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Key West

Key West--New Year's Eve 2005

by PlumChum9

A December 2004 travel journal

Last Updated: September 7, 2005

Journal Usefulness Rating 2 out of 5
Journal Usefulness Rating
9
Reviews

Key West was a great place to ring in 2005, especially after seeing it on CNN in 2004! Sheraton Suites was the way to go.

It is great for people-watching, strolling, shopping, and bar-hopping. There were lots of out-of-the-way treasures to be found on the side streets.

Quick Tips:

We didn't rent a vehicle, as the Sheraton had shuttles every half-hour to/from the hotel to the square. We always got reservations early in the week to special events/occasions.

Best Way To Get Around:

Walking and the hotel shuttle was all we needed, except on New Year’s Eve. Taxis were plentiful if you remembered to bring a phone number. Renting an electric golf cart would be the next fun thing we'd try.
We had a spacious suite with a kitchen/living room area, large bedroom, and L-shaped bathroom, which also was large. The fridge had to be converted from a drink cooler to a regular, small fridge. They didn't give us the extra charge for it. It is located directly across Smathers Beach and has a shuttle on the hour to/from downtown. Everyone was very nice.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by PlumChum9 on September 7, 2005

Sheraton Suites Key West
2001 S ROOSEVELT BLVD Key West, Florida 33040
305-292-9800

Alice's at La Te Da

Restaurant

There are so many bars and restaurants that we made a point to not go anywhere twice to eat, drink, or snack. Alice's was our special New Year's Eve dinner before the show. Their presentation was unique and service was above par.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by PlumChum9 on September 7, 2005

La Te Da
1125 Duval St. Key West, Florida 33040
(877) 528-3320

Crabby Dick's

Restaurant

They have a great lunch menu, and we had a coupon for $10 off, which was very generous. There are also great food portions and great ambience, service, and value. At night it's hopping, and with a balcony view, prime for people-watching.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by PlumChum9 on September 7, 2005

Crabby Dick's
712 Duval St Key West, Florida 33040
(305) 294-7229

This was our first afternoon meal out from the hotel. It was the day after Christmas, so there was still a wonderful holiday ambience. It was our first opportunity to relax and unwind. It was smaller than I thought it would be. Get there early if you want to hangout and people-watch. They have great local music at night.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by PlumChum9 on September 7, 2005

Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville
500 Duval St. Key West, Florida 33040
(305) 292-1435

Hard Rock Cafe

Restaurant

It was great, one of the best for people-watching right on Duval. The food is, well, it's Hard Rock, with burgers and fries. As busy as it was, service was prompt and the servers were great. It would be a shame to miss the Hard Rock souvenir hut on the way out.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by PlumChum9 on September 7, 2005

Hard Rock Cafe
313 Duval Street Key West, Florida 33040
(305) 293-0230

Grand

Restaurant

Reservations are recommended for night. We had a great lunch there, and it is directly across from the Hard Rock. I couldn't believe how casual they were. We were welcomed to sit, relax, people-watch, and enjoy our meal. We never felt rushed. Taking a seat outside was the best for people-watching.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by PlumChum9 on September 7, 2005

Grand Cafe Key West
314 Duval Street Key West, Florida 33040
(305) 292-4740

Sloppy Joe's

Restaurant

It was the best visual bar. You didn't mind the wait, which wasn't very long. They had the best drinks in all of Key West. I had the Conch Balls, or something like that. They were good, but I would order something else. This is definitely not the place for a quiet, relaxing time.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by PlumChum9 on September 7, 2005

Sloppy Joe's
201 Duval Street Key West, Florida 33040
(305) 294-5717

New Year's 2005

Experience

It was a little cool, but that meant a windbreaker over your T-shirt. Shorts and sandals were fine. The days were spent people-watching and shopping. Mallory Square was okay, but the best spot on the dock was right next to the guy with the bagpipes. It was a great week. English is spoken and prices weren't exorbitant. It has everything, from low to high budget. On New Year's there were three great places to celebrate, so you had to choose one early and stay in that area.

About the Writer

PlumChum9
PlumChum9
Hollis, New Hampshire

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