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The Mermaid & Alligator

3.5 star property
A relaxing pool oasis just steps from Key West's famous Duval Street, with attentive staff ready to enhance the island experience

Choose dates to view prices

The Mermaid & Alligator offers a charming Key West retreat, walking distance to Duval Street. Enjoy a full breakfast, outdoor pool, nearby Hemingway Home, in-room WiFi, and concierge services for a seamless island stay.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Housekeeping

Room options

View all photos for Key Lime Room - Adult Exclusive

Key Lime Room - Adult Exclusive | In-room safe, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Key Lime Room - Adult Exclusive

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(12 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
Hair dryer
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
Iron/ironing board
  • 15 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Papaya Room - Adult Exclusive

Papaya Room - Adult Exclusive | In-room safe, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Papaya Room - Adult Exclusive

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(5 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
Hair dryer
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
Iron/ironing board
  • 15 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Garden Room - Adult Exclusive

Garden Room - Adult Exclusive | In-room safe, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Garden Room - Adult Exclusive

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(9 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
Hair dryer
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
Iron/ironing board
  • 16 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Sunroom - Adult Exclusive

Sunroom - Adult Exclusive | In-room safe, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Sunroom - Adult Exclusive

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(15 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
Hair dryer
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
Iron/ironing board
  • 16 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Audubon Room - Adult Exclusive

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

Audubon Room - Adult Exclusive

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(8 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
Hair dryer
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
Iron/ironing board
  • 20 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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About the neighborhood

Old Town Key West, a neighborhood in Key West, is home to The Mermaid & Alligator. Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum and Southernmost Point are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park and Florida Keys Beaches. The Kite House and Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory are also worth visiting. Visit our Key West travel guide
View more Guest Houses in Key West
Map
729 Truman Ave, Key West, FL, 33040

What's nearby

  • Duval Street featuring signage
    Duval Street
    5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum featuring heritage elements and a house
    Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
    8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • South Beach featuring a sandy beach and general coastal views as well as a small group of people
    South Beach
    9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory featuring zoo animals, animals and flowers
    Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
    9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Southernmost Point showing signage
    Southernmost Point
    11 min walk - 1.0 km

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

Guesthouse near Duval Street
Close to Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum and South Beach, The Mermaid & Alligator provides free full breakfast, a garden, and more. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
You'll also find perks like:
  • An outdoor pool along with sun loungers
  • Free self parking
  • An electric car charging station, outdoor furniture, and concierge services
  • Luggage storage and smoke-free premises
  • Guest reviews give top marks for the helpful staff
Room features
All guestrooms at The Mermaid & Alligator include perks such as air conditioning and bathrobes, as well as amenities like free WiFi and safes.
More conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Heating and ceiling fans
  • Tubs or showers, hair dryers, and shampoo

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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

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

Property 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

Frequently asked questions

Does The Mermaid & Alligator have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is The Mermaid & Alligator pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at The Mermaid & Alligator?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at The Mermaid & Alligator?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Mermaid & Alligator located?

Located in Old Town Key West, this guesthouse is within a 10-minute walk of Saint Mary Star of the Sea, Duval Street, and Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. Florida Keys Beaches and South Beach are also within 15 minutes.

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

The Mermaid & Alligator Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

10

Cleanliness

9.6

Amenities

9.8

Staff & service

9.6

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 247 out of 288 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 31 out of 288 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 8 out of 288 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 288 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 288 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kat

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room, great staff love the breakfast and pop, coffee etc
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Lisa anne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Location is perfect
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Courteous staff, excellent b’fasts
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 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

KATHERINE

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Charming and spotless room, beautiful gardens for breakfast, heated jetted pool was lovely after a long day of walking...and everything in downtown KW is within walking distance. 100% would stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Frank

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was very clean, and bed was comfortable. house and grounds were perfectly curated and set up to relax and enjoy the perfect weather. Staff were all nice and helpful. Breakfast and happy hour were great and the available snacks / drinks were a welcomed treat.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joe

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

Meg

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

Lisa

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

10/10 Excellent

Michael

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

10/10 Excellent

Danielle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property and friendly staff!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 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

gloria

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

Kathleen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent very clean great breakfast
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Santiago

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property with great staff
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christina

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

John Floyd

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

10/10 Excellent

Jon

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

8/10 Good

Scott

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We had a wonderful stay. Diana and her crew keep everything immaculate. We enjoyed the complimentary happy hour.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Diane

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

Christine

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

Ashley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful grounds and wonderful staff!! Would absolutely stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Craig

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The furnishings were nice and the breakfast amazing. Staff is wonderful and a beautiful location.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Such a beautiful place. The staff was wonderful and the breakfast was amazing. Great location with scooter rentals just down the road.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robin

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

Excellent hotel with a beautiful garden

We stayed at the Sun room and loved it! The room is beautiful and the view from our private balcony was amazing. The hotel is very calm and quiet and the breakfast is great. We would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024