The Best Way To Find Affordable Lodging On Your Trip To Key West, Florida

Key West is one of those places that occupies a special place in the American imagination. Known for its white sand beaches, colorful houses, glorious sunsets, laid-back atmosphere, and bars a-plenty, this southernmost point in the continental United States has long been a refuge for writers, artists, and others looking to get away from it all. While visitors flock to this little piece of paradise to soak up sunshine — along with the little island's unique blend of American and Caribbean cultures — in recent years, the price for accommodations has soared.

The many charms that you'll find in Key West don't come cheap, and the town has some of the highest room rates in the U.S. Space is limited in the Florida Keys, so it's just not possible to build a slew of new hotels to keep up with demand. The scarcity of property means that a night spent there can be very hard on the wallet, indeed.

That said, you can visit Key West on a budget. While certainly not a low-cost destination, this city has ways to ease the sting once it comes time to book a room. If you're willing to make a few concessions when it comes to room size or even consider sharing a space, you can spend a few carefree days in this American tropical gem and maybe even come back home with a few dollars in your pocket.

When considering budget accommodations in Key West, look no further than the Seashell Motel & Key West Hostel. Situated in historic Old Town, this has long been the go-to spot for those trying to stretch a buck. The Seashell offers simple, private rooms for around $200-300 and hostel bunk beds (with privacy curtains) in dormitories that will set you back $69. Another option is Leo's Campground, which has RV spots for under a hundred bucks and private rooms for two starting at $189. The only drawback is that it's a bit out of town, so you'll have to jump on a bus to get into the action.

Key West is most hopping in the winter, when refugees from the frigid north arrive in droves to bask in the warm, plentiful sunshine. This is also when prices are highest, so you can save on your hotel by sometimes up to 50% when visiting in the off-season — especially April-November, though you may risk braving a hurricane in the fall.

You can also use discounts and points to save on your room rate. Many of the big hotels — such as Hilton and Hyatt — have properties in Key West where you can book using points accrued on your credit card. Members of AAA can also get discounts at one of several AAA Diamond hotels located in Key West, along with savings at restaurants. So, you may want to look into joining if you haven't already.

Some visitors don't even bother with hotels and book bed and breakfasts instead. These historic old wooden houses radiate down-home charm and can save you money, especially if you stay in the off-season. There are several good ones located in Old Town. Consider options like Garden House, the Victorian La Pensione, and The Duval House, which features spacious balconies overlooking the street.

Another possibility is to sleep on a houseboat. There are many available through sites such as VRBO and Airbnb that could offer a unique experience while saving you money. Keep in mind that the quality, cleanliness, and size of the boats can vary greatly, so make sure to do your homework to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

There is also the option of not staying in Key West at all but just coming in for the day. There are plenty of cheaper options on keys north of town, including Sugarloaf Lodge, which sits in the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge just 15 miles from Key West. Other possibilities include Parmer's Resort on Little Torch Key and the Looe Key Reef Resort, a complex situated 25 miles out of town that specializes in snorkeling and diving trips. For more ways to get the most for your money, check out these free activities in Key West. Travelers willing to forego planes can also pinch pennies with these alternatives to flying to Key West.