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The Mermaid & Alligator

Property class: 3.5
A relaxing pool oasis just steps from Key West's famous Duval Street, with attentive staff ready to enhance the island experience

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Photo gallery for The Mermaid & Alligator

A room with a bed, a ceiling fan, and a window with blinds. - The Mermaid & Alligator (Key West)
A spacious kitchen with wooden cabinets, a granite countertop, and a ceiling fan. - The Mermaid & Alligator (Key West)
A poolside area with lounge chairs, a covered seating area, and a small pool. - The Mermaid & Alligator (Key West)
A room with a yellow armchair, a glass coffee table, and a view of a wooden deck and tropical plants. - The Mermaid & Alligator (Key West)
A cozy outdoor seating area with a wooden bench and a table, surrounded by potted plants and a coffee and tea sign. - The Mermaid & Alligator (Key West)
The Mermaid & Alligator offers a charming Key West retreat, walking distance to Duval Street. Enjoy a full breakfast, outdoor pool, nearby Hemingway Home, in-room WiFi, and concierge services for a seamless island stay.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Housekeeping

Room options

View all photos for Key Lime Room - Adult Exclusive

A hotel room with a bed, a dresser, a nightstand, and a window with curtains.

Key Lime Room - Adult Exclusive

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(12 reviews)
  • 15 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Papaya Room - Adult Exclusive

A four-poster bed with a floral bedspread, a canopy, and a nightstand with a lamp.

Papaya Room - Adult Exclusive

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(5 reviews)
  • 15 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Garden Room - Adult Exclusive

A four-poster bed with a floral bedspread, a ceiling fan, and a view of the outdoors through a window with curtains.

Garden Room - Adult Exclusive

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(9 reviews)
  • 16 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Sunroom - Adult Exclusive

A room with a bed, a chair, a lamp, and a ceiling fan.

Sunroom - Adult Exclusive

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(17 reviews)
  • 16 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Audubon Room - Adult Exclusive

A bedroom with a large bed, a chair, a desk, and a ceiling fan.

Audubon Room - Adult Exclusive

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(9 reviews)
  • 20 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

Old Town Key West, a neighborhood in Key West, is home to The Mermaid & Alligator. Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum and Southernmost Point are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Florida Keys Beaches and Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. Ready for a night out? Consider The Key West Theater and Sloppy Joe's Bar. Visit our Key West travel guide
View more Guest Houses in Key West
Map
729 Truman Ave, Key West, FL, 33040

What's nearby

  • A street with a pharmacy, a theater, and a yellow building.
    Duval Street
    5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • A two-story colonial-style building with a balcony, surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees.
    Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
    8 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • A lighthouse with a white exterior and a black top, surrounded by lush green trees.
    Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters Museum
    8 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • A beach with people sunbathing, palm trees, and a multi-story building in the background.
    South Beach
    9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • A colorful monument with text indicating it is the Southernmost Point of the Continental U.S.A. in Key West, Florida.
    Southernmost Point
    11 min walk - 0.6 miles

Getting around

  • Key West Intl. Airport (EYW)
    8 min drive

Restaurants

  • Circle K
    7 min walk
  • Sandy's Café
    8 min walk
  • Cuban Coffee Queen (Duval)
    9 min walk
  • Dions Truman & White
    7 min walk
  • 801 Bourbon Bar
    8 min walk

Similar properties

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  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, 1,383 reviews
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices)
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Offsite parking available (USD 48 per day)
  • Free self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available
  • Onsite parking includes off-street options

Food and drink

  • Free full breakfast available daily 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM

Things to do

  • Outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Proposal/romance packages

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Pool loungers

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

More

  • 2 buildings
  • 3 floors
  • Built in 1904
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Victorian architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 6:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children younger than 21 are not allowed at this adults-only property; all guests 21 and older are welcome

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Deposit: USD 1 per accommodation, per stay

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Nearby parking fee: USD 48 per day

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Minimum Spring Break check-in age is 25 years old
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Guests under 21 years old are not permitted at this adults-only property

Frequently asked questions

Does The Mermaid & Alligator have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is The Mermaid & Alligator pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at The Mermaid & Alligator?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at The Mermaid & Alligator?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Mermaid & Alligator located?

Located in Old Town Key West, this guesthouse is within a 10-minute walk of Saint Mary Star of the Sea, Duval Street, and Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. Florida Keys Beaches and Southernmost Point are also within 15 minutes.

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

The Mermaid & Alligator Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

9.8

Cleanliness

9.6

Amenities

9.8

Staff & service

9.6

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 266 out of 311 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 32 out of 311 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 11 out of 311 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 311 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 311 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ashlea

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was wonderful!!!! We enjoyed our stay and will definitely be back!! So clean, comfortable, inviting, and the staff was amazing!!! Also the breakfast and coffee was delicious!!!! Book here NOW!!!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Laura Lee

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful B&B in Old Town. Choice of hot or continental breakfast — or both! Staff were friendly and helpful. Our Garden room was fantastic. If we make it back to Key West, we will stay again.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kat

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room, great staff love the breakfast and pop, coffee etc
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

marie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The breakfast was delicious freshly made specials each morning. The pool is more of an oversized hot tub than a cool pool but it was relaxing anyway.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Chris

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was beautiful and an oasis. Staff were great. Food was delicious. Had everything that we needed, beach towels, beach chairs and beach umbrella. Room was clean. Pool was nice and warm. Would highly recommend this B & B for your place to stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Courteous staff, excellent b’fasts
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lisa anne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Location is perfect
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Randy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The house and rooms are very clean. The property is awesome, and close too everything in old key west. We are going to make the mermaid and alligator a yearly trip from now on. It is a wonderful property.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

nancy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The overall feeling is comfy friendly and private There are shared spaces that are never crowded The property is small but beautifully planted The staff incredible!!!! I truly hope we can come again
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Anette

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
From the very warm welcome by the reception staff we felt almost home. The room was very tastefully decorated, functional and clean. The highlight is truly the courtyard where you can have breakfast outside under the canopy of beautiful lush tropical plants or just relax at the pool. Breakfast is delicious including fresh fruit, fresh pancakes etc. when you are done with the tourist buzz in the rest of key west this is a very special retreat, quiet, shade / cooler and relaxing! Would highly recommend!!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Mateo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Property had several areas to relax.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Meg

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent Staff SUPER CLEAN Breakfast was AWESOME, Welcoming WOULD STAY HERE AGAIN.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

KATHERINE

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Charming and spotless room, beautiful gardens for breakfast, heated jetted pool was lovely after a long day of walking...and everything in downtown KW is within walking distance. 100% would stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Danielle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property and friendly staff!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Joe

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The whole experience was excellent. From checking in to checking out the staff was wonderful. The property was like walking into a comforting, soothing world. I would highly recommend this b and b for a great vacation spot.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Santiago

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property with great staff
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Frank

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was very clean, and bed was comfortable. house and grounds were perfectly curated and set up to relax and enjoy the perfect weather. Staff were all nice and helpful. Breakfast and happy hour were great and the available snacks / drinks were a welcomed treat.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent very clean great breakfast
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ashley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful grounds and wonderful staff!! Would absolutely stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Very Clean,Quiet and Confy
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Craig

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The furnishings were nice and the breakfast amazing. Staff is wonderful and a beautiful location.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Stacey Ann

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property! Tranquil and private
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Such a beautiful place. The staff was wonderful and the breakfast was amazing. Great location with scooter rentals just down the road.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Maureen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lovely property and great staff. Diana made us feel at home and we definitely will recommend this property.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice stay—convenient to walk to everything. Lovely grounds and well kept room.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024