THE GOOD:
The Radisson has complimentary WiFi, free parking, Sleep Number beds with adjustable firmness levels, and fitted sheets with top bedding not tucked in so you don't unmake the bed when you climb in. Rooms were clean, and adequately lighted. The carpet appeared in good condition although the edge against the sink area tile was frayed. Like half of the rooms, ours faced the highway and had a great sea view. The remaining rooms may have an interesting island view.
THE BAD:
The bed is made with a heavy comforter, but no blanket. The Radisson management was apparently struck by some fit of imagination causing them to believe that visitors to a city where the coldest winter temperature seldom dips below 65° F needs to sleep under a heavy comforter. Guests so inclined can trade the comforter for lighter blankets and make their own bed.
The hotel is as far away from anything of interest on the island as is geographically possible. It is a small island, but most would find it too far to walk to any point of interest.
THE UGLY:
The Radisson is built in the old motel style, with the room's entrance and its only window facing the exterior veranda affording a distinct lack of privacy when the curtains are open. The below-the-window air conditioner has a self contained thermostat and controls with a noisy fan that runs constantly. The small bath features a miniature toilet which looks like it would be more comfortable in an RV.
THE WEIRD:
The concierge desk is actually a timeshare solicitation booth for Hyatt Windward Pointe timeshares. Against our better judgment, we agreed to attend a sales session (it was a windy, rainy day), and for our 2 hours we listened to a low pressure sales pitch. In compensation, received $150 in gift certificates, which we redeemed for a very fine dinner at A & B Lobster House. (No, we did not buy a timeshare.)
The timeshare pitchman told us that our hotel was scheduled for demolition in June to make way for a convention center. The reception desk later confirmed that the hotel had been scheduled for demolition in June, but the date had been postponed to January, 2009. All things considered, demolition did not seem like such a bad plan to us.
WHAT IT COST:
We got this fine room for a bid $160/room/night on priceline.com, which was on the very low end for room rates in Key West in season.














