$129 Avg/night
Rate based on Check-in: Jul 16, 2013 Check-out: Jul 18, 2013

Merlin Guesthouse

3 stars
811 Simonton Street, Key West, FL 33040
Hotel Overview
Reviewer score
4.0
out of 5
88 reviews
Perfect Spot!

Our stay at Merlin Guesthouse was amazing. The staff there were nothing short of friendly and... See full review

  • ACTSE
  • Mar 19, 2013
Near everything, clean, friendly staff and very helpful!

Everything iand said into the title...Awesome! Can't wait to go back. Everything is modern yet... See full review

  • Bri mar
  • Feb 10, 2013
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

Amenities

  • FREE breakfast
  • Wireless internet
Dining
FREE breakfast
Services
Security
Internet
Wireless internet
Room
Telephone

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Hotel Map

24.5534 -81.799
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.

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Guest Reviews (88)

Ratings and reviews for Merlin Guesthouse

Overall score

4 / 5
88 out of 88
Amenities:
3.6
Room cleanliness:
4.3
Hotel staff:
4.4
Room comfort:
3.9
Location:
4.5
Value:
3.9

86% would recommend to a friend.

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Review this hotel
Review of Merlin Guesthouse

Reviewer score

5
CamieQ
Palm Bay, FL
Oct 15, 2012

Nice place to relax

This is the best location, central so you can walk from one end to the other very easily. You can get to the Southern most point and then turn around and walk down Duval to all of the interesting bars and shops. Loved it

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
5
Dining tip: Short walk from hotel

Check out Better than Se- a dessert restaurant just up the block, great food and atmosphere

Review of Merlin Guesthouse

Reviewer score

4
LDKrieg
Norman, OK
May 11, 2013

Wonderful Week

We stayed at the Merlin and could not have been more pleased. It was only a block from Duval Street, very accessible to all the activities on the island but yet, it was quiet. The staff could not have been more helpful. Will stay there again.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
5
Review of Merlin Guesthouse

Reviewer score

2
Colorado BAK
Boulder, CO
May 4, 2013

Very uncomfortable bed

Merlin guesthouse has a great location. You can walk anywhere. There is no parking but once you find a place on the street you don't need to drive again as long as you're in Key West. The little pool and courtyard are charming. The facility is clean - amenities very basic but fine. However, the bed (Unit #12) was TERRIBLE. Springs were sprung, horribly uncomfortable. My husband and I both suffered sore backs and barely slept. For the price we paid that was unacceptable. I am not very picky about beds, but this was ridiculous. The breakfast was also pretty skimpy. I would not stay there again.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
3
Hotel staff:
3
Room comfort:
1
Location:
4
Value:
2
Review of Merlin Guesthouse

Reviewer score

4
BetoLu
Brazil
May 2, 2013

Perfect for a weekend

Extremely friendly staff at a nice B&B. Key West is quite expensive, so is this hotel. Very cozy and clean. Great choice for a nice weekend (w/o children).

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
4
Location:
5
Value:
3
Review of Merlin Guesthouse

Reviewer score

4
Rosemarie and Marc
Discovery Bay, CA
May 1, 2013

Great location.

Had a great time at the Merlin Guest House. Great location. Everything within walking distance. Great staff, especially, Jordan the cat. The room was clean (small), but it was fine. The grounds were very charming. Although the pool was small, it was warm and had jets like a spa. Would definitely go back.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
3
Location:
5
Value:
4
Review of Merlin Guesthouse

Reviewer score

4
09fxdc
Manchester, MD
Apr 12, 2013

Nice place, good location

The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. The room was rather small, but was also very clean,. The bed was extremely comfortable, slept very well here. I felf very safe here. Great location, close to many of the sites, but far enough away for quiet sleeping. No closet to hang clothes, but there were plenty of dresser drawers and wall hooks with sturdy hangers.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
5
Location:
4
Value:
4
Nightlife tip: Short walk from hotel

Duval Street and the fishing piers are within a reasonable walking distance.

Review of Merlin Guesthouse

Reviewer score

3
Superdean
Miami , fl
Apr 1, 2013

Real good place

For the time it was as good as it gets. The room was nit and clean. Very close to shops and restaurants. Dint find problem parking. It was a grate place to stay.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
4
Location:
4
Value:
4
Review of Merlin Guesthouse

Reviewer score

5
ACTSE
Orlando, FL
Mar 19, 2013

Perfect Spot!

Our stay at Merlin Guesthouse was amazing. The staff there were nothing short of friendly and accommodating. They went above and beyond to make our stay enjoyable and helped us with locating places. This place is located a street behind Duval, which makes it in great walking distance. They have a salt water pool, which is great for the skin. Their breakfast in the morning has a vast selection. I would definitely stay here again!

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
5
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
5
Review of Merlin Guesthouse

Reviewer score

5
Bri mar
Sarasota, fl
Feb 10, 2013

Near everything, clean, friendly staff and very helpful!

Everything iand said into the title...Awesome! Can't wait to go back. Everything is modern yet beachy, really clean and laid back, great atmosphere!

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
5
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
5
Entertainment tip: Short drive from hotel

Barefoot Billys Jet Ski's. Great price! 2 hour tour for $99the per jet ski-super fun and free shuttle!

Review of Merlin Guesthouse

Reviewer score

5
XJ Jenn
Michigan
Jan 31, 2013

Perfect oasis

This was the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the great weather and surroundings... Walking distance from most Key West has to offer!!! Staff was very informative!!! I almost didn't chose to stay here because according to the travel site they don't accept Discover Card and yet they in fact do!!! I'm glad I stayed here and definitely would come again!!!

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
4
Location:
5
Value:
5
Dining tip: Short walk from hotel

El Siboney for great Cuban food... Eaton Street Market for a casual seafood lunch and Ana's Cuban Café for breakfast or lunch on the go!!

Review of Merlin Guesthouse

Reviewer score

4
Wannabnative
Stuart, Florida
Jan 28, 2013

Our First Stay

Room could have been a little bigger, mattress a little better but since you dont spend a lot of time in the room one cant complain too much. I loved the ambience and tropical feel even in January. Jennifer the check in girl was awesome. She helped us find a close parking space and helped us to our room. She deserves a raise. Would I do it again....you bet I would. And I will be back in 6 months.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
2
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
3
Location:
4
Value:
3
Nightlife tip: Short walk from hotel

Stay close to Duval...its worth the money.

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