At this time of year, a place to stay is going to boil down to wherever you can find a reservation, which may difficult so close to your departure date. This is high season down there.

It depends on what you are into. For me personally I would not make Key West my destination in the Keys. Don't get me wrong, there is a reasonable amount of things to do, but mostly it is a drinking party fest. There are lots of bars. Bars are only fun to a certain point. My favorite thing to do is the half day waverunner tours. If you can, hire a boat for the day. To get the most out of Key West you must get out on the water. You can find tourist group boat rides that are okay otherwise plan to spend $$$$$.

Agree with WB on the near impossibility of finding a room at such a short notice in season. The only option left might be an Airbnb marina docked sailboat.

Forgot to say that if you do go, the one thing I would definitely do is a trip to Ft. Jefferson. I've never been myself but have always wanted to go and everyone I know who has has loved it.

Thank you for your help. If we book soon we can get a room at the Sheraton. Drawback is the expense for flight and rooms. Deciding if going to a new place to experience something different is worth the cost. I read about the Fort and would really want to see it.

Second the suggestion to go out to see Dry Tortugas/Ft Jefferson. It's an incredible structure way out in the Gulf and the snorkeling and sea life is abundant and beautiful. You can go by catamaran ferry or if you've got the bucks I'd recommend going by seaplane because you will be flying over some amazing shoals. That's Mel Fisher treasure hunting territory :).

If you don't mind a bit of honky-tonk you can go see some of what he found in town at the Mel Fisher maritime museum. Also check out a tour of Hemingway's house which is fascinating, and if you are a history buff you might want to see the Truman Little White House; it's not a National Park Service site but interesting. Speaking of history, you can also tour Fort Zachary Taylor then enjoy the beach at the state park there.

Tons of restaurants, some of which are superb and some of which are just colorful and touristy--but if you're a tourist in high season in Key West why not?!

Sounds wonderful. Thank you.

I just want to add that temps in Key West at the end of January can surprise you. I was there in February once and it was windy and cool. The average high is 74 degrees, which sounds lovely, but it is not ideal swimming weather, if that's what you have in mind. The average water temp is 69 degrees.

Dinner at Blue Heaven is my favorite in Key West!

We have never been either and would like to visit someday, too! Have fun.

I went with friends a few years ago. I loved it -- though the "strip" is kinda crazy at night. We had great meals, a nice long bike ride exploring the area, and relaxation by the pool (in March). We stayed at a hotel that overlooked the water but not on a beach -- it was right on the edge of downtown so we could walk to everything but the hotel itself was quiet. We were only there for 3 nights.

If you're brave, visit the rooftop bar at the Garden of Eden. ;)

I second Blue Heaven.

Hemingway's home is fun to visit. Especially if you like cats.

Garden of Eden?! We spent some time there years ago. I don't think I'd visit now that every single person has a camera in their phone! Lol

Amj, first let me say that we kept all our clothes on. Second, I took my phone out for a second and the doorman/bouncer was on me instantly. They are watching people like hawks up there.