THE MERMAID & THE ALLIGATOR | Stay downtown in Key West

75 photos

Book direct

and save up to 10%

compared to Booking.com

Key details

Hotel Overview

729 Truman Avenue, Key West, Florida, United States, 33040

Close to Old Town

Perfect

9.3

9.7

/10

4.9

Loved by The Mermaid & The Alligator guests

Helpful staff
Beautiful garden
Delicious breakfast
Comfortable rooms

"Once inside the gates of the property, we were met by a lush patio oasis."

Michael from United States

read full review

"The Mermaid and the Alligator was a little oasis that gave guests the opportunity to relax in a beautiful setting."

tobybuddy from United States

read full review

"The backyard is truly an oasis - I could've sat there all day and have been perfectly content."

Izabelle from United States

read full review

The Mermaid & The Alligator - Adults-only bed and breakfast with gardens near Duval Street

Located in Old Town Key West, this 1904 Queen Anne Victorian mansion features angled bay windows, sloping gabled roofs, and spacious verandas. The property includes lush tropical gardens with mature shade trees, exotic plants, and migrating bird sightings. Guests have access to a plunge pool, outdoor seating areas, and complimentary breakfast served poolside. The hotel is a 10-minute walk from Duval Street and Key West International Airport is 10 km away. Staff provide curated local event lists and tour recommendations.

Additional perks of the hotel

Complimentary happy hour with wine and light snacks

On-site massage therapy available

Bike storage and rentals

Conch Tour Train tickets available

Ice machine, pool towels, sunscreen, and beach chairs provided

Guest computer with printer access

Living room with Xfinity-TV and board games

Rooms

The property offers nine unique accommodations including mansion suites and garden cottage rooms. The Caribbean King Suite features a wraparound veranda. The Treetop Suite includes a king bed alcove and open soaking tub, accessible via 40-step staircase. The Audubon Room has French doors leading to garden areas and a Jacuzzi bathtub. Royal Poinciana suite contains an antique writing desk and outside veranda. Ground-floor Garden Room offers terrace access with pool views.

Other conveniences

Tommy Bahama bath amenities

Turkish cotton towels and plush bathrobes

Multi-port electrical outlets with wireless charging

Sound therapy systems

Private entrances for cottage rooms

Synthetic down duvet & pillows

Iron & ironing board

Hair dryer

Safe

Must-do experiences

Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home for a glimpse of literary history.
Try the Key Lime Pie at Kermit's for the best local dessert.
Stroll through the vibrant Key West Farmers Market on Saturday mornings.
Enjoy sunset at Mallory Square with live performances and food stalls.
Explore the quirky collection at the Key West Art and Historical Museum.

Location: Perfect

9.6/10Review score

See Location on Map

Guest Emotional Experience

Away at HomeInstant belonging

“She made us feel SO welcome!”

LowCountryGal_16 from United States

Tech DetoxUnplug and relax

“No TVs in the room provided a refreshing break from the 24/7 news cycle.”

Michael from United States

Explorers, Not TouristsExplore like locals

“Everything in Key West old town is just a 10 minute walk away.”

Craig John from United States

View all

Choose Your Room

Our listed hotels offer a variety of room types—double rooms, family suites, or deluxe options—all with features like breakfast, flexible cancellation policies, and exclusive deals.

SunRoom

2 persons

175 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Bamboo

2 persons

390 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Caribbean Queen

2 persons

280 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Royal Poinciana Balcony

2 persons

270 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Click button to see more rooms

Show all rooms

Show all roomsLess

Room Rates & Availability Tracker

Find Deals for Your Travel Dates

Amenities

Thoughtful hotel amenities for a comfortable stay

Facilities: Perfect

9.5/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Safe deposit box
VIP check-in/ -out
Concierge desk
No pets allowed
Adults only
Luggage storage
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Services

Housekeeping

Dining

Outdoor dining area

Business

Fax/Photocopying

Children

Board games

Spa & Leisure

Outdoor swimming pool
Beach umbrellas
Sun loungers
Sun terrace
Garden area
Leisure/ TV room
Jacuzzi

Room features

Air conditioning
Heating
Sitting area
Patio
Garden furniture
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Media

AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Hotel Location

729 Truman Avenue, Key West, Florida, United States, 33040

Map view

729 Truman Avenue, Key West, Florida, United States, 33040

City landmarks

Square

Mallory Square

1.1 mi

Museum

The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

2300 ft

Landmark

Duval Street

2300 ft

Museum

Truman Little White House

1.1 mi

Landmark

Southernmost Point

2300 ft

Nature reserve

Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

2300 ft

Cemetery

Key West Cemetery

3100 ft

Landmark

USCGC Ingham Maritime Museum

1.6 mi

Monument

Southernmost Point of the Continental US

2300 ft

Aquarium

Key West Aquarium

1.1 mi

Landmark

Curry Mansion

3100 ft

Event hall

San Carlos Institute Casa Cuba

3100 ft

Museum

Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum

1.1 mi

Garden

Nancy Forrester's Secret Garden

3100 ft

Church

Saint Mary Star of the Sea

2300 ft

Gallery

The Studios of Key West

2700 ft

Landmark

Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters Museum

2300 ft

Landmark

Statue Of Bishop Albert Kee

2200 ft

Museum

Ripley's Believe It or Not

1.1 mi

Gallery

Wyland Galleries

2300 ft

Gallery

Frangipani Gallery

2200 ft

Museum

Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum

1.1 mi

Gallery

Island Arts Co-op

2500 ft

Gallery

Alan S Maltz Gallery

2700 ft

Gallery

Art On Duval Key West

2500 ft

Museum

Key West Firehouse Museum

3000 ft

Museum

Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center

1.6 mi

Nearby

1100 Simonton St

Historic E. H. Gato Building

1400 ft

Museum

Tennessee Williams Key West Exhibit

1500 ft

Gallery

Wild Side Gallery

1800 ft

Restaurants

Dons' Place

1100 ft

1000 Truman Ave

Bobby's Monkey Bar

1500 ft

900 Simonton St

Jose's #2 Latin Food

1400 ft

1101 Truman Ave

Viva Saloon

2000 ft

903 Duval St

Tropical Juices & Drinks

1600 ft

925 Duval St

La Bodeguita del Medio Key West

2200 ft

722 Duval St Duval / Petronia next to Bourbon Street Pub

Explore Key West

Local Highlights Near The Mermaid & The Alligator

The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

9 minutes' walk

Home of the famous author, this museum showcases his life and work, with beautiful gardens and guided tours available.

Southernmost Point

9 minutes' walk

An iconic landmark marking the southernmost point in the continental U.S., perfect for memorable photos and sightseeing.

Key West Aquarium

20 minutes' walk

Interactive exhibits featuring local marine life and a chance to feed the animals, making it great for families.

Mallory Square

20 minutes' walk

Famous for sunset celebrations, offering live entertainment and local arts & crafts vendors. A vibrant atmosphere awaits.

Water Sports

5 minutes' drive

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling adventures can be booked nearby, catering to both thrill-seekers and nature lovers.

Yoga on the Beach

9 minutes' walk

Relaxing beachfront yoga sessions are offered daily, providing a calming experience amidst beautiful ocean views.

Biking Tours

10 minutes' drive

Guided biking tours explore the landmarks of Key West, perfect for both beginners and experienced cyclists. Rentals available.

Dons' Place

4 minutes' walk

Casual bar atmosphere with a variety of cocktails and bar snacks. Known for its welcoming vibe and friendly staff.

Jose's #2 Latin Food

6 minutes' walk

Offering authentic Latin cuisine, this local favorite features exciting dishes like tacos and tamales in a cozy setting.

Bobby's Monkey Bar

6 minutes' walk

Lively bar with a tropical twist, serving delicious drinks and small plates, perfect for casual gatherings with friends.

Key West Theater

10 minutes' drive

Offering live performances and cinematic viewings, this theater hosts everything from local productions to popular films.

Green Parrot Bar

10 minutes' walk

A lively bar known for live music and a friendly atmosphere, offering everything from blues to jazz and local talent.

Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square

20 minutes' walk

A family-friendly nightly celebration featuring local artists, musicians, and food vendors against the backdrop of a stunning sunset.

Transportation Tips

City Centre

Key West17 min · 4600 ft

Airports

Key West International Airport (EYW)9 min · 3.5 mi

Unlock Early Booking Discounts

Grab Your Special Rates Today!

Check Rates

Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:59

Check-out

until 11 am

Guest Parking

No parking available.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in for free.

Breakfast

The hotel The Mermaid & The Alligator serves a full breakfast for free.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of rooms:

Guest Reviews & Ratings

What Guests Are Saying?

Review score

Based on 152 verified reviews

9.5/10

Perfect

96%

Recommend

Breakfast

8.3/10

Cleanliness

9.5/10

Comfort

9.7/10

Facilities

9.5/10

Free Wi-Fi

8.5/10

Location

9.6/10

Paid Wi-Fi

7.5/10

Staff

9.4/10

Value for money

8.7/10

Pros

Lush patio oasis

Friendly staff

Breakfast included

Safe neighborhood

Cons

Limited parking

Poor wine selection

Overcooked eggs

No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.

Open reviews

Questions of the users

About The Mermaid & The Alligator

Do the guest rooms feature a television or refrigerator?

15 November 2023

The guesthouse provides a TV with Xfinity service in the main living room, and there is a shared mini fridge located outside in the Pavilion for guests' convenience.

Can guests smoke on the patio or in outdoor areas?

10 December 2023

Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the property, including patios and outdoor areas.

Is it possible to arrange for massages at the hotel?

22 January 2024

Yes, massages can be arranged in the gardens under the cabana; advanced booking is required, and the guesthouse can provide current pricing upon request.

Is there a TV available in common areas for guest use?

3 February 2024

Yes, guests can enjoy a large flat-screen TV equipped with Xfinity in the living room.

Are private bathrooms available in all guest accommodations?

18 March 2024

Every room is equipped with a private bathroom for the comfort and privacy of guests.

Is there a heated pool available for guests?

29 April 2024

The property features a small heated plunge pool with jets, though it is not classified as a hot tub.

Are pets allowed at the hotel?

15 May 2024

Pets are not accepted unless certified as service animals by the NSAR.

What is the parking situation at the guesthouse?

5 June 2024

Parking operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with four standard-size spaces and one designated handicap space available. Free street parking is also an option in the neighborhood.

What complimentary breakfast options are offered?

27 July 2024

A single hot entree is served daily, along with various breakfast items; some popular selections include avocado toast, omelets, pancakes, and fresh fruit.

Can guests check in late if they arrive after hours?

10 August 2024

Late check-ins are welcomed, but guests must contact the guesthouse in advance to arrange access.