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The Mermaid & Alligator

3.5 star property

Photo gallery for The Mermaid & Alligator

Outdoor pool, pool loungers
Free daily full breakfast
Exterior
Exterior
Free daily full breakfast

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View map
729 Truman Ave, Key West, FL, 33040
  • Place, Duval Street
    ‪6 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.)
    ‪8 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Key Lime Room - Adult Exclusive

Key Lime Room - Adult Exclusive

Key Lime Room - Adult Exclusive

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(12 reviews)
  • 15 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Papaya Room - Adult Exclusive

Papaya Room - Adult Exclusive

Papaya Room - Adult Exclusive

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(5 reviews)
  • 15 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Garden Room - Adult Exclusive

Garden Room - Adult Exclusive

Garden Room - Adult Exclusive

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(8 reviews)
  • 16 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Sunroom - Adult Exclusive

Sunroom - Adult Exclusive

Sunroom - Adult Exclusive

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(13 reviews)
  • 16 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Audubon Room - Adult Exclusive

Audubon Room - Adult Exclusive

Audubon Room - Adult Exclusive

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)
  • 20 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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About the area

Key West

Located in Key West (Old Town Key West), The Mermaid & Alligator is within a 10-minute walk of Duval Street and Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. .This guesthouse is 0.6 mi (0.9 km) from Florida Keys Beaches and 0.6 mi (1 km) from South Beach.
View more Guest houses in Key WestOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Duval Street - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • South Beach - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Southernmost Point - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Mallory Square - 3 min drive - 1.7 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪El Siboney Restaurant - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Viva Argentinian Steakhouse - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Better Than Sex - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Bobby's Monkey Bar - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Tropical Drinks - ‬6 min walk

About this property

The Mermaid & Alligator

Adults-only guesthouse with free breakfast and an outdoor pool
The Mermaid & Alligator offers 9 air-conditioned accommodations with safes and bathrobes. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access (speed: 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices)). Bathrooms include bathtubs or showers and hair dryers. Additionally, rooms include irons/ironing boards and ceiling fans. Change of towels and change of bedsheets can be requested. Housekeeping is provided daily.
Recreational amenities at the guesthouse include an outdoor pool.
Make yourself at home in one of the 9 air-conditioned guestrooms. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Bathrooms feature bathtubs or showers, hair dryers, and bathrobes. Conveniences include safes and ceiling fans, and housekeeping is provided daily.
Enjoy recreation amenities such as an outdoor pool or take in the view from a garden. Additional amenities at this Victorian guesthouse include complimentary wireless internet access and concierge services.
A complimentary full breakfast is served daily from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM.
The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
A complimentary full breakfast is served each morning between 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM.

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 transport

  • 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 lift
  • 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
  • Smoke-free property
  • Victorian architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Dressing gowns
  • 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

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children younger than 21 are not allowed at this adults-only property; all guests 21 and older are welcome

Payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Deposit: USD 1 per accommodation, per stay

We have included all 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

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Guests under 21 years old are not permitted at this adults-only property

Property is also known as

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

Reviews

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
Rating 10 - Excellent. 229 out of 265 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 27 out of 265 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 7 out of 265 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 265 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 265 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen

Travelled 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

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

10/10 Excellent

Todd

Travelled with partner, Travelled with group
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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled with family, Travelled with partner
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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

10/10 Excellent

Crishel

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

kevin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
All good!!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Diane

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent stay! We will be back. Great staff. Quiet location. Beautiful gardens. Relaxing pool.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Izabelle

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
I was honestly blown away by this place! The backyard is truly an oasis - I could’ve sat there all day and have been perfectly content. We were in the Sun Room, it was so cute we definitely want to book the same room again! It was really nice to be able to park at the residence, as another we stayed at required us to park at paid parking. Highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kasey

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dong, Campbell

Nice and cozy
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jon

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent property on Truman with off street parking. Staff is super friendly and helpful. It’s an easy walk to Duval Street and all the happenings down town. Place is absolutely lovely and will stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Leslie

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Abigail

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
As a light sleeper I was worried it would be too noisy since we were in the Garden room right off Truman, but it was totally fine. They also provided a white noise machine for super light sleepers. The free breakfast each morning was nice- good variety day to day and filling until lunch. The location is walkable- made for sweaty walks due to the heat in late May, but we loved walking because it helped work off all the key lime pie! The B&B also had a small fridge constantly filled with cold water bottles, which were a godsend for all our walks and to keep hydrated while out and about. We easily walked from the B&B to Mallory square in under 30 min. There are also tons of bike and golf cart rental places nearby so it’s easier to go downtown if you like. All in all a very chill, quiet, and serene place to stay. Felt more personal and historic than the large resorts/hotels closer to downtown- a nice place to retreat at the end of the day after being out on the water or exploring downtown Key West. Would totally stay again!
Stayed 6 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Sarah

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really wanted to absolutely love this place but it definitely needs work. Stayed in the Sun room, the bathroom has absolutely no ventilation so it turns into a swamp every time you shower. Theres a window in the bathroom that does not open. The bathroom also had a strange smell. My husband opened the the cabinets under the sink and it filled with water and dead bugs. He did this on the morning we were leaving so we didn’t have time to complain. Housekeeping daily is a great amenity to offer but like they dont even vacuum its just the bare minimum. Breakfast didnt taste bad but its cheap and bare minimum. Im sorry but this bed and breakfast is not luxury at all in my opinion. The location is great and walkable to Duval Street. The outdoor dining area is beautiful. Im sure there are worse places to stay just lower your exceptations if you are staying here.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

john

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025