A short walk from Southernmost Point and Duval Street, Charming, colorful two-story apartment with two balconies - walk everywhere provides golfing on site, a water park, and more.
Reviews
9.29.2 out of 10
Wonderful
Entire apartment
500 sq ft
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Air conditioning
Parking available
Add dates for prices
About this property
Charming, colorful two-story apartment with two balconies - walk everywhere
Welcome to Julia Whitehead Guest Suites! Built in the 1890s on the site of what had been a small provisions and butcher shop, this charming building has a rich and captivating history. In the 1930s, while Hemingway was living a few houses down, it was home to a popular Cuban bodega. From the1980s through the turn of this century, potter Charles Pearson created ceramic masterpieces which are still collected today. If you keep a watchful eye, you will find some of his ceramic fish adorning buildings and homes in the neighborhood still.
Its current guardians have spent nearly a decade painstakingly bringing the building back to life, with three one-bedroom apartments, and hosting Dog Tired Studio gallery up front as the proud face of the building. Julia Whitehead, the patron mermaid of the building, has been keeping an eye over this landmark since she first surfaced here in the 1800s, and she invites you to come and live like a local, just steps from Duval, in the shadow of the lighthouse.
Here, at Mermaid's Retreat, you'll find a beautifully updated space, with colorful, eclectic decor and abundant natural light. Balconies off both the living room and bedroom upstairs are ideal for languid afternoons with a good book and some sweet tea, while the comfortable living room is a cozy hideout for a quiet evening spent watching TV or using the free WiFi to scroll social media. The full kitchen holds everything you need to whip up meals and snacks. When bedtime calls, head upstairs to drift off in your serene Key West sanctuary.
THINGS TO KNOW This home is managed by Seven Keys Vacations by Casago. A booklet inside the apartment features the full story of Julia Whitehead Guest Suites.
Property amenities
Internet
Available in the apartment: Internet access
Parking and transportation
Parking on site
Kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Stovetop
Toaster
Bedrooms
Bedroom
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
Hair dryer
Shower
Towels provided
Living spaces
Living room
Entertainment
TV with cable/satellite channels
Outdoor areas
Balcony
Laundry
Laundromat nearby
Comfort
Air conditioning
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoking not allowed
Services and conveniences
Concierge services
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
In the city center
Near a hospital
Near the sea
Things to do
Golf
Water park
Birdwatching nearby
Cycling nearby
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Jet skiing nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Parasailing nearby
Sailing nearby
Scuba diving nearby
Snorkeling nearby
Swimming nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Winery tours nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Note from host: Children allowed
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit 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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
About the area
Located by the sea, this apartment is in Old Town Key West, a neighborhood in Key West. Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum and Southernmost Point are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Florida Keys Beaches and Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. Ready for a night out? Consider The Key West Theater and Sloppy Joe's Bar. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling and ecotours. Visit our Key West travel guide
Is Charming, colorful two-story apartment with two balconies - walk everywhere pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Charming, colorful two-story apartment with two balconies - walk everywhere?
As of Jul 24, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Charming, colorful two-story apartment with two balconies - walk everywhere on Jul 27, 2026 start from CA $609, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking?
Onsite parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Charming, colorful two-story apartment with two balconies - walk everywhere?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Charming, colorful two-story apartment with two balconies - walk everywhere?
Check-out is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Charming, colorful two-story apartment with two balconies - walk everywhere located?
Located in Old Town Key West, this apartment building is steps from Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters Museum, Duval Street, and Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. Florida Keys Beaches and Southernmost Point are also within 10 minutes.
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Charming, colorful two-story apartment with two balconies - walk everywhere Reviews
Reviews
Wonderful
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
We had a great time staying at this adorable place. The unit is super cute. It is walking or biking distance from all the action on the island. However, since it is 1 block from Duval Street, it stays quiet over there. We had a great time on our trip and would definitely stay here again.
Leah M.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Stacey H.
Jun 12, 2024
An oasis!
This was the perfect spot for my husband and me to spend close to a week. A block from the action on Duval, but quiet enough (except for the roosters!) to go to bed early and spend time reading on the balconies. Really liked the two-floor living space and finding street parking nearby wasn’t an issue, even on Pride weekend. Would recommend and stay again!
Stacey H.
From a partner site
6/10 Okay
John B.
Nov 23, 2023
Mermaid Retreat
Mold in bathroom and A/C unit. Other than that ok location and space.
This is a lovely place in a great location! Everything we wanted to do in Key West was within walking distance. It has a nice kitchen, a great shower, and two balconies that were wonderful for relaxing between activities. The apartment looks as good in person as it does in the pictures, and it’s in a quiet, friendly neighborhood. I would definitely rent this property again.
Great place one block from the quiet end of Duvall!
This was our first time staying in Key West so we really were not sure where to stay. This was the perfect location near all the fun on Duvall but very quiet location! Perfect for any couple!!! Everything was clean with easy check in and check out.
Lindsey H.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Bridget W.
Jul 13, 2023
4 1/2 Stars
Quite location one block off Duval. Everything was new-ish, colorful and relaxing.
Bridget W.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Verified
6/10 Okay
Tom W.
Sep 9, 2023
Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Communication
Toms stay
Several shortcomings. Will chose alternative location for next trip.
Tom W.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2023
Verified
4/10 Poor
Bradley C.
Jul 22, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
bad experience
spent over a hour looking for a place to park so finally sat in front of building to see if a spot would open up on street and finally one did 1 1/2 hours later a car left so I pulled in and was told do not leave spot by someone there take ubers or lyft wherever you go as impossible to find parking, ended up getting ticketed and spoke with vacasa and they just sorry tough luck but when I originally called was told no free parking just find a place around unit never said park at risk will get ticketed, no tv in bedroom was not good as was hot got back to room wanted to cool off and relax but no tv, the pull out couch mattress was so thin metal came through and so bent up was low in middle making it hard to get out of, air in upper bedroom did not work good so very hot trying to sleep and to hot outside to open windows or doors, unless healthy and young the walk up to unit was on thin very steep stairs and hard to get suitcase up, again same problem as bedroom was another set of stairs up living area with same type of stairs thin and step. slipped trying to get down bedroom steps a couple of times as slippery small wood so be careful and hold handrail tightly , I never leave reviews but was not real happy with this place, love key west been there many times but would not use this place again or recommend to anyone I know unit was clean and updated but not user friendly too bad as decent location