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Tropical oasis in a former author’s retreat. Sleeps 4.

Photo gallery for Tropical oasis in a former author’s retreat. Sleeps 4.

French doors open to heated pool in front, and to private deck in back of unit
Property video
Interior
Sleep in a quiet oasis , then take a short walk to the party on Duval!
The home is decorated with an author’s theme and a 1945 feel complete with a bar

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Heated pool
  • Spa pool on site
  • Onsite parking available
  • Dog-friendly
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View map
Key West, FL
  • Place, Duval Street
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Place, Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Place, Southernmost Point
    ‪17 min walk‬
  • Airport, Key West, FL (EYW-Key West Intl.)
    ‪10 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Guest

1 Queen Bed

master

1 King Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Outdoor shower

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Outdoor shower

About this property

Tropical oasis in a former author’s retreat. Sleeps 4.

Former residence of an author and decorated accordingly, this cute cottage is quintessential Key West. Perfect monthly rental has two bedrooms, one full bath plus outdoor shower, is an authentic Old Town Cigar Maker's Cottage and the location of the actual writing of Laurence Shames' famous book FLORIDA STRAITS. Key West is a former home of many other authors including Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams and this lovely getaway reflects that heritage in its decor and lending library! Lush foliage and brick meandering walkways surround the swimming and wading pools. Brand new living room furniture and decor in 2019. All new memory foam mattresses. Brand new shower head with features, brand new sink faucet, new ceiling fans as of 1/21, newly finished bar area, brand new hot water heater. WiFi and access to your smart network on roku.Other features of this charming home include hardwood and tile floors, ceiling fans and central a/c in every room, a large eat in kitchen with all appliances and kitchen items/utensils including dishwasher, high ceilings, sun room, and an expansive deck with gas grill perfect for entertaining. In home washer and dryer. This monthly rental property is within walking distance to Truman and Duval streets, Higgs beach pier, local grocery stores, restaurants, shopping, St. Mary's Star of the Sea basilica and the beach! This cottage is perfect for a couple's retreat or a group getaway to remember! Professionally cleaned by a third party service after each guest's stay. Book your dream Southernmost vacation today!

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
Pets to be approved by hoa on guest by guest basis
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking allowed outside on private deck or patio

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Key West

Old Town Key West, a neighbourhood in Key West, is home to this holiday home. 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. Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory and The Kite House are also worth visiting.
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Map
Key West, FL

What's nearby

  • Duval Street - 12 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • South Beach - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Southernmost Point - 17 min walk - 1.4 km

Getting around

  • Key West, FL (EYW-Key West Intl.) - 8 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Dions Truman & White - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Sandy's Café - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Morrison's Market - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Moose Lodge - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Better Than Sex - ‬11 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Does Tropical oasis in a former author’s retreat. Sleeps 4. have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.

How much does it cost to stay at Tropical oasis in a former author’s retreat. Sleeps 4. ?

As of 5 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Tropical oasis in a former author’s retreat. Sleeps 4. on 29 May 2026 start from NZ$312, including 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.

Is Tropical oasis in a former author’s retreat. Sleeps 4. pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

How much is parking at Tropical oasis in a former author’s retreat. Sleeps 4. ?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Tropical oasis in a former author’s retreat. Sleeps 4. ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Tropical oasis in a former author’s retreat. Sleeps 4. ?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Tropical oasis in a former author’s retreat. Sleeps 4. located?

Located in Old Town Key West, this holiday home is within a 15-minute walk of Key West Firehouse Museum, Florida Keys Beaches and Duval Street. South Beach and Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum are also within 1 mile (2 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 11 out of 11 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 11 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 11 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 11 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 11 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Peter T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic 3rd year!!!!!!Already booked 5 weeks next year. Christina is a great host, lovely people in the compound, walked to everywhere.WOW!
Stayed 30 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jane L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This quaint cottage was the perfect spot to relax for a month in Key West. The landscaping is incredible, and the shared pool and hot tub are clean, well maintained, and quiet. The neighbors are so nice, and the compound was quiet when we were there, with only a few other guests. The house itself was cozy and just right for 2 people. We did have guests on a couple of occasions and shared the bathroom, which was fine -- the outdoor shower helped! Furnishings are shabby-chic and comfy -- bed was great! There is a washer/dryer and new appliances in the kitchen. We mostly used the patio out front by the pool as the private deck out back got the afternoon sun and was too hot to enjoy (we were there in March). The house is well located in a quiet neighborhood within walking distance of most everything. Be prepared to walk about 35 - 40 minutes to get to Mallory Square, but there is lots to do and see within 15 - 20 minutes.
Stayed 28 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Author’s Cottage

We had a fantastic stay at the Author’s Cottage. The cottage was very roomy and comfortable, and came equipped with everything we needed. The pool and hot tub were excellent for relaxing after a day out enjoying Key West. Christina was super helpful and quick to respond to our inquiries. An all around excellent stay!
Stayed 31 nights in Feb 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Peter T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

1111 Watson

Fantastic! We booked for next year already for our 3rd in a row. Christina and the folks who live in the compoud are great..
Stayed 28 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Secret Hideaway

We absolutely loved our time in the author’s cottage. It’s tucked away down a tree lined path, ending by the pool and hot tub. The pool deck has just been beautifully redone, and the heated pool is great. The cottage is very comfortable, with two good sized bedrooms, an eat in kitchen, and an office area. I wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again, and highly recommended the cottage. Christina was very helpful and a great host!
Stayed 28 nights in Jan 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Randy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome location with great heated pool and hot tub!

This is the first time staying at Christina's home in Old Town Key West and we loved it! It's a gated group of 5 homes tucked away off the street. All of the other owners were great, friendly and outgoing. We felt like part of the group immediately. I love the heated pool! The house is a cottage with lots of light, it's own private deck and it has w/d, a/c, and fully equipped kitchen. Christina is an excellent hostess too! Highly recomend!
Stayed 32 nights in Nov 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Peter T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous

The place is fantastic. Very quiet and you can walk to most anywhere in 15 to 20 minutes or so. The house has two nice bedrooms, a nice kitchen with a dining area and a washer dryer. In addition, the house has large outdoor space with a nice barbecue. There is also a common outdoor space with a heated pool and hot tub that are well maintained. The folks in the 1111 compound are very nice. Christina is the perfect host who is there when you need her and makes the place feel like home. We already booked it for next year!
Stayed 28 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We are coming back!

We stayed for the month of January 2022. Great neighborhood and location. Easy walk or bike to virtually all activities and attractions on the island. Yet far enough from the action on Duval for quiet evenings. The perfect spot to see what Key West offers. 2 blocks from the best coffee (Sandy's) & chicken (Dion's) on the island and from Fausto's (groceries). We didn't bring a car and never felt the need for one. Beautifully big deck in the back with an outdoor shower! It is in a complex of 6 cottages surrounding a common pool and hot tub. You will get to know the neighbors. Christina (owner) was always available and responsive. The pictures really don't do it justice. The walk through the (locked) main gate takes you down a lush pathway back to the cottages. It is quintessential old Key West. Loved every day we were there! If your expectation is new and fancy - this is not it. This place makes you feel like you are a resident of the island. Just what we were looking for.
Stayed 28 nights in Jan 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Evelyn S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Author’s Retreat

Our stay in Key West at the author’s retreat was fabulous. The condo was clean, well-equipped and the pool was always the perfect temperature. We had our own private back area for relaxation and having friends over for dinner. The common area in the front of the building was a great place to get to know your neighbors. We would definitely return at a later date.
Stayed 28 nights in Feb 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Hannah P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

AMAZING stay - Would recommend to anyone!

It is not often that reality exceeds expectations, but that is exactly what this quaint cottage did. Upon arrival, the place was immaculate and stocked with everything one might need from a blender to olive oil to cleaning supplies this place had it all. It is in a gated compound which added a level of safety we appreciated. All of the other compound guests were extremely friendly as well and the place/pool is large enough that we never felt overcrowded. The location is great, far enough away from the hustle and bustle of Duval but also walkable to almost anything. There is a grocery story and great Cuban restaurant, Sandys, within a 2 minute walk as well. (Sandy's breakfast sandwiches are too die for) Further, Christina was a top tier host. Extremely responsive and made the "check in/check out" process seemless. I can whole heartedly reccommend this place and hope myself to return one day soon!
Stayed 28 nights in Apr 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Terri S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Authors cottage

This cottage was wonderful ! It was very clean and fully stocked with everything we needed. The pool and landscaping are so secluded and gorgeous! Getting to know the neighbors was so much fun! Christina was quick to answer any of our questions—I would highly recommend staying in this oasis!
Stayed 58 nights in Feb 2021

About the host

Hosted by christina smith

Host profile image

Languages:

English, Spanish
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