Fairfield Inn & Suites Key West

Located on Key West, the Fairfield Inn & Suites isn't a resort, but it will do its best to trick you into thinking so. The exterior of the hotel boasts a huge, meringue-colored Keys-style veranda, with ceiling fans and plenty of seating. Inside, the lobby is modern and outfitted with generic earth-tone furnishings and artwork. Outdoors is far more impressive, featuring a pool area with lovely cabanas and a tiki bar, not to mention lots of palm trees and seashell-shaped fountains. The property sees a mix of families, couples, and groups of friends looking for an affordable base to explore the Keys. 

Fairfield Inn & Suites is located along a main highway, near a strip mall. The location isn't the main draw, rather it's a good base for explorations around Key West and to other islands along the chain. A few restaurants are around the hotel (a Starbucks is practically across the street), but it's better to head away from the immediate surroundings for dining. The two most popular beaches, South and Smathers -- what most come for-- are six- to 10-minute drives across the island.

A hop-on-hop-off trolley stops outside the hotel, though this is more for touristic use than actual transportation -- a car will still be the best bet. Most of the restaurants can be found within a 10-minute drive away in the downtown area of Key West. For those looking for nightlife, the popular Duval Street is an eight-minute drive away in the center of the old town. Also in that downtown area is the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, while a bit farther north is a shipwreck museum and maritime museum. Key West International Airport is nine minutes away by car. On-site parking is free.

Rooms were renovated in 2014 to a contemporary, design of wood floors, dark-wood furniture with white accents, and white bed linens, plus a touch of tropical turquoise in accent walls. The overall look is pleasant, if simple, but many rooms are tight on space. Certain Standard Rooms lack balconies, though some rooms with outdoor spaces overlook the side of a building. Notable, however, are that all rooms come with microwaves and mini-fridges, as well as flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi. Suites are much larger and have separate living areas with sofas. Bathrooms have showers or shower/tub combos, as well as toiletries and hairdryers. Safes are only available in the hotel lobby. Note that some guests have complained of noise both from road traffic and neighboring rooms. Most guests agree the best rooms are those that face inward toward the courtyard. 

This property is no resort, but it's not an average Fairfield Inn either. The property has an excellent outdoor swimming pool with lots of palm trees, loungers, and cabanas, plus seashell-shaped fountains scattered around the edges. An adjacent tiki bar offers poolside drinks and snacks. The free breakfast is typical hot continental fare -- think waffles, yogurt, cereal, and sausage patties. Breakfast is served in an open-air area and poolside terrace, which can be uncomfortably hot in the summertime. A small 24-hour gym is clean and has adequate, modern equipment. Guests can purchase snacks, toiletries, and non-alcoholic drinks at an on-site mini-mart, and self-service laundry is available for a nominal fee per load. There's also a moped rental desk in the hotel. Wi-Fi is free throughout.