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The Mermaid & The Alligator: Traveler Reviews

729 Truman Avenue, Key West, FL 33040
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Hotel amenities
Special Offer
Free parking
The Mermaid & The Alligator
Ranked #3 of 98 Key West B&B and Inns
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478 reviews from our community

Traveler rating
    439
    26
    8
    4
    1
See reviews for
Families
16
 
Couples
375
 
Solo
9
 
Business
4
 
Rating summary
  • Sleep Quality
    5 of 5 stars
  • Location
    5 of 5 stars
  • Rooms
    5 of 5 stars
  • Service
    5 of 5 stars
  • Value
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Cleanliness
    5 of 5 stars
Date Rating
Manchester, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
7 hotel reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
“New favourite place!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 12, 2012

We absolutely adored this place! My husband and I stayed here for 2 nights during our honeymoon in October 2012. On arrival, we were shown around and given lots of information about the inn and Key West in general, and I have to say the inn captures the essence of the island perfectly! We stayed in the Garden Room, which was incredibly cute and comfortable, and had patio doors opening out into the gardens... which are serene and, whilst still being shared amongst the guests, felt really private and secluded... and included a spa pool, hammocks, actual lovebirds, and all sorts of exotic plants.

The staff were really helpful, booking an excursion in the mangroves for us and having a wealth of information on local restaurants. Our room was clean, well decorated, extremely comfortable, and relaxing. The shower room was particularly interesting (glass brick walls - don't worry, it's covered by exotic plants outside so no one can see), and the amenities were perfect (including free wifi and delicious-smelling soaps etc).

Caya & Havana, the gorgeous flat-coated retrievers, really added to the relaxed environment of the inn; especially for my husband and me who love dogs. Havana's a bit older and is happy to just chill out inside and escape from the heat, but Caya loves to play and will bring sticks to you while you're sat in the spa so you can throw them for her.

There is a general 'welcome to our home' feeling at the inn, where you can wander around at your leisure, there's free juices and snacks during the day, and free wine in the evening. We were so relaxed whilst staying here and really didn't want to leave!!

  • Stayed October 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask LittlePepperpot about The Mermaid & The Alligator
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Southbury, CT
Senior Contributor
34 reviews 34 reviews
9 hotel reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
“Simply exceptional”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 11, 2012

I can't say enough about this wonderful B&B. The Key West flavor is evident through and through. We stayed in two different rooms. The first night we were in the Bamboo room, which is in a small cottage behind the main house. It was nestled in the most extraordinary, lush garden. Little brick pathways twist and turn between palms, and other exotic plants, trees and shrubs. The garden area is where you have breakfast along side a covered pergola. It's so serene and peaceful, you can't believe you're in the middle of key West. The next couple of nights we were in the Caribbean Queen room, and it too was delightful, with a balcony that faces the street. Even though the Bamboo room only has a queen bed, I think that it's my favorite. Oh, did I tell you that the breakfasts are spectacular? We have been staying in B&Bs for many years, and this one certainly goes to the top of the list!

  • Stayed November 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 6 more reviews by BentleyDriver for Key West
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Winter Springs, Florida
Senior Contributor
38 reviews 38 reviews
5 hotel reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
“A good inn goes bad”
2 of 5 stars Reviewed November 11, 2012

We recently completed our second visit to this inn in Key west fl. My reviews were most flattering after our first visit, however times have changed and would not recommend this overpriced noisy inn in the future.
Following our reservations made in April 2012 they informed me , after it as too late to change that they had instituted a non smoking policy anywhere on the grounds, which is fine as that is their right..
I also have a allergy to pet dander and one of their dogs rolled on our bed triggering a allergy attack., as well the dogs frequent the food areas begging from guests.
The staff is hostile and generally give the impression that you are intruding on their privacy, most unpleasant folk.They then claimed falsely that I had smoked in the room and charged 100.00 for cleaning which was not mentioned at checkout , this was totally unauthorized charges so beware giving these folks your credit card, we have informed Visa and will dispute this charge.

  • Stayed October 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 1 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Location
    • 2 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 2 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 1 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 12 more reviews by jerry w for Key West
Ask jerry w about The Mermaid & The Alligator
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MermaidAlligator, Owner at The Mermaid & The Alligator, responded to this review
November 14, 2012
The truth is the truth so let’s get to the truth. This vindictive rant comes from the fact that this individual choose to smoke inside his room at...
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Bristol, England
Top Contributor
52 reviews 52 reviews
24 hotel reviews
Reviews in 32 cities Reviews in 32 cities
47 helpful votes 47 helpful votes
“A 'special' place to stay in Key West”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 11, 2012

This is a true example of where the customer is king. Nothing is too much trouble, or left to chance and no detail is overlooked. From the complimentary fridge of cool drinks, to the umbrellas or beach towels to take out. The garden is an oasis of calm with a huge hot tub; the bedrooms focused on comfort with their own mood enhancer! Breakfast is made up of home cooked goodies. I cannot recommend this B&B enough and would not consider staying anywhere else if I am ever lucky enough to return.

Room Tip: We stayed in the Sun room which was bright and quiet, overlooking the garden. A small balcony enhan...
See more room tips
  • Stayed November 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask YW4YW about The Mermaid & The Alligator
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sarasota, Florida
1 review
“Beauty in Nature”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 10, 2012

This was my first time at a B&B. This place is beyond words. From the Love Birds to the Florida native plants you would have to see to belive.
Where my husband and I stayed you awoke to the song of the birds, what a sound to be awoken to. The staff took care of you like you were their family. Caya and Havanna, the best moscots ever. I booked our room for our next vist before returning to Sarasota. (we have no place like this in Sarasota)

  • Stayed November 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask sue s about The Mermaid & The Alligator
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Additional Information about The Mermaid & The Alligator

Also Known As:
The Mermaid & The Alligator Hotel
The Mermaid & The Alligator Hotel Key West
The Mermaid And The Alligator
Address: 729 Truman Avenue, Key West, FL 33040
Phone Number:
Region: United States > Florida > Florida Keys > Key West
Amenities:
Free Breakfast Free High-Speed Internet Free Parking Suites Swimming Pool
Hotel Style:
Ranked #3 of 98 B&Bs / Inns in Key West
Price Range: $$
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
Welcome to the casual elegance and style of a more relaxed age. Our beautiful circa 1904 Victorian Home, located in the heart of Old Town Key West, offers the warm hospitality of a traditional bed & breakfast while providing our guest a place to relax, enjoy the ambiance, and even shut out the rest of the world if you choose. Join us and feel at home. ... more   less 

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