The Mermaid & The Alligator – Key West Resort Review
Last updated: August 28, 2026
Choose The Mermaid & The Alligator if...
- You want a romantic adults-only B&B with gourmet breakfast and a garden pool
- You love restored Victorian charm and attentive innkeeper hospitality
- You want walkable Old Town access with a quieter residential feel
Skip The Mermaid & The Alligator if...
- You're traveling with children — this is strictly adults-only
- You want full resort amenities like a fitness center, spa, or beach
- You want a large hotel with on-site dining beyond breakfast
AskTheKeys Traveler Match
How well does The Mermaid & The Alligator fit your trip?
Before you book — the one trade-off
The Mermaid & The Alligator is a small adults-only B&B with no beach and no resort amenities — you trade scale and services for an intimate Victorian retreat two blocks off Duval.
AskTheKeys Decision SummaryThe Mermaid & The Alligator is best for couples and romantic travelers who want a top-rated adults-only bed and breakfast with gourmet breakfast, tropical pool garden, and intimate Victorian atmosphere in Old Town Key West. It is not ideal for families with children, large groups, or guests seeking full resort amenities.
The Mermaid & The Alligator is a romantic adults-only bed and breakfast at 729 Truman Avenue in Old Town Key West, set in a beautifully restored 1904 Victorian home with lush tropical gardens and a heated pool. The property is consistently ranked among the top B&Bs in Key West, known for its gourmet multi-course breakfast, attentive innkeeper hospitality, and elegant yet unpretentious atmosphere. Its Truman Avenue location places guests two blocks from Duval Street and within easy walking distance of the Hemingway Home, galleries, and Old Town dining.
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Before You Book
The details that matter after you've narrowed down your options.
Best for
- Couples seeking a romantic adults-only B&B with gourmet breakfast and garden pool
- Romantic travelers drawn to restored Victorian charm and attentive innkeeper hospitality
- B&B enthusiasts who value included gourmet breakfast and intimate boutique scale
- Guests who want walkable Old Town access with a quieter residential feel
Not ideal for
- Families with children — the property is strictly adults-only
- Guests seeking full resort amenities like fitness center, spa, or beachfront access
Quick facts
| Address | 729 Truman Avenue, Key West, FL 33040 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (305) 294-1894 |
| Check-in / Out | 3:00 PM / 11:00 AM |
| Parking | Off-site nearby ($) |
| Pets | No |
| Beach access | No |
| Pool(s) | Yes |
| Spa | No |
| EV charging | No |
Location & nearby
The Mermaid & The Alligator is located in Old Town within Key West.
What's nearby
- Duval Street(0.2 mi, 4 min walk)
- Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum(0.3 mi, 6 min walk)
- Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory(0.3 mi, 6 min walk)
- Key West Lighthouse & Keeper's Quarters(0.2 mi, 4 min walk)
- Mallory Square(0.5 mi, 10 min walk)
- Southernmost Point Buoy(0.5 mi, 10 min walk)
- Fort Zachary Taylor State Park & Beach(0.7 mi, 14 min walk)
- Key West Cemetery(0.3 mi, 6 min walk)
Amenities overview
Property highlight features
- Tropical pool garden
- Gourmet breakfast included
- Adults-only atmosphere
Pricing positioning
Typical nightly pricing tends to fall in the $$ range, depending on season and room type.
mid-range romantic B&B
Compare current room availability and secure member-only pricing.
We handle our lodging checks through Expedia's network engine so you can lock in hidden seasonal discounts and stack your One Key™ rewards points across different island brands.
Independent Decision Engine
Florida Keys Resorts operates as a fully objective, crowdsourced review system. We do not accept paid placements from hotels to alter their scoring records. Instead, we use standardized API connections to provide transparent third-party rate checks for our community.
How The Mermaid & The Alligator Compares to Other Key West Resorts
The Mermaid & The Alligator vs The Gardens Hotel
- The Mermaid & The Alligator wins:intimate B&B with gourmet breakfast and romantic Victorian character
- The Gardens Hotel wins:larger boutique hotel with botanical gardens and more expansive grounds
The Mermaid & The Alligator vs The Marquesa Hotel
- The Mermaid & The Alligator wins:cozy romantic B&B with included gourmet breakfast and garden pool
- The Marquesa Hotel wins:luxury boutique with acclaimed on-site restaurant and higher price point
The Mermaid & The Alligator vs Bishop Hotel Key West
- The Mermaid & The Alligator wins:Victorian B&B with intimate garden setting and romantic atmosphere
- Bishop Hotel Key West wins:modern design-forward boutique with rooftop pool and bar on Duval
The Mermaid & The Alligator vs The Grand Guesthouse
- The Mermaid & The Alligator wins:Victorian B&B on Truman Avenue with individually themed rooms and gourmet breakfast
- The Grand Guesthouse wins:Residential Grinnell Street guesthouse with tropical garden atmosphere and heated pool
FAQs
Is The Mermaid & The Alligator adults only?
Yes. The Mermaid & The Alligator is a strictly adults-only bed and breakfast, designed for couples and romantic getaways in a quiet, intimate setting.
Does The Mermaid & The Alligator include breakfast?
Yes. The property is known for its gourmet multi-course breakfast, freshly prepared each morning and served in the garden or dining area. It is consistently cited as one of the best B&B breakfasts in Key West.
Does The Mermaid & The Alligator have a pool?
Yes. The property features a heated pool set within a lush tropical garden, surrounded by mature landscaping and comfortable seating areas for relaxation.
How far is The Mermaid & The Alligator from Duval Street?
The property is approximately two blocks from Duval Street, about a four-minute walk, providing easy access to Key West dining, shopping, and nightlife.
Does The Mermaid & The Alligator have on-site parking?
The property does not have on-site parking. Off-site parking is available nearby for a fee, and the innkeepers can assist with recommendations.
Is The Mermaid & The Alligator pet-friendly?
No. The property does not allow pets in order to maintain a quiet, allergen-controlled environment for all guests.
Is The Mermaid & The Alligator a historic property?
Yes. The B&B occupies a beautifully restored 1904 Victorian home with original architectural details, period-inspired furnishings, and lush tropical gardens that reflect classic Key West residential charm.
What is the check-in time at The Mermaid & The Alligator?
Check-in is at 3:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM. Early check-in or late check-out may be available upon request, subject to availability.