The Mermaid & The Alligator

An intimate adult-only bed & breakfast in the heart of Old Town Key West.

4.8

An intimate adult-only bed & breakfast in the heart of Old Town Key West.

4.8
Mermaid & Alligator Front
guest room
outdoor pool
Bathroom at Mermaid and the Alligator
mermaid logo
woodroom
dining room
unique room
guest room
front porch
back patio

The Basics

SELECT REGISTRY MEMBER SINCE 2015

The Mermaid & The Alligator is a serene, adult-only bed & breakfast in the heart of Old Town Key West. Offering nine beautifully decorated guest rooms, made-to-order breakfast daily, lush gardens, and impeccable service, it is a destination for the discerning traveler.

At a Glance

  • Free WiFi
  • Swimming Pool
  • Smoke-Free
  • Free Parking
  • Concierge Services
  • Adult Only
  • Tesla Charger

In the Know

  • Celebrate sunset from Mallory Square
  • The view from the Key West Lighthouse is amazing
  • A stroll through the Key West Cemetery is a history lesson
  • Nancy Forrester's Secret Garden is a hidden gem
the mermaid and the alligator exterior

Stay for the Story

A stay at The Mermaid & The Alligator will have guests feeling as if they have stepped back in time. The architecture of the historic home, carefully curated artwork throughout, and lush gardens are reminiscent of a bygone era in Key West.

Pool with tropical plants and lounge chairs with little cabana

Sip & Savor

Here are a few things to sip & savor when you visit…

Enjoy the oceanfront setting at Louies Backyard
Experience life like a local at Azur
An award winning wine list and live music at Blue Heaven Key West

See & Do

Here are a few things to see & do when you visit…

Be sure to visit the Hemingway Home and Museum
Walk among hundreds of living butterflies and colorful birds at the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservancy
Shop, dine and enjoy the culture of Duval Street - the heartbeat of Key West

Guest Reviews

My husband and I stayed here for 6 nights at the end of July. Everything from booking to checkout, was on point! Clean, friendly, comfortable and water pressure was great! Breakfast was delicious. The lady’s were so nice and accommodating. The grounds are beautiful and quiet. Good location to Duval and surrounding site seeing adventures. We will definitely go back! Thank you!

- Savana Barnett

Wonderful stay. Great accommodation, service. We stayed in the Caribbean Queen beautiful room/ clean/ love the bathroom. Nice property, good breakfast. Loved the stay for our anniversary. The staff is very nice and friendly. Lots of complementary items.

- Tasnia Uddin

Outstanding service and we loved that there are no TVs in the rooms. It's designed to be comfortable and a getaway. Tucked away in some trees too that muffle the nearby traffic. Overall great experience and we'll definitely come back.

- Chase Philipp

We booked the TreeHouse Suite on the top floor! I am so in love with this room! Its like a secret staircase to your own private oasis. There's bathrobes waiting in the closet at the top of the stairs to your left. There's plenty of air units to keep it cool. The bathroom has a super deep bath tub for long hot soaks and a view of the gardens...See More

- Chris Enoch

Rooms & Suites

# of Rooms: 9

Room Amenities: Air Conditioning, Bathrobes, Hair Dryer, Alarm Clocks, Antique Furnishings

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For information on ADA accessibility for the facility or its rooms, please contact the property directly.

Policies

Smoking Policy: Smoke free

Family Friendly: No

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does The Mermaid & The Alligator in Key West, FL offer free parking for guests?
Yes, complimentary onsite parking is available for guests.


Are spa services like massage available during a stay at The Mermaid & The Alligator?
Yes, spa services are available for guests.


Can The Mermaid & The Alligator accommodate dietary restrictions for breakfast?
Yes, special diets are accommodated.


Is breakfast included at The Mermaid & The Alligator in Key West, FL, and what kind of breakfast is served?
Yes, a made-to-order breakfast is included each morning.


What room features are offered at The Mermaid & The Alligator in Key West, FL (fireplaces, soaking tubs, porches)?
Rooms feature air conditioning, antique furnishings, private entrances or decks in some rooms, and bathrobes.


Does The Mermaid & The Alligator have a restaurant, bar, or lounge onsite?
No, there isn’t a restaurant or bar onsite, but complimentary beverages, afternoon refreshments, and evening cocktails are provided.


What are the best nearby restaurants for lunch or dinner close to The Mermaid & The Alligator in Key West, FL?
Here are a few favorite local spots near the inn:
• Louie’s Backyard – Oceanfront dining with Caribbean-American cuisine.
• Azur – A cozy neighborhood spot offering Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
• Blue Heaven – Famous for live music, outdoor dining, and an award-winning wine list.


Are pets allowed at The Mermaid & The Alligator in Key West, FL?
No, pets are not permitted at the inn.


Is The Mermaid & The Alligator family-friendly, and do you allow children?
No, the property is adult-only.


How many guest rooms or suites are at The Mermaid & The Alligator in Key West, FL?
There are 9 guest rooms.


What makes The Mermaid & The Alligator unique compared to other places to stay in the Florida Keys area?
A stay at The Mermaid & The Alligator will have guests feeling as if they have stepped back in time. The architecture of the historic home, carefully curated artwork throughout, and lush gardens are reminiscent of a bygone era in Key West.


Is The Mermaid & The Alligator in Key West, FL accessible for guests with disabilities?
No, the property is not handicap accessible.


Does The Mermaid & The Alligator support sustainable travel (eco-friendly practices, EV charging)?
Yes, the inn offers both a Tesla and standard EV charger for guests.


What are the top attractions near The Mermaid & The Alligator in Key West, FL?
Guests often ask about nearby attractions. Here are some highlights:
• Hemingway Home and Museum – Explore the historic residence of Ernest Hemingway.
• Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory – Walk among butterflies and colorful birds in a tropical setting.
• Duval Street – The cultural and nightlife center of Key West, lined with shops and restaurants.

Insider Tips
• Celebrate sunset from Mallory Square.
• Climb the Key West Lighthouse for incredible island views.
• Visit Nancy Forrester’s Secret Garden — a true hidden gem.
• A walk through the Key West Cemetery reveals fascinating local history.


How far is The Mermaid & The Alligator in Key West, FL from the nearest major city or airport?
The inn is approximately 3 miles (about 10 minutes) from Key West International Airport (EYW) and about 165 miles (roughly 3.5 hours) from Miami, FL.

Food & Wine

Meals Offered: Breakfast

Special Diets Accommodated: Yes

Restaurant on Premises: No

Dining Amenities: Complimentary Afternoon Tea/Refreshments, Complimentary Beverages, Complimentary Early Coffee Tea, Evening Cocktails, Special Diets Accommodated

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Guest Services

Internet Service: Wireless

Front Desk/Security: Onsite

Corporate Rates: No

Inn Amenities: Cabins/Cottages Available, Concierge Services, Free Onsite Parking, Full House Rental Available, Gardens on Property, LGBTQI+ Friendly, National Historic Registry, Spa Service, Swimming Pool

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Location Type: Coastal, Small Town/Village