Charming, colorful two-story apartment with two balconies - walk everywhere

Key West, Florida
$293 avg/night Minimum Stay 1 Nights
Bed 1

Bed

Bath 2

Bath

Home Apartment

Property Type

Sleep 2

Max Sleeps

Night 1 nights

Min Stay

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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  • Feature Features
  • Map Map
  • School District Rates & Availability
  • Review Review

Feature Features

  • PETS

    No Pets Allowed
  • SAFETY

    Carbon Monoxide Detector Installed (host Has Indicated There Is A Carbon Monoxide Detector On The Property) Fire Extinguisher First Aid Kit Smoke Detector Installed (host Has Indicated There Is A Smoke Detector On The Property)
  • BEDROOM

    Bed Sheets Provided
  • GENERAL

    Unit Size: 500 Sq Ft (47 Sq M)
  • KITCHEN

    Coffee/tea Maker Microwave Oven Refrigerator Stovetop Toaster
  • LAUNDRY

    Near Laundromat
  • PARKING

    Onsite Parking
  • INTERNET

    Internet Access
  • OUTDOORS

    Balcony
  • BATHROOMS

    Hair Dryer Shower Towels Provided
  • THINGS TO DO

    Birdwatching Nearby Cycling Nearby Ecotours Nearby Golf Nearby Golfing On Site Power Boating Nearby Sailing Nearby Snorkeling Nearby Water Park Wildlife And Game Walks Nearby Winery Tours Nearby
  • ENTERTAINMENT

    TV With Cable/satellite Service
  • LIVING SPACES

    Living Room
  • CLIMATE CONTROL

    Air Conditioning
  • LOCATION HIGHLIGHTS

    In The City Center Near A Hospital Near The Sea
  • SERVICES AND CONVENIENCES

    Concierge Services Iron/ironing Board
  • SUITABILITY/ACCESSIBILITY

    Smoke-free Property

CheckIn Check-in : 04:00 PM CheckOut Check-out : 10:00 AM
No Wheelchair No smoking No pets Children allowed
Occupancy Max occupancy : 2

Map Map

School District Rates & Availability

Review Review

  • Tim R.

    Submitted Feb 6, 2026

    Stayed Jan 29, 2026

    Great location, clean cozy.

  • Joanne F.

    Submitted Nov 20, 2025

    Stayed Nov 11, 2025

    Many restaurants and stores near by. This property does not have a pool, but we didn't expect one.

  • Lindsey H.

    Submitted Jul 3, 2025

    Stayed Jun 25, 2025

    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.

  • Leah M.

    Submitted Oct 25, 2024

    Stayed Oct 12, 2024

    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.

  • Jamie S.

    Submitted Aug 9, 2024

    Stayed Oct 30, 2023

    This property was clean and a great location for Key West, within walking distance of most attractions.

  • Bradley C.

    Submitted Jul 22, 2024

    Stayed Jul 9, 2024

    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

  • Stacey H.

    Submitted Jun 12, 2024

    Stayed Dec 31, 1969

    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!

  • Sandra K.

    Submitted Feb 13, 2024

    Stayed Feb 10, 2024

    Great location to enjoy Key West. Comfortable amenities. Outdoor porches and outdoor living a big plus.

  • John B.

    Submitted Nov 23, 2023

    Stayed Nov 17, 2023

    Mold in bathroom and A/C unit. Other than that ok location and space.

  • Tom W.

    Submitted Sep 9, 2023

    Stayed Sep 3, 2023

    Several shortcomings. Will chose alternative location for next trip.

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Total

Includes taxes and fees
$293+
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