The Keys

Local Update:

The Southernmost on the Beach Hotel in Key West recently wrapped up a multimillion-dollar expansion and now offers 127 rooms, each with a private balcony, flat-screen TV and new décor.

The 220-room Beachside Resort & Conference Center in Key West was converted to the Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel last December.

The 74-room Parrot Key Resort opened last September in downtown Key West, offering one-, two- and three-bedroom cottages with gourmet kitchens; a pool; a tiki bar, and 1,500 square feet of event space.

The Key Largo Grande Resort & Beach Club, a Hilton Resort, last year finished a $12 million revamp. All 200 guest rooms and the lobby were redone, and meeting space increased to approximately 17,000 square feet.

This spring, the Westin Key West Resort & Marina renovated its 178 guest rooms, public space and Bistro 245.

The 150-room Reach Resort and the 311-room Casa Marina Resort & Beach Club, both in Key West, have joined the Waldorf Astoria Collection. The Casa Marina underwent a $44 million revamp in 2008, adding a spa, the Strip House restaurant and a new pool. The Reach Resort also was renovated last year.

The 118-room Hyatt Key West Resort and Spa has been inducted into the Florida Green Lodging Program, a first for Key West. Last year, the property underwent an $11 million renovation, during which various recycling and conservation programs were implemented.

hotels img Meeting Hotels: Properties in Key West (mile markers 0-8) include the 311-room Casa Marina Resort, 180-room Sheraton Suites Key West, 178-room Westin Key Resort & Marina, 150-room Reach Resort, 142-room Pier House Resort & Caribbean Spa, 118-room Hyatt Key West Resort and Spa, 114-room Islander Resort and 100-room Ocean Key Resort & Spa.

In Marathon (mile markers 40 to 65) is the 87-room Tranquility Bay Beach House Resort. In nearby Duck Key is the 402-unit Hawk's Cay Resort.

In Islamorada (mile markers 66 to 88) is the 259-room Cheeca Lodge & Spa.

In Key Largo (mile markers 89 to 110) are the 320-room Ocean Reef Club, 200-room Key Large Grande Resort & Beach Club, 153-room Marriott Key Largo Bay Resort and 100-room Doubletree Key Largo Resort at Manatee Bay

Airport Transit: Key West International Airport, approximately three miles east of downtown Key West. Transfer cost by taxi, about $7.50

Taxes: Room tax 5%; sales tax, 7.5%; total tax on hotel rooms, 12.5%

Group Venue: In March, Jimmy Johnson's Big Chill at Fisherman's Cove in Key Largo celebrated a grand reopening under the new management of the namesake two-time Super Bowl champion. Amid displays of memorabilia from Johnson's winning seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins, a variety of spaces can be used for events, such as the bar area, which holds from 50 to 70 people for a reception or 42 for a sit-down dinner. Buffets can be set up outside as well. (305) 453-9066; thebigchillkeylargo.com