Hotel Overview
Great stay, definately will return
Upon arrival to the hotel, we were greeted by very friendly staff who were very welcoming and...
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Guitar Girl
- May 7, 2012
Great location
The location was close to the heart of key west but the place was very small and parking was rather...
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George ti
- Mar 1, 2012
Classic Key West guesthouse offers quiet escape at heart of Old Town
A classic Key West hotel, the Merlin Guesthouse offers casual lodging on a private, walled compound just one block from famous Duval Street. Centrally located in the Historic District, the hotel sits within easy walking distance of many Key West attractions, including the restaurants, shopping, and nightlife of Duval Street and the Mallory Square sunset celebration. Merlin Guesthouse offers a range of suites, cottages, and basic guestrooms, and the private, walled compound features tropical gardens, a heated pool and daily continental breakfast.Highlights
- Quiet rooms at the heart of downtown Key West
- Complimentary continental breakfast
- Wi-Fi access (free) in courtyard
Rooms
The Merlin Guesthouse boasts 20 rooms, suites and cottages spread among the original rooming house rooms and several newer buildings. Basic guest rooms feature long, island-style porches and come equipped with queen-size, four-poster beds, while the king suites have larger beds and extra space. One- and two-bedroom cottages accommodate up to four people in king and queen beds, and they feature kitchenettes or wet bars. In-room amenities include cable TVs, hair dryers and alarm clocks.Features
The Merlin Guesthouse in Key West holds a two-diamond rating from AAA. The main building, built in 1930, once housed Navy personnel house before transforming into a gambling house, a bordello, and now a quaint hotel with loads of character. Within the walled, shaded courtyard, guests can escape from the lively atmosphere of downtown Key West. A splash pool sits among the gardens. And in the courtyard guests can find hammocks, receive a complimentary continental breakfast each morning and stay connected with free Wi-Fi access.Transportation
- Key West International Airport (3.3 mi/5.3 km)
- Miami International Airport (161 mi/257.6 km)
Attractions
- Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum (0.3 mi/0.5 km)
- Key West Lighthouse Museum (0.3 mi/0.5 km)
- Harry S. Truman Little White House (0.8 mi/1.3 km)
- Mallory Square (0.9 mi/1.4 km)
- Fort Zachary Taylor (1.2 mi/1.9 km)
- Smathers Beach (2.4 mi/3.8 km)
Business
- Wi-Fi access (free) in courtyard
Merlin Guesthouse Rooms
- Suite 1 King Bed
- King Suites offer a romantic setting with a spacious room, a king-size four-poster bed, and sitting area. All suites also include a small refrigerator, private bath with shower, security safe, air conditioning, cable TV, Bahama fan, daily breakfast, and n
- 2 Bedroom Cottage
- 2 Bedroom cottage with Queen bed livingroom cable TV wetbar with frig coffee blender sink private patio 1 bath with shower N/S Children welcome in existing bedding. Max 4 persons.
- 1 Bedroom Cottage
- Cottage Suite: private bedroom with king bed; livingroom with queen sleeper sofa; kitchenette; bathroom with shower; non-smoking unit. Children welcome in existing bedding. Maximum 4 persons.
- Standard 1 Queen Bed
- One of the best values in Key West, and breakfast is included. Queen-size bed, private bath with shower, hardwood floor, bahama fan, a/c, cable tv, and security safe. These rooms are cozy and rustic, and perfect for two. Non-smoking, adults only. Merlin G
Hotel Map
- Nearby airports
- EYW - Key West Airport, (EYW), 4.00, MI, E;
- Area description
- City Center
Dining
- Restaurant / Dining Information
- On-Site Dining: Complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning, under the courtyard arbor, from 8:30am to 10:30am. Selections include fresh brewed coffee, orange juice, croissants, bagels and cream cheese, english muffins with butter and ja
Hotel Policies
- Check-in:
- 03:00 PM
- Check-out:
- 12:00 PM
Terms and conditions
Rates quoted in currencies other than the hotel's base currency are subject to the rate of the international exchange. Rate may change throughout stay. Rate may reflect average nightly rate. Extra charges may apply. Incidental charges, such as room service, are not included in the rate.
The amenities and/or facilities may not be located at the hotel, but within a reasonable distance, and additional charges may apply for use.
Guest Reviews (61)
Ratings and reviews for Merlin Guesthouse
- All travelers (61) 3.9 / 5
- Couples (45) 4 / 5
- Families (5) 3.8 / 5
- Friends (5) 4 / 5
- Singles (5) 3 / 5
- L.G.B.T. (1) 4 / 5
- Amenities:
- 3.5
- Room cleanliness:
- 4.2
- Hotel staff:
- 4.4
- Room comfort:
- 3.9
- Location:
- 4.4
- Value:
- 3.9
85%
would recommend to a friend.
- Most recent
- Highest score
- Lowest score
Reviewer score
Would recommend
Guitar Girl
Great stay, definately will return
Upon arrival to the hotel, we were greeted by very friendly staff who were very welcoming and helpful in suggesting places to eat, sight see, night life, etc. We were also welcomed by two friendly cats and a chicken who occupy the property and it gave you the instant laid back feeling. We arrived a few hours before check in and were allowed to safely keep our luggage in the main office and were notified by phone call when our room was ready...which was much sooner than we expected. Our room was perfect. Very clean and spacious. The decor was very calm and relaxing and the amenities were very accomidating to our needs. The pool was small, but we really didnt spend much time there. We were given a coupon for a sister hotel of the Merlin where they had a bigger pool and we enjoyed 2 for 1 cocktails one afternoon. The continental breakfast was basic and enough to give us the energy to start our adventures for the day. Overall, we had no complaints and definatly plan to stay here again. This was our first trip to Key West, and everything was perfect. You cannot beat how close it is to Duval St without any noise!! We will be back!!
Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
- Amenities:
- 4
- Room cleanliness:
- 4
- Hotel staff:
- 4
- Room comfort:
- 4
- Location:
- 4
- Value:
- 4
Reviewer score
Would recommend
HappyTraveler85
Beautiful Hotel
This is one amazing hotel. The only downfall, which we didn't know until we got there, there is not parking lot. You have to park on the street which is very scarce itself. Basically, you have to park your vehicle when you find a spot and leave it there until you are checking out to leave otherwise you may not find a spot again. The good news is that everything is pretty much in walking distance. The longest distance you may have to walk (one way) would be a mile to a mile and a half. You are also able to rent bikes to get you around. To be honest, you don't really want to be driving around any way...it's very hectic with the amount of bikes and foot traffic any way. Also, if you drive, parking at it's cheapest in areas was $5.00 for a couple hours. So it made more sense to walk any way. The rooms were smaller, but still comfortable. The continental breakfast was healthy and the pool was amazing.
Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
- Amenities:
- 3
- Room cleanliness:
- 4
- Hotel staff:
- 5
- Room comfort:
- 4
- Location:
- 4
- Value:
- 4
Entertainment tip:
Short walk from hotel
The tourist area is a short walk down the street. You will find a ton of restaurants and shopping as well as activities. Also...this hotel is located one block from Duval St.
Reviewer score
Would recommend
Randy108
Great First Time to Key West
The hotel was great. We arrived a little early and our room wasn't ready yet, so the gentleman in the office told us that we were welcome to use the pool if we liked until the room was ready. After a short walk we went back and sat by the pool. The gentleman in the office kepy us updated on the preperation of our room and kept checking to see if we needed anything. He kept apologizing that the room was not ready, even though we were 2hrs early. Thats how great the staff was! They informed us that the pool was only open till 8:00pm, but we were able to use it as long as we wanted to. After walking around town all day , we went back and got in the pool around 9:00pm. It was very relaxing without any kids. The rooms were clean,breakfast was good and the staff was friendly. Cant wait to go stay there again!
Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
- Amenities:
- 4
- Room cleanliness:
- 5
- Hotel staff:
- 5
- Room comfort:
- 4
- Location:
- 5
- Value:
- 4
Dining tip:
Short walk from hotel
Eat at B.O's fish market. Best fish sandwiches and key lime kool-aid.
Reviewer score
Would recommend
George ti
Great location
The location was close to the heart of key west but the place was very small and parking was rather tough.
Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
- Amenities:
- 3
- Room cleanliness:
- 4
- Hotel staff:
- 3
- Room comfort:
- 3
- Location:
- 4
- Value:
- 4
Reviewer score
Would recommend
RAYMED
Great Weekend
The check-in process couldn't have been easier, we got there after the office was closed. They have a number to call and they give you your room number and how to get in. Next morning, I went to the office and finished the check-in process which it took literally 3 minutes. Great staff, free service, free wi-fi, heated pool and only 2 blocks from Duval Street. Once you park at the Bed and Breakfast, you can seriously forget about driving and trying to find parking in Key West.
Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
- Amenities:
- 3
- Room cleanliness:
- 4
- Hotel staff:
- 4
- Room comfort:
- 4
- Location:
- 4
- Value:
- 3
Reviewer score
Would recommend
Wanders
Great location from Duval street fun
My only complaint for this B&B was the strong musty smell of the room. Not sure why they still have carpet in tropical locations. It holds the humidity and was dirty.
Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
- Amenities:
- 4
- Room cleanliness:
- 3
- Hotel staff:
- 5
- Room comfort:
- 5
- Location:
- 5
- Value:
- 3
Reviewer score
Would recommend
Modelo
Great mid-Winter escape
Friendly, courteous staff. Basic accomodations without a lot of frills, but very clean and comfortable. The location is excellent - justy one block off Duval Street, and centrally located within walking distance to all of Old Town. Everyone we talked with who was staying there was very satisfied with their choice. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the Merlin to our friends.
Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
- Amenities:
- 4
- Room cleanliness:
- 5
- Hotel staff:
- 5
- Room comfort:
- 4
- Location:
- 5
- Value:
- 5
Reviewer score
Would recommend
RandR
Magic of the Merlin Guest House, Key West
We stayed 4 nights in the Merlin. FANTASTIC! Staff was very accomodating, and personal. Everything in Key West was within easy travel distance, and Continental breakfast was "just right" to start the day. Key West's heritage was well represented here.
Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
- Amenities:
- 4
- Room cleanliness:
- 5
- Hotel staff:
- 5
- Room comfort:
- 4
- Location:
- 5
- Value:
- 5
Sightseeing tip:
Short walk from hotel
Take the Pedicabs whenever possible. Never more than 10 minutes from anywhere you want to go.
Reviewer score
Would recommend
Chris Armbrister
Treat Yourself to a Great Getaway!
My wife and I needed a couple of days R-n-R, which is exactly what we got at Merlin Guesthouse. It was a great location 1 block from Duval which was perfect...close enough to walk and not worry above driving back after a couple of drinks.
Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
- Amenities:
- 4
- Room cleanliness:
- 4
- Hotel staff:
- 5
- Room comfort:
- 5
- Location:
- 5
- Value:
- 3
Entertainment tip:
Short walk from hotel
The beach at the end of Duval street...the beach chair/umbrella guys are the best.
Reviewer score
Would recommend
Kcjenbilly
Great weekend, didn't want to leave.
The Merlin Guest house was a very warm, and welcoming inn. We had problems with our flights and the Merlin Guest House was very understanding about our day late arrival and were even able to extend our stay for a day when we experienced problems with our return flight. The room, #14, was next to the office just off the pool. It was quiet with the exception of hearing the credit card machine occasionally beep when a transaction was taking place, which was only a couple of times. The bed was comfortable and the room was clean. The morning continental breakfast was perfect to get our day going. The other guests were quiet and respectful of those around them. Duval St. was a 2 minute walk from the inn, far enough away from the noise so when we were ready to sleep we were not disturbed. We can't wait to return.
Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
- Amenities:
- 3
- Room cleanliness:
- 4
- Hotel staff:
- 5
- Room comfort:
- 4
- Location:
- 4
- Value:
- 5
Entertainment tip:
Short walk from hotel
You couldn't park closer. Yet the Merlin Guest house is tucked away and quiet.
