SPECIAL RATES, PACKAGES LURE TRAVELERS TO FLORIDA KEYS & KEY WEST

Florida Keys & Key West - Florida Keys & Key West accommodations and other visitor offerings continue to provide value-added incentives to lure visitors to the island destination.

"There are some tremendous value-added deals which represent wonderful travel opportunities for winter visitors," said Harold Wheeler, director of the Keys tourism council.

Offerings range from free extra nights and credits for dining and spa treatments, to packages including cocktails, ground transportation, fishing and sunset cruises. Most offers have availability and date restrictions.

Special vacation opportunities include:

KEY LARGO

Amoray Dive Resort, in Key Largo, offers rooms with an island flavor and daily dive/snorkel trips on the Amoray Diver. Their "4 + 1 Package" discount is available during January and February, offering guests who stay four nights a fifth night free and guests who dive four days the fifth one free (Sunday through Thursday). Prices are $340 per person from Jan. 3 to Feb. 7 and $460 per person from Feb. 8 to 28. Based tn two people. Price includes tanks and weights and continental breakfast. Not valid during holidays. Certain restrictions may apply. Call toll-free 1-800-426-6729 for reservations or check out the resort at www.amoray.com.

***

Coconut Palm Inn,198 Harborview Drive, mile marker 92-bayside, is offering 20 percent off a 3 night minimum stay. Subject to availability. Valid Jan. 2 thru Aug. 31. Blackout dates are holidays and special events. Call 1-800-765-5397 or visit www.coconutpalminn.com.

***

Gilbert's Resort in Key Largo is offering guests who stay for 4 nights the 5th night free, Sunday - Thursday. Offer valid Jan. 1 thru Feb. 14. They also now have Dive & Accommodation packages starting as low as $155 per person. Call 1-800-451-6701, (305) 451-1133 or visit www. keysdirectory.com/gilbertsresort.

***

Summer in January can be found at Key Largo's Kona Kai Resort, mile marker 98 bayside. Enjoy their summer 2002 rates in the middle of this winter! Beginning at $163 per night, rates are reduced 25 percent compared to regular winter season rates. Every day, Jan. 4th through Feb. 7th, all 11 rooms and suites offer this special "Summer in January." Call 1-800-365-7829 or visit them at www.konakairesort.com.

***

Marina Del Mar Oceanside Resort, 527 Caribbean Drive, is inviting guests to "Slip Into The Keys," for $59 plus tax, a night per person (based on double occupancy) Sunday through Thursday only, NO minimum length of stay. It also includes continental breakfast, dinner 'Infinite Pastabilites', first drink FREE, first Scuba or snorkeling lesson FREE, half off sunset cruise, as well as other offerings. Valid Jan. 2 thru Jan. 24. For more information call 1-800-451-3483 or visit www.marinadelmarkeylargo.com.

***

Tavernier Hotel, mile marker 91.8-oceanside, is offering a 10 percent discount off standard rates from Jan. 7 thru April 30, 2002. Special rates do not apply to prior bookings and cannot be used in conjuction with other offers. Call 1-800-515-4131 or visit www.tavernierhotel.com.

ISLAMORADA

Cheeca Lodge in Islamorada is presenting a getaway package: starting at $149 per adult per night for midweek stays and $189 for weekend visits, available through January. The package include luxury accommodations, a $25 dining credit at the Atlantic's Edge restaurant and 20 percent off all Avanyu Spa services. Call (305) 664-4651, 1-800-327-2888 or visit www.cheeca.com.

***

Harbor Lights in Islamorada offers rooms at $59 per day through Feb. 28 based on availability. Holidays excluded. Call (305) 664-3611 or (800) 327-7070.

***

Holiday Isle Beach Resorts & Marina, mile marker 84, has "Great Rates" available Jan. 1 through Jan. 31. Call 1-800-327-7070 and ask for reservations and their "Great Rates." Or, visit www.holidayisle.com.

***

The Holiday Isle Dive Shop is offering $2 off a Scuba/Snorkel trip through June 30. Trips run daily at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Must mention fla-keys.com. Reservation required. Call 1-800-327-7070, ext 644 or (305) 664-DIVE (3483) or visit www.diveholidayisle.com

***

Key Lantern Motel and Blue Fin Inn in Islamorada are offering seven nights at the price of six until April 7, 2002. Rooms for two start at $270 plus tax for seven nights. Rooms for one night starting at $45 plus tax. Call (305) 664-4572 or visit www.keylantern.com.

***

Lookout Lodge Dive Resort, mile marker 88, in Islamorada is currently offering 1 free night for each 6 paid in season. No blackout dates. Valid thru Labor Day. Call (305) 852-9915, 1-800-870-1772 or visit www.lookoutlodge.com .

***

During January and February, Luxury Houseboat Villas at Founders Park, MM 87 bayside in Islamorada, is offering travelers summer rates of $195 per night for a two-bedroom villa and $245 nightly for a three-bedroom villa. Weekly rates are $1,350 for two bedrooms and $1,700 for three bedrooms. Rates cover a maximum of six guests. Call (800) 749-2911 or visit www. floridakeys.net/houseboatvillas/.

***

Ocean Dawn Lodge and Tennis, located oceanside in Islamorada, has two clay tennis courts and private apartments ranging from $69 to $95 per night, and is offering a stay two nights, get the third night free special. Call (305) 664-4844 or visit www.oceandawnlodge .com.

***

Reel n Reef Charters, located at the Chesapeake Resort, mile marker 83.5, is offering full-day offshore fishing for $525 free snorkeling included. Valid Jan. 8 thru April 30. Call (305) 853-0636 or visit www.floridakeyscharter.com.

***

Star of the Sea Resort of Islamorada is offering a third night free or a 10 percent discount off a two-night stay package. Rates start at $65 to $100 per night. Call (305) 664-2961, 1-800-664-2961 or visit www.kdir.com/star.

MARATHON

Blackfin Resort & Marina, mile marker 49.5, is offering 20 percent off reservations Jan. 2 thru Jan. 31. Please mention "We Love America" special. Call 1-800-548-KEYS or visit www.blackfinresort.com.

***

Captain Pip's Marina & Hideaway in Marathon is offering 4-Day Fishing & Lodging Packages for both offshore and reef and wreck fishing. Go offshore fishing for sailfish, dolphin and wahoo aboard the 37-foot Compromise for $1,190, or reef and wreck fishing for permit, grouper and snapper aboard the 29-foot Captain Pip's. Both packages include four nights lodging and three full days of fishing. Prices are per person, double occupancy. Call (305) 743-4403, 1-800-707-1692 or visit www.captainpips.com.

***

At the Gulf View Waterfront Resort, mile marker 58.5 in Grassy Key, pay for 3 nights and receive the 4th night free. Or, pay for 6 nights and receive the 7th and 8th night free. Offer is available Sept. 3 thru Dec. 15, 2002. No blackout days. Call (305) 289-1414 or visit www.gulf viewwaterfrontresort.com.

***

Hampton Inn & Suites in Marathon has two deals, an Internet and a "Friends & Family" special. Check in Sunday, Monday or Tuesday on the Internet special, stay two nights and get the third night free. Rates range from $79 to $159. "Friends & Family" rooms start at $79 per night on any night, and suites start at $109. Both offers are good through Dec. 20, 2001. Holidays and special events are excluded. Call (305) 743-9009, 1-877-743-9009 or visit www.keyshampton.com .

***

Hawk's Cay Resort on Duck Key is welcoming vacationers with their fall super value rate. Guests can take up to 25 percent off on all villa accommodations with rates starting at $267 per night (regularly $355). Available through Dec. 24, 2001, those interested must request the rate while making reservations. The offer is based on availability. Call (305) 743-7000, 1-800-572-5998 or visit www.hawkscay.com.

***

The Reef Resort, mile marker 51, is offering a 10 percent discount off bookings using this promo. Mention code #keyspr. Valid thru June 1. Call 1-800-327-4836 or visit www.thereefresort.com.

***

Seabird Key, a private island resort located off Marathon, is offering a 25 percent discount off regular rates (usually $3,695 plus tax for one week). The offer is good for those who mention this special for weekly stays through January 2002, excluding holiday weeks. Guests have exclusive use of the 10-acre island, including the tropical beach house (sleeps 8), white sandy beach, use of an 18-foot outboard, ocean kayaks, snorkel and fishing gear. Call (305) 669-0044 or visit www.seabirdkey.com .

***

The Sombrero Reef Inn and Fishing Lodge in Marathon is offering a four night and three day offshore and backcountry fishing package that includes a one-bedroom apartment. Offer is good from Jan. 1 through March 29. Villas are on the water - guides pick up at your door. Cost is $1,795 plus tax for one or two anglers.

Available April 4th thru 8th, Sombrero is to offer a 4-night 3-day fly fishing school "Learn To Saltwater Fly Fish" for beginner and intermediate level salt water fly Fishermen. The schools include all accomodations, equipment, breakfast, lunch, and actual fishing time on the guide boats. Cost is $1295 per angler. Call (305) 743-4118, (305) 743-9666 or visit www.blackghost.net .

***

For the month of January the White Sands Inn, mile marker 57.5, will be offering a Stars & Stripes 2002 special. Stay 6 nights and get the 7th night for free! Must ask for special when making reservation. Stay must be completed in the same room for consecutive nights. Offer good for reservations through January 31. Offer is not good with any other discounts. Call (305) 743-5285 or visit www.whitesandsinn.c om.

***

Yellowtail Inn on Grassy Key has a special deal. Check in on a Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday and pay for two nights and get the third night FREE. Valid from Sept.1 through Dec. 20, 2002. Exceptions are holidays and special events. Call (305) 743-8400, 1-800-605-7475 or visit www.yellowtailinn.c om.

LOWER KEYS

FUNYET Charters Fishing and Diving, mile marker 28.5 on Little Torch Key, is offering a 10 percent discount on second day conceutive full-day charters. Offer good for any day during 2002. Call 1-800- 413-2048, (305) 872-3407 or visit www.funyetcharters.com.

***

Little Palm Island on Little Torch Key offers suites with no telephones, televisions or alarm clocks. Now they're making airport experiences as effortless as possible by returning guests' luggage via FedEx at no additional charge. This amenity is available on a complimentary basis when guests reserve rooms at the resort's rack rates. Call (305) 872-2524, 1-800-3-GET-LOST or visit www.littlepalmis land.com.

KEY WEST

From Jan. 6 - 17, the Andrews Inn, Zero Whalton Lane, is offering 25% off on all accommodations. For more information, call 1-888-263-7393 or visit www.andrewsinn.com.

***

Bananas Foster Bed & Breakfast, 537 Caroline Street, is offering two specials. All guests now receive complimentary beach passes to one of Key West's premier resorts. A 10 percent discount on three midweek nights is available Sunday through Thursday, Jan. 1-31. For more information call 1-800-653-4888, (305) 294-9061 or visit www.bananasfoster.com.

***

Blue Marlin Motel, 1320 Simonton St, is offering a New Year's Special, from Dec. 28 - 31, stay any two nights at $199 per night. (Up to four people at no additional charge.) Includes continental breakfast. Also, mention the Keys Web site Winter Internet Special, Jan. 1 to Feb. 28, and receive 20% off regular rate. Excludes President's Weekend. Call (305) 294-2585 for more information.

***

Casa Key West, 811 Washington St., is offering a 10 percent discount for a four-night or more stay. Or, book a seven-night stay and receive a free upgrade. Valid Jan. 2-Feb. 1. Call 1-800-248-3033, (305) 296-1141 or visit www.casakeywest.com.

***

Chelsea House and Red Rooster Inn are currently offering a special rate of $117 for standard rooms and $129 for deluxe rooms. Rates are valid for entire month of January 2002. Parking and continental breakfast included. Call 1-800-845-8859, (305) 296-2211 or visit www.chelseahousekw.com.

***

Starting Jan. 1, El Patio Motel in Key West is to offer a special rate of $89 per night based on double occupancy, excluding holidays and special events. This rate is available any time except holidays and special events. Call (305) 296-6531 or visit www.elpatiomotel.com .

***

Valid Jan. 2 thru March 15, 2002, the Fairfield Inn Key West by Marriott, 2400 N. Roosevelt Blvd., is offering a rate of $99 plus tax per night, Sunday thru Thursday, on standard rooms (King or 2 Doubles). Continental breakfast included. Reservations must be made directly through the hotel. Call (305) 296-5700.

***

At the Frances Street Bottle Inn, 535 Frances St, stay four nights or more and receive a 10 percent discount off room rates valid thru February 2002. Plus complimentary and discount coupons to select Key West attactions. Subject to availability. Blackout dates: National holidays and Feb. 14th - 19th. For details, call 1-800 294-8530, (305) 294-8530 or visit www.bottleinn.com.

***

Grand Key Resort in Key West is offering the "Stay and Play Special," effective Jan. 1 ? Feb. 8, (based on two participants in a double occupancy room), for $585 per couple this 4 days, 3 nights package includes, a Classic Room with choice of king or two queen beds, 18 holes of golf at Key West Golf Course, a Rees Jones Championship Course, for two people with a golf cart (tee times after 2 pm) and two Grand Key Resort golf caps. Price includes all tax and gratuities. Ask for the Key West Golf Course Stay and Play Package. Call (305) 293-1818, 1-888-310-1540 or visit www.grandkeyresort .com and www.keywestgolf.com.

***

Valid Jan. 3 thru April 30, Heron House, 512 Simonton St., is offering 20 percent off published rates for Deluxe Garden Rooms and Garden Terrace Jr suites. Three night minimum stay required, double occupancy only, based upon availability. Call 1-800-294-1644 or visit www.heronhouse.com.

***

Island City House Hotel, 411 William Street, is offering 25 percent off current rates with a three-night minimum. Does not apply to previous reservations. Offer available Jan. 3 thru 17. For more information call 1-800-634-8230, (305) 294-5702 or visit www.islandcityhouse.com.

***

Members of the Key West Attractions Association are offering fall midweek specials now through December. Visitors to the Southernmost City in the Continental United States can save on hotels, watersports, museums, tours and fishing. Guests will find a complete listing of all discounts being offered by visiting the association's Web site at www.keywestatt ractions.org.

***

Key West Bed and Breakfast, 415 William Street, is offering a 10 percent discount off 5 nights or more. Valid Jan. 2 thru Dec. 22, excluding holidays and special events. Call (305) 296-7274, 1-800-438-6155 or visit www.keywestbandb.com .

***

Lazy Lane Cottages in Old Town Key West is offering a special nightly rate for two people of $165 plus tax, two night minimum, for stays completed by Feb. 1, 2002. Each one-bedroom unit has a private Jacuzzi along with king-size bed, living room, fully equipped kitchen and on-site parking. Barbecue, lounge deck, beach passes, beach chairs and towels also are included. Call (305) 292-1935, 1-877-413-5299 or visit www.keywest .com/lazylane.html.

***

The Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships in Key West is offering a 10 percent discount on any of their morning, afternoon, sunset and dinner voyages. Guests step aboard traditional schooners for exciting sailing trips in and around the Key West harbor area. The discount is available on the full adult rate, and can not be used in conjunction with other offers. Call (305) 292-0332, or visit www.libertyfleet.com .

***

Valid thru March, Sunday thru Thursday only, the Lightbourn Inn, 907 Truman Ave., has package specials at discounted rates for 2, 3, 4 and 5 nights. Call (305) 296-5152, 1-800-352-6011 or visit www.lightbourn.com .

***

At the Nassau House in Key West, stay 5 nights and ask for a 10 percent discount. Offer valid Jan. 2 - April 27. Call 1-800-296-8513 or visit www.NassauHouse.com .

***

Ocean Breeze Inn in Old Town Key West is offering a 20 percent discount off standard rates with a three-night minimum through Dec. 20. This discount is not available on weekends, holidays or during special events. Call (305) 296-2829, 1-877-879-2362 or visit www.oceanbreezeinn .com.

***

Key West's Ocean Key Resort offers a two-night Mile Marker Getaway that includes a $30 gift certificate to Key West's Southernmost Texaco for gas refill and an audio book of "Naked Came the Manatee," featuring a dozen of Florida's literati including Elmore Leonard, Carl Hiassen, John Dufresne and Edna Buchanan. Valid through Jan. 31, 2002, the Mile Marker Getaway is $390, double occupancy. Rate does not include tax or service and is subject to availability, special events and holidays not included. For more information or reservations call 1-800-328-9815 or visit www.oceankey.com.

***

Old Customs House Inn in Key West is offering three nights at the regular rate and the fourth night is free. Subject to availability. Regular rates are for a suite, which accommodates four people, $159.95 per night, or for a studio, which accommodates two people, $109.95 per night. Call (305) 294-8507, 1-800-958-7101 or visit www.keywest .com/customhs.html.

***

Pier House Resort and Caribbean Spa in Key West is offering an array of fall and winter packages. Based on three-night stays and including all taxes, each package includes two 25-minute therapeutic massages, fresh juice each morning and a breakfast gift certificate. The "Sunset Sail" and "Morning Snorkeling at the Reef" are $109 per person per night, with two reservations per package for a snorkel or sunset sail; "Flats Fishing" offers a private charter to the backcounty for a half-day of fishing with a professional guide at $154 per person per night; and the "Resort Dive" has you scuba diving in just one day for $139 per person per night with two resort dive courses per package. Call (305) 296-4600, 1-800-327-8340 or visit www.pierhouse.com.

***

Seascape Tropical Inn and Cottages in Key West is offering the following special: 15 percent off any midweek stay (Sunday - Thursday) from Jan. 6 -24. There is a three night minimum stay requirement and is subject to availability. Call 1-800-765-6438 or visit www.seascapet ropicalinn.com.

***

Sheraton Suites Key West offers a "Suite Deal in Paradise" for $129 per suite per night. Includes breakfast for two, free shuttle downtown and 15 percent off jet ski tours. Ask for the "relax" rate. Call (305) 292-9800, 1-800-45-BEACH or visit www.sheratonkeywe st.com.

***

Westwinds Inn, located in Key West's historic seaport district, is offering a 15 percent discount on all rooms, every day, now through Dec. 23, excluding special events. Rates start as low as $60 for a full bed, $70 for a queen or two twin beds, $85 for a king and $100 for a suite. All rooms have private baths and include continental breakfast. Call (305) 296-4440, 1-800-788-4140 or visit www.westwindskey west.com.

***

Both Whispers Victorian B and Archer House Suites in Key West are offering fall "Stars & Stripes" specials for $75 per night. Whispers' package includes a full gourmet breakfast every morning, complimentary passes to a private beach and health club, hot tub, sundeck and pool, back garden and great old town location. Archer House suites include a full kitchen with dishwasher, stove, oven and microwave. Each has a TV, VCR, stereo, private verandah, air conditioning, ceiling fans and a variety of bedroom/bathroom combinations. Restrictions apply for both properties. Not valid if booked through a booking service, and normal minimum stays may apply. The fall package special offers a suite for $99 for up to four people and $110 for five or six people. The "Stars & Stripes" special must be mentioned during the reservations process. For Whispers, call (305) 294-5969, 1-800-856-7444 or visit www.whispersbb.com , and for Archer House Suite, call (305) 292-0900, 1-877-295-0900 or visit www.archerhouse suites.com.

***

Wyndham Key West Resorts are offering fall rates through Dec. 20. At Wyndham Casa Marina Resort, $139 per person, double occupancy, includes daily breakfast for two. Call (305) 296-3535, 1-800-626-0777 or visit www.casamarinak eywest.com. At Wyndham Reach Resort, $129 per person, double occupancy, includes daily breakfast for two. Call (305) 296-5000, 1-800-626-0777 or visit www.reachresort.com.

EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK

Flamingo Lodge, Marina & Outpost Resort in the Everglades National Park introduces "Spirit of the Everglades." Once reserved only for frequent visitors, this special is extended to all guests. Lodge room rates are $69 per day, Sundays through Thursdays, Jan. 6-25, Based on single or double occupancy, with advance reservations required. Call (941) 695-3101, 1-800-600-3813 or visit www.flamingolodge.com.

The Christ of the Deep statute is a popular dive
attraction off Key Largo. Photo by Steve Frink/Florida
Keys TDC

The Christ of the Deep statute is a popular dive attraction off Key Largo. Photo by Steve Frink/Florida Keys TDC

Islamorada is noted as the Sportfishing Capital of the
World. Photo by Andy Newman/Florida Keys TDC

Islamorada is noted as the Sportfishing Capital of the World. Photo by Andy Newman/Florida Keys TDC

The Seven Mile Bridge near Marathon is the largest of
43 bridges that comprise the Overseas Highway. Photo by
Andy Newman/Florida Keys TDC

The Seven Mile Bridge near Marathon is the largest of 43 bridges that comprise the Overseas Highway. Photo by Andy Newman/Florida Keys TDC

Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys feature a variety of
camping opportunities. Photo by Bill Keogh/Florida Keys
TD

Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys feature a variety of camping opportunities. Photo by Bill Keogh/Florida Keys TD

The Key West Art & History Museum at the historic
Custom House is the island's newest museum. Photo by
Andy Newman/Florida Keys TDC

The Key West Art & History Museum at the historic Custom House is the island's newest museum. Photo by Andy Newman/Florida Keys TDC

Close
Close