Key West resorts aren’t exactly cheap; even the cheapest are triple-digits a night. So while Key West may not be a cheap place to stay, you still don’t need to pay more than you have to. Here are some tips for getting the best price you can when planning your Florida Keys vacation.

First, consider the time of year. Between the beginning of May and through to about Thanksgiving is the “low” season in the Florida Keys. Partly because it’s hot and humid, partly because the risk (small, but there) of hurricanes, partly because the tourists are crowding Orlando then. But Summer is a great time to find a Key West resort bargain.

There’s one caveat — don’t try to book a resort stay the last Thursday/Friday/Saturday in July — it’s lobster mini-season. And lobster mini-season means that hotels, motels and resorts all up and down the Keys will be packed to the gills (so to speak).

Next, find out if there are either price breaks for booking online - or - check out some of the places like TripAdvisor that get the prices for you all in one place (and you’d be surprised at the differences sometimes).

Also check and see if the resorts have special packages. It might be that they have a package that overall looks like it costs more — until you see all that you get. Then it can many times be a cost savings.

Some of the big Key West resorts make you pay for parking, and it doesn’t tend to be cheap. Granted, it’s a small island and space is at a premium, but if you plan to drive down — ask if you have to pay to park.

How far away are you from the Old Town and Duval Street? Usually the farther away from the Old Town area, the less expensive it becomes, but not always. And you have to weigh the hassle of driving your car around in the crazy Keys traffic against being able to walk to the major tourist areas.

Consider a B&B or inn instead of a resort. There are many small inns that give you a good amount of privacy, plus a nice amount of TLC.

Here are some Key West resorts that you might want to consider, when planning your Florida Keys vacation.