The Mermaid & Alligator

3.5 star property
Adults-only guesthouse with an outdoor pool and free breakfast

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Mermaid & Alligator

Audubon Room - Adult Exclusive | Terrace/patio
Exterior
Interior
Exterior
Audubon Room - Adult Exclusive | In-room safe, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

View in a map
729 Truman Ave, Key West, FL, 33040
  • Place, Duval Street
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Southernmost Point
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Airport, Key West, FL (EYW-Key West Intl.)
    ‪11 min drive‬

Room options

Key Lime Room - Adult Exclusive

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(12 reviews)
  • 166 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Papaya Room - Adult Exclusive

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(5 reviews)
  • 166 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Garden Room - Adult Exclusive

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(9 reviews)
  • 175 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Sunroom - Adult Exclusive

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(15 reviews)
  • 170 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Audubon Room - Adult Exclusive

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(7 reviews)
  • 212 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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About the neighborhood

Key West

Located in Old Town Key West, The Mermaid & Alligator is within a 10-minute walk of popular sights such as Duval Street and Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. This 9-room, 3.5-star guesthouse welcomes guests with free breakfast, an outdoor pool, and free in-room WiFi.

What's nearby

  • Duval Street - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum - 8 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • South Beach - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Southernmost Point - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Old Town Tavern - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Circle K - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪El Siboney Restaurant - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Viva Argentinian Steakhouse - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Ocean Grill & Bar - ‬7 min walk

About this property

The Mermaid & Alligator

Adults-only guesthouse with an outdoor pool and free breakfast
Dating back to 1904, The Mermaid & Alligator offers an outdoor pool, free WiFi in public areas, and a garden. Free parking is included with your stay. Front-desk staff can assist with concierge services and luggage storage.
Guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Bathrooms offer hair dryers and bathrobes. Ceiling fans, safes, and ironing boards are also standard. Housekeeping is available on request.
Recreational amenities at the guesthouse include an outdoor pool.

Similar properties

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

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • 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

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children younger than 21 are not permitted to stay at this adults-only property (only guests 21 and older are allowed)

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • Deposit: USD 1 per accommodation, per stay

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

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
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 21
The front desk is available during limited hours. Driving? This property offers free parking, along with a car charging station.

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 credit card for incidental charges and 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.
  • The minimum check-in age for Spring Break is 25 years old.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.

Property is also known as

The Mermaid Alligator
The Mermaid & Alligator Key West
The Mermaid & Alligator Guesthouse
The Mermaid & Alligator Guesthouse Key West

Frequently asked questions

Is a free cancellation option available at The Mermaid & Alligator?

The Mermaid & Alligator offers free cancellation on select room rates. If you'd like to learn more, take a look at the cancellation policy on our site.

What's there to see close to The Mermaid & Alligator?

This guesthouse is situated in Old Town Key West within a 10-minute walk of Duval Street and Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. You'll also find Florida Keys Beaches and South Beach less than a mile away.

Is there parking available at The Mermaid & Alligator?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the guesthouse. Accessible parking and electric car charging are also available for guests.

Does The Mermaid & Alligator feature a casino?

No, The Mermaid & Alligator doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at The Mermaid & Alligator?

No, this guesthouse doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool.

Is The Mermaid & Alligator a good place to stay for couples?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this adults-only guesthouse include bathrobes as well as an outdoor pool and proposal/romance packages.

Are there hot tubs at The Mermaid & Alligator?

No, this guesthouse doesn't have a spa tub.

Does The Mermaid & Alligator feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

The Mermaid & Alligator offers free full breakfasts each morning though there is no restaurant.

Does The Mermaid & Alligator allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at The Mermaid & Alligator though service animals are welcome.

Does The Mermaid & Alligator have connecting rooms?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this guesthouse.

What is the closest airport to The Mermaid & Alligator?

The closest major airport to The Mermaid & Alligator is Key West Intl. Airport (EYW), which is 3.3 mi away (8 minutes by car).

Can I book a room with a balcony at The Mermaid & Alligator?

No, there aren't any accommodations with balconies at The Mermaid & Alligator.

The Mermaid & Alligator Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 245 out of 285 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 30 out of 285 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 8 out of 285 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 285 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 285 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Josh

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

William, Tavernier

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
There should be more of the normal hotel amenities such as a microwave or a tv or a mini fridge in the rooms. Some rooms the AC was noisy.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mateo

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

10/10 Excellent

Joe

Traveled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

Chelsea

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christina

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really loved my stay at The Mermaid & Alligator! The property is beautiful and in a very convenient location — easy to walk or bike to just about everything. You can even rent bikes from the property. The hot breakfast every morning was amazing, and I appreciated having snacks and drinks available all day. The only small downside was that the room I was in, the Sun room, was pretty small, but the balcony was awesome and made up for it. Finally, the staff were all super kind and friendly. Overall, a great stay and I’d definitely come back!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pamela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Really cute & clean place. The gardens are beautiful! Very friendly staff & guests. Great walkable location. Amazing breakfast! Will definitely stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

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

10/10 Excellent

Alejandro

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful small and just right
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
LOVED our stay here. Beautiful setting and room. Very relaxing and enjoyed every moment. Wonderful staff. Añelka was very kind and helpful and made the BEST breakfasts! 🌺
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Wendy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property is a beautiful oasis and the staff kind and accommodating. Good location if if you don't mind walking a little and easy to get Uber if preferred. Breakfasts were exceptional and our room/mini-cottage was beautiful! I highly recommend this property and hope to be back on our next visit.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

jessica

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Todd

Traveled with group, Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing staff!! Nice foliage and so cool to see wild iguanas daily at this property! Quiet, laid back vibe.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rockwell, New York

Traveled with partner
Liked: Amenities
Mermaid & Alligator is a lovely guest house..a real gem..well maintained:furnished/delightfully decorated/curated & comfortable..our ground floor beautiful “garden bedroom”which had doors that opened onto several “cul de sac-like” garden seating, a dipping jacuzzi-like pool& fountains ..each area providing quietude..great to just read Hemingway (😊) or… ..yet the home is also walking distance from the Hemingway House, Duval Street & Seaport shops…
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

gloria

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Magical, place to stay. The patio area was so peaceful, I fell asleep in the chair. We felt like we were the only ones there.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very nice
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stacey

Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Absolutely loved staying here and are already looking at dates to come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the property, great breakfast and amenities. Rooms could really use tvs to keep up on weather or local events happening. I'm not a big TV person but do enjoy watching local news and world news and weather. Like to do it in privacy.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stacey Ann

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

10/10 Excellent

John Floyd, Plantation

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was incredible. The location is perfectly located in Old Town. It’s quiet. The breakfast was great. Wonderful experience and my wife and I will certainly be back.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

William, Tavernier

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It is a beautiful property. I was disappointed that the rooms have no TV, Microwave or Mini-refrigerator. Those seem like standard things in even a cheap hotel. And this was not cheap.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

Shawn

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Meg

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