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Tropical oasis in a former author’s retreat. Sleeps 4.

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Photo gallery for Tropical oasis in a former author’s retreat. Sleeps 4.

A wooden door with white curtains, leading to a pool area with a wooden deck, lounge chairs, and a red umbrella.
Property video
A brick pathway leading to a bicycle parked among palm trees.
A swimming pool with lounge chairs and a small building with a porch.
A house entrance with a wooden door, a small porch, and a refrigerator.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedroomsSleeps 4854 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
Key West, FL
  • Place, Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Place, South Beach
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Place, Southernmost Point
    ‪17 min walk‬
  • Airport, Key West, FL (EYW-Key West Intl.)
    ‪8 min drive‬

Room options

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About the neighborhood

Key West

This vacation home places you in Old Town Key West, within a leisurely stroll of popular sights such as Florida Keys Beaches and Duval Street. The vacation home includes a patio, a refrigerator, and a microwave.
View more Vacation Homes in Key WestOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Duval Street - 12 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park - 14 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • South Beach - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Southernmost Point - 17 min walk - 0.9 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Sandy's Café - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Dions Truman & White - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Rainbow Cafe (MARC) - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Better Than Sex - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪El Siboney Restaurant - ‬4 min walk

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Tropical oasis in a former author’s retreat. Sleeps 4.

Former residence of an author and decorated accordingly, this cute cottage is quintessential Key West. Perfect monthly rental has two bedrooms, one full bath plus outdoor shower, is an authentic Old Town Cigar Maker's Cottage and the location of the actual writing of Laurence Shames' famous book FLORIDA STRAITS. Key West is a former home of many other authors including Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams and this lovely getaway reflects that heritage in its decor and lending library! Lush foliage and brick meandering walkways surround the swimming and wading pools. Brand new living room furniture and decor in 2019. All new memory foam mattresses. Brand new shower head with features, brand new sink faucet, new ceiling fans as of 1/21, newly finished bar area, brand new hot water heater. WiFi and access to your smart network on roku.Other features of this charming home include hardwood and tile floors, ceiling fans and central a/c in every room, a large eat in kitchen with all appliances and kitchen items/utensils including dishwasher, high ceilings, sun room, and an expansive deck with gas grill perfect for entertaining. In home washer and dryer. This monthly rental property is within walking distance to Truman and Duval streets, Higgs beach pier, local grocery stores, restaurants, shopping, St. Mary's Star of the Sea basilica and the beach! This cottage is perfect for a couple's retreat or a group getaway to remember! Professionally cleaned by a third party service after each guest's stay. Book your dream Southernmost vacation today!
The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a patio and space to spread out with 2 bedrooms. Guests can enjoy a Smart TV and stay connected with free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a microwave, and a refrigerator.

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Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Communal pool
  • Heated pool
  • Hot tub
  • Outdoor pool

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Outdoor shower
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table

Entertainment

  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • One pet total (up to 50 lbs per pet)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed
  • Note from host: smoking allowed outside on private deck or patio

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Things to do

  • Heated pool

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Property does not allow children
  • Unit size: 854 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets
  • Dogs only
  • 1 total (50 lbs is the maximum weight per pet)
  • Service animals exempt from fees
  • Note from host: Pets to be approved by hoa on guest by guest basis

Children and extra beds

  • This property doesn't allow children

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking allowed outside on private deck or patio

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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
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: 11:00 AM

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
  • 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 fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock.

Property is also known as

Tropical oasis in a former author’s retreat
Tropical oasis in a former author’s retreat. Key West

Frequently asked questions

What's there to see close to this vacation home?

This vacation home is situated in Old Town Key West within a short 12-minute walk of Florida Keys Beaches and also 13 minutes on foot from Duval Street. You'll also find South Beach and Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum less than a mile away.

Is parking available on site at Tropical oasis in a former author’s retreat. Sleeps 4. ?

No, this vacation home doesn't offer parking.

Is this vacation home adjacent to a casino?

No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at this vacation home?

No, this vacation home doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there are an outdoor pool and a hot tub.

Is Tropical oasis in a former author’s retreat. Sleeps 4. a good place to stay for couples?

Couples staying at this vacation home will appreciate amenities like a smart TV as well as an outdoor pool and a hot tub.

Are there hot tubs at Tropical oasis in a former author’s retreat. Sleeps 4. ?

No, but guests can enjoy a heated pool at this vacation home.

Does this vacation home provide breakfast?

No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.

Does this vacation home allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although dogs can't stay for free, they are welcome at this vacation home.

Are there connecting rooms at Tropical oasis in a former author’s retreat. Sleeps 4. ?

No, this vacation home doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

What is the closest airport to this vacation home?

The closest major airport to this vacation home is Key West Intl. Airport (EYW), which is 3 mi away (8 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Tropical oasis in a former author’s retreat. Sleeps 4. ?

Yes, every house at Tropical oasis in a former author’s retreat. Sleeps 4. comes with a patio.

Tropical oasis in a former author’s retreat. Sleeps 4. Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 11 out of 11 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 11 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 11 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 11 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 11 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Peter T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic 3rd year!!!!!!Already booked 5 weeks next year. Christina is a great host, lovely people in the compound, walked to everywhere.WOW!
Stayed 30 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

David R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Author’s Cottage

We had a fantastic stay at the Author’s Cottage. The cottage was very roomy and comfortable, and came equipped with everything we needed. The pool and hot tub were excellent for relaxing after a day out enjoying Key West. Christina was super helpful and quick to respond to our inquiries. An all around excellent stay!
Stayed 31 nights in Feb 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Peter T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

1111 Watson

Fantastic! We booked for next year already for our 3rd in a row. Christina and the folks who live in the compoud are great..
Stayed 28 nights in Dec 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

David R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Secret Hideaway

We absolutely loved our time in the author’s cottage. It’s tucked away down a tree lined path, ending by the pool and hot tub. The pool deck has just been beautifully redone, and the heated pool is great. The cottage is very comfortable, with two good sized bedrooms, an eat in kitchen, and an office area. I wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again, and highly recommended the cottage. Christina was very helpful and a great host!
Stayed 28 nights in Jan 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jane L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This quaint cottage was the perfect spot to relax for a month in Key West. The landscaping is incredible, and the shared pool and hot tub are clean, well maintained, and quiet. The neighbors are so nice, and the compound was quiet when we were there, with only a few other guests. The house itself was cozy and just right for 2 people. We did have guests on a couple of occasions and shared the bathroom, which was fine -- the outdoor shower helped! Furnishings are shabby-chic and comfy -- bed was great! There is a washer/dryer and new appliances in the kitchen. We mostly used the patio out front by the pool as the private deck out back got the afternoon sun and was too hot to enjoy (we were there in March). The house is well located in a quiet neighborhood within walking distance of most everything. Be prepared to walk about 35 - 40 minutes to get to Mallory Square, but there is lots to do and see within 15 - 20 minutes.
Stayed 28 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Randy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome location with great heated pool and hot tub!

This is the first time staying at Christina's home in Old Town Key West and we loved it! It's a gated group of 5 homes tucked away off the street. All of the other owners were great, friendly and outgoing. We felt like part of the group immediately. I love the heated pool! The house is a cottage with lots of light, it's own private deck and it has w/d, a/c, and fully equipped kitchen. Christina is an excellent hostess too! Highly recomend!
Stayed 32 nights in Nov 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Peter T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous

The place is fantastic. Very quiet and you can walk to most anywhere in 15 to 20 minutes or so. The house has two nice bedrooms, a nice kitchen with a dining area and a washer dryer. In addition, the house has large outdoor space with a nice barbecue. There is also a common outdoor space with a heated pool and hot tub that are well maintained. The folks in the 1111 compound are very nice. Christina is the perfect host who is there when you need her and makes the place feel like home. We already booked it for next year!
Stayed 28 nights in Dec 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Robert B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We are coming back!

We stayed for the month of January 2022. Great neighborhood and location. Easy walk or bike to virtually all activities and attractions on the island. Yet far enough from the action on Duval for quiet evenings. The perfect spot to see what Key West offers. 2 blocks from the best coffee (Sandy's) & chicken (Dion's) on the island and from Fausto's (groceries). We didn't bring a car and never felt the need for one. Beautifully big deck in the back with an outdoor shower! It is in a complex of 6 cottages surrounding a common pool and hot tub. You will get to know the neighbors. Christina (owner) was always available and responsive. The pictures really don't do it justice. The walk through the (locked) main gate takes you down a lush pathway back to the cottages. It is quintessential old Key West. Loved every day we were there! If your expectation is new and fancy - this is not it. This place makes you feel like you are a resident of the island. Just what we were looking for.
Stayed 28 nights in Jan 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Evelyn S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Author’s Retreat

Our stay in Key West at the author’s retreat was fabulous. The condo was clean, well-equipped and the pool was always the perfect temperature. We had our own private back area for relaxation and having friends over for dinner. The common area in the front of the building was a great place to get to know your neighbors. We would definitely return at a later date.
Stayed 28 nights in Feb 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Hannah P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

AMAZING stay - Would recommend to anyone!

It is not often that reality exceeds expectations, but that is exactly what this quaint cottage did. Upon arrival, the place was immaculate and stocked with everything one might need from a blender to olive oil to cleaning supplies this place had it all. It is in a gated compound which added a level of safety we appreciated. All of the other compound guests were extremely friendly as well and the place/pool is large enough that we never felt overcrowded. The location is great, far enough away from the hustle and bustle of Duval but also walkable to almost anything. There is a grocery story and great Cuban restaurant, Sandys, within a 2 minute walk as well. (Sandy's breakfast sandwiches are too die for) Further, Christina was a top tier host. Extremely responsive and made the "check in/check out" process seemless. I can whole heartedly reccommend this place and hope myself to return one day soon!
Stayed 28 nights in Apr 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Terri S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Authors cottage

This cottage was wonderful ! It was very clean and fully stocked with everything we needed. The pool and landscaping are so secluded and gorgeous! Getting to know the neighbors was so much fun! Christina was quick to answer any of our questions—I would highly recommend staying in this oasis!
Stayed 58 nights in Feb 2021