The Mermaid & Alligator

Adults-only guesthouse with free breakfast and an outdoor pool

Choose dates to view prices

Where to?

Dates

July 2025

August 2025

Overview
Rooms
Location
Policies

Popular amenities

Housekeeping
Air conditioning
Free WiFi

Explore the area

729 Truman Ave, Key West, FL, 33040

Duval Street
‪6 min walk‬
South Beach
‪9 min walk‬
Southernmost Point
‪11 min walk‬
Key West, FL (EYW-Key West Intl.)
‪8 min drive‬

Book today, save on your next hotel stay

It's that easy when you're a member of Orbitz Rewards. It's free to join!

Room options

Sunroom - Adult Exclusive

Exceptional

170 sq ft
Sleeps 2
1 Queen Bed

Garden Room - Adult Exclusive

Exceptional

175 sq ft
Sleeps 2
1 Queen Bed

Audubon Room - Adult Exclusive

Exceptional

212 sq ft
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed

Papaya Room - Adult Exclusive

Wonderful

166 sq ft
Sleeps 2
1 Queen Bed

Key Lime Room - Adult Exclusive

Wonderful

166 sq ft
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed

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.

View more Guest Houses in Key West

What's nearby

Duval Street - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum - 8 min walk - 0.4 miles
South Beach - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles
Southernmost Point - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles
Mallory Square - 3 min drive - 1.1 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

‪801 Bourbon Bar - ‬8 min walk
‪Old Town Tavern Key West - ‬7 min walk
‪El Siboney Restaurant - ‬5 min walk
‪Rum Bar at the Speakeasy Inn - ‬8 min walk
‪Viva Argentinian Steakhouse - ‬7 min walk

About this property

The Mermaid & Alligator

Adults-only guesthouse with free breakfast and an outdoor pool

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.

Languages

English

Similar properties

3 outdoor pools, open 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, sun loungers

Pool
Breakfast included
Pet friendly
Free WiFi

$259 nightly

Jul 28 - Jul 29

Total includes taxes and fees

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

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

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

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.

How much does it cost to stay at The Mermaid & Alligator?

As of Jul 25, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Mermaid & Alligator on Aug 4, 2025 start from $250.0, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

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.

Does The Mermaid & Alligator have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this guesthouse.

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, this guesthouse doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

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).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at The Mermaid & Alligator?

No, at The Mermaid & Alligator, there aren't any accommodations that list a balcony.

The Mermaid & Alligator Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.6/10

Eco-friendliness

8/10 Good

William, Tavernier

Jul 5, 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Meg

Traveled with partner

Jun 23, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Excellent Staff SUPER CLEAN Breakfast was AWESOME, Welcoming WOULD STAY HERE AGAIN.

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marie

Traveled with partner

Apr 13, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

My husband and I recently stayed at this charming and historical Queen Anne-style B&B. We especially enjoyed the delicious breakfasts served each morning in the beautifully appointed courtyard, with the calming sounds of the water fountain. The staff were always pleasant and helpful. The B&B's location is a big plus, with easy walking access to Key West's famous sites and museums, including the Hemingway Museum, Duval Street, and the waterfront. We found our room, the Audubon room, to be spacious, clean, and beautifully decorated with tasteful art works and tropical plants. We appreciated the large, updated bathroom with the separate bathtub and shower, and the comfortable king-size bed. When we reserved our stay, we erroneously believed, based on the photos on Expedia's website, that the room had a private sitting area exclusively for our use. Unfortunately, that was not the case, and this area was open to all guests and could disrupt the quietness and calmness of the property. Despite of this, we truly enjoyed our stay overall and would definitely consider returning on our next visit to Key West.

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ruth

Traveled with partner

Apr 11, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

This was an exceptional B&B! It was so quiet and comfy and I felt so at home. ;Diana went out of her way to reassure me when I had some reservation issues with Expedia. The grounds are beautiful and peaceful and you get served a delicious home cooked breakfast in the garden. I highly recommend it

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christine

Traveled with partner

Apr 9, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Absolutely charming, unique, great food and service a hidden gem! Loved the various shady spots to sit and read, nice warm plunge pool! Very helpful staff

Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Eric

Apr 9, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Planning to revisit as soon as possible!

Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lawrence

Mar 31, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Wonderful stay!!

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Traveled with partner

Mar 23, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Beautiful guesthouse to stay in

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dorothy

Traveled with partner

Mar 14, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Will stay here again

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bradley

Traveled with partner

Mar 12, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Great experience. Feels like home!

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

genevieve

Traveled with partner

Mar 11, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

This house is absolutely charming and perfectly located. We were given the Papaya room which is not in the main house but in another small building in the back. You can have access to the house at any time anyways. The room was small but very clean and pretty. The property does not have enough parking spots but you can park across the street for free. You can relax beside the small pool, or in the beautiful garden area. Breakfast is served starting at 8:30AM ( kind of late for us) but as we had booked a snorkeling trip and need to leave early, we were given a bag containing yogurt, fruits and bagels which was very convenient. I would go there again, although the chicken (who roam freely in the town) kept us awake most of the night. Not sure if you can do better unless you book a more recent hotel better insolated...

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Barbara

Mar 5, 2025

The mermaid and the alligator is a nice property in a good location. Unfortunately because of its location it is noisy in the evening with traffic noise. Shower had mold on the ceiling. The room we stayed in had no tv and not enough electrical outlets.

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Terry

Mar 5, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Wonderful Stay

We loved the stay in this property. The atmosphere and ambiance were delightful. The backyard breakfast and relaxing area were the most impressive. I didn't get along very well with the mattress of the bed, but everything else was far above expectations..

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

michelle, Reston

Mar 3, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

It was one of the most relaxing vacations I've had in a while. It is a beautiful property in the perfect location. Never needed a bike or a car. Easy to get everywhere. Gardens and rooms are superb!

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wayne

Feb 20, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Excellent location, Friendly and conscientious staff, pleasant outdoor sitting areas and landscaping. We stayed in the "sun room" which is the smallest unit. The home is old but well kept.

Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin

Feb 18, 2025

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Danielle

Traveled with partner

Feb 18, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Beautiful property and friendly staff!

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen

Traveled with partner

Feb 16, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Excellent very clean great breakfast

Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Clara

Feb 4, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

What a gorgeous property! Comfortable bed/room, delicious fresh breakfasts, quiet garden/patio area, and very convenient to walk into town and everywhere. Would highly recommend!

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Sheryl

Feb 3, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Key West B&B

Nice facility. Comfortable room. Nice breakfast in the courtyard. Maybe because a little musty smelling they put air fresheners in the room which my husband didn’t appreciate. Some people have sensitive smell. Lots of road noise (sirens, music, loud engines etc). Church across the street had bells going off at 7:30 am every morning. If I came to Key West again I’d probably look for a quieter location

Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Jan 24, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lush garden

This is a gorgeous old home with a beautiful garden. They offered individually cooked breakfasts, something different each day. We were in the Garden Room. It was big enough for the two of us and we had an outside seating area, just for us. The home was within walking distance of everything we wanted to see and do. We had a great time.

Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen A.

Traveled with partner

Jan 23, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Loved everything about our stay. Everything was as listed. The grounds were beautiful - the breakfast delicious / the room perfect - Beautiful quaint patio- got to swim in the heated pool - felt very safe - drinks and appetizers served in the afternoon- and the kitchen and dining area in the house was an added bonus. We would definitely stay here again.

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Charles

Traveled with family

Jan 20, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

We were just staying the night so we did not avail ourselves of the amenities, but they looked to be good. Parking was cumbersome. I parked behind some other guest's car. I wonder if they could have found us to ask us to let them out.

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Edward

Jan 18, 2025

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Christopher

Traveled with partner

Jan 17, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities

The location is great, the garden is spectacular, staff were very welcoming, it was the highlight of our trip. The room had a moldy smell to it which was easily dealt with because the room has a door to the garden and big ceiling fan. We absolutely would stay here again.

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025