Key West is no doubt an expensive island to stay on, and Key West Bayside Inn & Suites prides itself on being one of the cheaper options. However, this comes at a cost: Many areas of the hotel are dingy and dated, and occasionally there are cleanliness and maintenance issues. For some, however, it fits the bill for an affordable stay within a 10- to 15-minute drive of all Key West attractions. The exterior is pleasant enough with pale-yellow stucco not uncommon in the Keys, while the lobby has a dark-green and yellow color scheme and palm tree accents. Outside, the well-maintained pool is the true gem of the property, though most guests spend their time on nearby beaches or visiting the downtown area. 

Located off a busy main road bordering the ocean, Key West Bayside Inn & Suites is conveniently close to the island's airport (an eight-minute drive) but away from the center of the island where top attractions are, including Duval Street, the Harry S. Truman Little White House, and Mallory Square (all 10 to 15 minutes by car). Guests without cars should plan to take taxis to and from the center or rent bicycles (the property can have them delivered within an hour). Smathers Beach is a quick six-minute drive away, while Higgs Beach is 10 minutes and the popular Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park beach is 15 minutes.

Key West Bayside Inn & Suites offers mostly pleasant, though certainly dated, rooms with a Florida vibe. The design consists of dark patterned carpeting, a mix of white- or light-wood furniture, white walls, and old-fashioned curtains. Framed artwork of palm trees or island scenes decorate the walls. Expect to see some cleanliness and/or maintenance issues, from rust in the bathrooms to drapes hanging off their hooks. Standard Rooms are a bit cramped, with small windows (some that face the outdoor hallway) and no mini-fridges. All rooms do come with free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, coffeemakers, and flat-screen TVs. Bathrooms have a shower-tub and toiletries but are windowless. Because these rooms are on the first floor, road noise can be a problem for light sleepers.

Suites offer much more space and furnished balconies with ocean views. En-suite kitchens have a good amount of cooking equipment, but oddly, the cabinets lack doors. In-unit washer/dryers are convenient, as are living rooms with sofa beds. Note that dining tables are on the terraces. 

The hotel goes a step above its two-pearl rating with an outdoor swimming pool and adjacent in-ground hot tub. The well-maintained pool is bordered by palm trees and has a lift for those with reduced mobility. Guests are also likely to spot a few (friendly) iguanas hanging around the plentiful sun loungers. All rates include a continental breakfast, plus there's a sundries shop on-site selling snacks, ice cream, and cold drinks. Parking and Wi-Fi are free, but the signal is patchy throughout the property.