Located in Old Town Key West, this apartment is next to popular attractions like Duval Street and Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. The apartment includes a kitchen, a balcony, and a refrigerator.
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
South Beach - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
Southernmost Point - 8 min walk - 0.4 miles
Mallory Square - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile
Getting around
Key West Intl. Airport (EYW) - 12 min drive
Restaurants
801 Bourbon Bar - 5 min walk
Moondog Cafe & Bakery - 3 min walk
Old Town Tavern Key West - 3 min walk
Rum Bar at the Speakeasy Inn - 3 min walk
Banana Cafe - 5 min walk
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire apartment to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Charming, colorful two-story apartment with two balconies - walk everywhere
Mermaid's Retreat
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Welcome to Julia Whitehead Guest Suites! Built in the 1890s on the site of what had been a small provisions and butcher shop, this charming building has a rich and captivating history. In the 1930s, while Hemingway was living a few houses down, it was home to a popular Cuban bodega. From the1980s through the turn of this century, potter Charles Pearson created ceramic masterpieces which are still collected today. If you keep a watchful eye, you will find some of his ceramic fish adorning buildings and homes in the neighborhood still.
Its current guardians have spent nearly a decade painstakingly bringing the building back to life, with three one-bedroom apartments, and hosting Dog Tired Studio gallery up front as the proud face of the building. Julia Whitehead, the patron mermaid of the building, has been keeping an eye over this landmark since she first surfaced here in the 1800s, and she invites you to come and live like a local, just steps from Duval, in the shadow of the lighthouse.
Here, at Mermaid’s Retreat, you’ll find a beautifully updated space, with colorful, eclectic decor and abundant natural light. Balconies off both the living room and bedroom upstairs are ideal for languid afternoons with a good book and some sweet tea, while the comfortable living room is a cozy hideout for a quiet evening spent watching TV or using the free WiFi to scroll social media. The full kitchen holds everything you need to whip up meals and snacks. When bedtime calls, head upstairs to drift off in your serene Key West sanctuary.
THINGS TO KNOW A booklet inside the apartment features the full story of Julia Whitehead Guest Suites.
Parking notes: Street parking is available on a first-come-first-serve basis; parking is not guaranteed.
Please note: this home resides in a noise-sensitive area and the owners participate in our Good Neighbor protection program. Our smart home technology will alert our team if excessive decibel or occupancy levels are detected, allowing us to reach out directly with a reminder of maximum occupancy and quiet hours. This technology is privacy compliant, and only monitors the presence of decibels and devices-not any personal conversation or information. Thank you for supporting our efforts to be good neighbors!
Damage waiver: The total cost of your reservation for this Property includes a nightly damage waiver fee, plus tax if applicable (the “Damage Waiver”). (A discount may be applied for stays of 28 nights or longer, if permitted.) The Damage Waiver covers you for up to $3,000 of accidental damage to the Property or its contents (such as furniture, fixtures, and appliances) as long as you report the incident to the host prior to checking out. The Damage Waiver fee eliminates the need for a traditional security deposit. More information can be downloaded from the "Rental Agreement" on the checkout page.
Due to local laws or HOA requirements, guests must be at least 25 years of age to book. Guests under 25 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for the duration of the reservation.
The apartment is air-conditioned and features a kitchen, 1.5 bathrooms, and a balcony, and there's space to spread out with a separate bedroom. Other standard amenities include a coffee maker and an ironing board.
Property manager
Vacasa of Florida
Languages
English, French, German, Italian, Spanish
Similar properties
Charming, updated home near Duval St. with enclosed patio & walkable location
Charming, updated home near Duval St. with enclosed patio & walkable location
Note from host: Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the premises.
Services and conveniences
Concierge services
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
In the city center
Near a hospital
Near the sea
Things to do
Water park
Birdwatching nearby
Cycling nearby
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Jet skiing nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Parasailing nearby
Sailing nearby
Scuba diving nearby
Snorkeling nearby
Swimming nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Winery tours nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
General
Unit size: 500 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 25
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Pets
This property doesn't allow pets
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit 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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 25
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.
Property is also known as
100168
Frequently asked questions
What's there to see around this apartment?
This apartment is situated in Old Town Key West, just steps from Duval Street and Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, and within a short walk of Florida Keys Beaches. You'll also find Southernmost Point and South Beach less than a mile away.
Is parking available on site at this apartment?
No, there isn't parking at this apartment.
Is this apartment next to a casino?
No, this apartment is not connected to a casino.
Is there an indoor pool at this apartment?
No, there is no indoor pool at this apartment.
What do couples enjoy most about Charming, colorful two-story apartment with two balconies - walk everywhere?
Couples staying at this apartment will value amenities like a kitchen, kitchens in some apartments, as well as concierge services.
Does Charming, colorful two-story apartment with two balconies - walk everywhere have a hot tub?
No, there isn't a spa tub at this apartment.
Does this apartment offer breakfast?
No, this apartment doesn't offer breakfast.
Does this apartment allow pets to stay free of charge?
No, pets aren't allowed at this apartment.
How close is the airport from this apartment?
The closest major airport to this apartment is Key West Intl. Airport (EYW), which is 3.6 mi away (12 minutes by car).
Are there rooms with balconies at Charming, colorful two-story apartment with two balconies - walk everywhere?
Yes, every apartment at Charming, colorful two-story apartment with two balconies - walk everywhere comes with a balcony.
Charming, colorful two-story apartment with two balconies - walk everywhere Reviews
Reviews
8.6
Excellent
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 7 out of 11 reviews
10 - Excellent
7
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 11 reviews
8 - Good
1
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 11 reviews
6 - Okay
2
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 11 reviews
4 - Poor
1
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 11 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
9.4/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Lindsey H.
Jul 3, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Great place one block from the quiet end of Duvall!
This was our first time staying in Key West so we really were not sure where to stay. This was the perfect location near all the fun on Duvall but very quiet location! Perfect for any couple!!! Everything was clean with easy check in and check out.
Lindsey H.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Perry R.
Jan 17, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Perry R.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Cheryl M.
Nov 11, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect for 25th anniversary
Cheryl M.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Leah M.
Oct 25, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Great condo, great location
We had a great time staying at this adorable place. The unit is super cute. It is walking or biking distance from all the action on the island. However, since it is 1 block from Duval Street, it stays quiet over there. We had a great time on our trip and would definitely stay here again.
Leah M.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Jamie S.
Aug 9, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Great for vacation
This property was clean and a great location for Key West, within walking distance of most attractions.
Jamie S.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023
4/10 Poor
Bradley C.
Jul 22, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
bad experience
spent over a hour looking for a place to park so finally sat in front of building to see if a spot would open up on street and finally one did 1 1/2 hours later a car left so I pulled in and was told do not leave spot by someone there take ubers or lyft wherever you go as impossible to find parking, ended up getting ticketed and spoke with vacasa and they just sorry tough luck but when I originally called was told no free parking just find a place around unit never said park at risk will get ticketed, no tv in bedroom was not good as was hot got back to room wanted to cool off and relax but no tv, the pull out couch mattress was so thin metal came through and so bent up was low in middle making it hard to get out of, air in upper bedroom did not work good so very hot trying to sleep and to hot outside to open windows or doors, unless healthy and young the walk up to unit was on thin very steep stairs and hard to get suitcase up, again same problem as bedroom was another set of stairs up living area with same type of stairs thin and step. slipped trying to get down bedroom steps a couple of times as slippery small wood so be careful and hold handrail tightly , I never leave reviews but was not real happy with this place, love key west been there many times but would not use this place again or recommend to anyone I know unit was clean and updated but not user friendly too bad as decent location
Bradley C.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Sandra K.
Feb 13, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Great location
Great location to enjoy Key West. Comfortable amenities. Outdoor porches and outdoor living a big plus.
Sandra K.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
6/10 Okay
Tom W., Angola IN
Sep 9, 2023
Toms stay
Several shortcomings. Will chose alternative location for next trip.