  • Mid-range: Heron House, Chelsea House Hotel, Kimpton Winslow’s Bungalows
  • Budget-friendly: Ibis Bay Beach Resort, Best Western Hibiscus Motel, NYAH Key West

In summary, the sooner you book, the better your chances of securing your ideal hotel at a reasonable price. Waiting too long, especially during peak February season, could limit options and increase costs significantly.


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