OK, after seeing all these awesome shots from this years event i want to plan early for it next year.
What are some good places to stay at without spending major $$ and with out staying next to something we do not want to be

We stay at the Westin. With tax it ends up being about $525 a night.
I feel it is worth it because it is in the middle of everything. Best view for the races, walking distance to Duval and the Poker Run Marina, and about a 10 minute walk to the pits. There are cheaper places but you can't beat the location and convenience.
Great time again this year. Going back in 08!!!!

Hes right about the Westin. Stayed there myself. Nothing fancy but a decent clean room close to it all. Very pricey for what the room is but the location is worth it.

CasaMaria Resort

The Westin is very nice $2200 4days. We checked out monday and walked to The Pier House and reserved a room with a corner balcony for next year. The Pier House address is #1 Duval Street, need I say more.

Depends on what you want and if you are bringing a boat.I stayed about 15 miles out of Key West at sugar loaf inn $105.00 a night and they have a ramp and a marina.Next year I will stay in Key west so I can get trashed and walk home.

thanks, but $525 a night is beyond my range.
Last time i stayed in KW was 1997 and paid $125 a night.
I cannot fathom that the cost has more then doubled from then.
Southernmost Inn i believe is where I stayed,
Not bringing the boat, not worth the trip from MN unless I can sleep on the boat

We stayed @ the Key Lime this year. For $200 a night it wasn't bad. We stayed at the El Rancho last year. It was El cheap, but it was a place to lay my head & wash my dirty ass, so it worked fine. Water pressure in the shower was less than I could pee & while sitting on my throne, I could touch all 4 walls, including the one in the shower.
Just a thought....I'm bringing my boat.

I guess you did find your way to the eastern end of Duval Street.

There were some in my group that went to Aqua. I chose to go home & throw up.
What I didn't understand was you dropping your wallet every 5 foot, bending over & taking a reeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaalllllllllllyyy long time to pick it up?