We were apprehensive about this hotel after reading many reviews! Looking closer though it seemed like the worst reviews were from several years ago. I'd say based on the older reviews and the newer ones (giving a much higher rating) I'd say the hotel has undergone some major changes...through renovations, updating and possibly in management. The property is directly beside the Key West International Airport (which I don't think is very large). But other than some sporadic flights throughout the day, we heard nothing once inside our rooms. Initially we were given a very large room with a sofa area, small refrigerator & microwave. While the room was nice, we decided we'd like to be poolside in a room with a screened in balcony. When inquiring, we were advised the poolside rooms were an additional $20/night. We said not a problem. Then they said they decided to wave the additional fee! The free continental breakfast was slightly more than some continentals. There was the homemade waffle machine and plenty of fresh fruit (oranges, bananas, apples). The office had free coffee 24/7, free newspapers & free wi-fi. There were also 2 computers in the lobby area to use free of charge. The pool was huge (and NOT salt as one review had stated. Perhaps bromine is used rather than chlorine because there was no detectable odor to the water & it was very clean)...and the grounds around the pool were beautifully landscaped. At poolside was the Cheekie Hut with drinks/food for purchase. It would have been nice I think if the pool was open later than 8pm. Apparently the Keys aren't really known for their beaches (as I did not know previously) as the islands are on top of coral; but the ocean was directly across the street and there were lots of wide sidewalks, bicycle rentals (delivered to the hotel) for $15/1st day, $10/day subsequent. Overall we were very pleased with the Key Ambassador Resort Inn and would definitely return!

Upon driving in to the hotel complex I questioned my decision to stay here. From the outside the place doesn't look that impressive, very 50's motel.

I check in for 3 nights and receive a room on the lower ground. My room was supposed to have habour views. Well it did have water views but I had to stand very close to the window whilst standing up. I wouldn't call this habour view. Anyway, I didn't bother to complain as we didn't plan on spending too much time in our room. The room itself was huge. With a very comfortable King size bed, couch, table with two chairs, TV, Microwave and fridge. The walls were a bit thin, during one night our neighbours were very noisy we could hear everything.

The pool area was nice and I spent many hours there. The water is also heated in winter. There is a bar selling snacks and drinks.

Yes, there are planes going past but it didn't bother us. I actually enjoyed watching the various planes taking off.

Outside the hotel there is a nice walk along the ocean. It was great for early morning walks and to watch the sunset.

Downtown Key west, including Duval street is not very far by car. It took us 5-10 minutes to drive and parking was not an issue. There is also a beach within 2-3 minutes drive.

Breakfast was standard continental breakfast with fruit, pastries, bread, waffle, yoghurt, tea, coffee, juice. The only bad thing about breakfast time was the size of the room, there were a small number of tables. If you turn up for breakfast at 9am expect to wait for a table.

Overall our stay was pleasant. Key West is an expensive place, especially in January, this place was good value for money.

We spent 4 days here in early Dec. 2011. The room was huge,with a screened porch. The view from the porch was not any thing to write home about but it was comfortable. Breakfast was in my building a few steps away. It was ample for my wife and me. We did not use the pool but it was there and available. Being an plane buff this was also a plus as the KW airport was behind us and NAS KW also beside. I could watch all the activity. One of the best kept secrets of KW is the beach, a stones throw away. KW is 2x4 so even though you are at the eastern end it is still only 15 miniutes from Mallory Square. Want more breakfast choice Dennys and IHOP are just over on North Roosevelt.
Mike & Madeleine Casselman ON

Decided to go to Key West for New Years following house hunting trip further up the coast. Picked this hotel as it seemed the best value, especially in the height of the season and as Best Westerns usually always offer good value for the money. Didn't know what to expect as I had read some of the previous reviews here. We were very pleasantly surprised; I had requested an ocean view room, when we checked in we were offered choice of first or second floor. We chose second floor (be aware there is no elevator, but the steps are not bad); when we walked into our room we were stunned by the view! Room was large, clean and just delightful; sitting on the balcony having coffee and watching the sunrise was wonderful. The staff was very, very friendly and helpful; everyone from the front desk to the bar attendents at the "Cheekie Hut" by the pool. Pool area teriffic (yes, there are the white ibis walking around, but that adds to the fun). Downsides are the airport right next door, but as previously mentioned, not an issue at night. Also, the ocean view rooms do face S. Roosevelt Blvd, so you do have some traffic noise. We took either cab or bus into town; a little inconvenient but it was New Years weekend. Short drive/medium walk to nice beach area. Would definitely come back!