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 A booklet inside the apartment features the full story of Julia Whitehead Guest Suites.
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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 indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that 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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Key West
Located by the sea, this apartment is in Old Town Key West, a neighbourhood in Key West. Southernmost Point and Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum 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 MLK Community Pool & Community Center are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with ecotours and cycling.
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
Key West Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters Museum - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
South Beach - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
Southernmost Point - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
Getting around
Key West, FL (EYW-Key West Intl.) - 12 min drive
Restaurants
Circle K - 3 min walk
Old Town Tavern - 3 min walk
Moondog Cafe & Bakery - 3 min walk
Cuban Coffee Queen (Duval) - 4 min walk
Rams Head Southernmost - 4 min walk
Frequently asked questions
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 31 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Charming, colorful two-story apartment with two balconies - walk everywhere on 4 October 2026 start from NZ$643, 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.
How much is parking at Charming, colorful two-story apartment with two balconies - walk everywhere?
On-site 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?
Checkout 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 away 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.
Reviews
9.0
Wonderful
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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.
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.
12 June 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
8/10 Good
Bridget W.
13 July 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
Response from VrboOwner on 13 July 2023
Hi Bridget,
We are disappointed to read that your recent experience was not satisfactory. We will continue to work with both our local staff and homeowner to make improvements to this home, and we hope you'll give us a second chance to impress you!
From a partner site
6/10 Okay
John B.
23 November 2023
Mermaid Retreat
Mold in bathroom and A/C unit. Other than that ok location and space.
John B.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 23 November 2023
Hi John, thank you for your feedback. We are glad to know that the location serves you well. However, we are disappointed to know that your review was not satisfactory. Cleanliness and maintenance are two of our top priorities. Therefore, we have reported your experience to our local property manager so we can avoid this for future guests. Thank you for your stay, and we hope to have another chance to impress you in the future.
Verified
6/10 Okay
Tom W.
9 September 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
Response from VrboOwner on 24 September 2023
Thank you, Tom, for your feedback! We sincerely apologize for the issues you experienced during your time with us. Please know that your feedback is essential, and we have passed your comments along to our local manager, who will work with the homeowner to make any updates. We truly hope to have the opportunity to impress you in the future.
Verified
4/10 Poor
Bradley C.
22 July 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