Merlin Guest House Key West

Taking its name from Merlin Albury, a Bahamian-born transplant who served as postmaster, the Merlin Guesthouse has had an interesting history since it was built in 1930, initially housing military from Fort Zachary Taylor. Over the years, the property has been a bordello and gambling house. These days mostly couples stay at the charming bed-and-breakfast that has a front porch, facing Simonton Street, with bicyclists leisurely pedaling by. The location is one block from the touristy Duval Street, but the lush tropical landscaping makes the property feel pleasantly isolated. Rooms are in four buildings with 10 original units. Buildings feature quintessential Key West architectural designs: clapboard siding and white porch railings. The informal office has exposed ceiling beams, a skylight, and large windows that face the courtyard. Breakfast is served under a gazebo in the courtyard, where there’s a wooden terrace with stylish rattan furniture and plenty of trees that provide shade. A lily pond and hammock add to the serene atmosphere.

Lush landscaping makes the property feel isolated. However, Duval Street’s lively nightlife is one block away on foot, with bars, restaurants, shops, galleries, and markets. Five blocks away is the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum and Key West Lighthouse. Mallory Square is in walking distance. Also in walking distance are the Southernmost Point, South Beach, and the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory. The Truman Little White House is reachable on foot. The Fort Zachary Taylor Visitor center is a five-minute drive. The Key West Bight Marina is a five-minute drive. It’s 10 minutes by car to the Key West International Airport.

Each room has a unique layout and cottage chic furnishings. Rattan furniture, dark wooden flooring, neutral decor, and exposed wooden ceilings create a romantic atmosphere. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and shared porches or patios. There are no phones, and the cheapest rooms don’t have coffeemakers or mini-fridges. One-bedroom cottages have safes, kitchenettes -- with stovetops, microwaves, Keurig coffeemakers, and refrigerators -- and living rooms with sofa beds. Two-bedroom cottages have irons/ironing boards, spiral staircases, living rooms, and wet bars with microwaves, Keurig coffeemakers, and mini-fridges. King Suites offer sitting areas, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. White-tiled bathrooms have hairdryers, showers or shower/tub combos, and toiletries.

In the courtyard, beside the breakfast terrace, is a clean, quiet outdoor pool. Several lounge chairs are tucked on the deck between palms. A basket of rolled beach towels and sunscreen are by the pool. Afternoon iced tea is often set out in the courtyard for guests, where there are also tourist pamphlets and newspapers. Like most Key West properties, the Merlin Guesthouse doesn’t have an on-site parking garage. There are a limited amount of free street parking spaces nearby, or guests can use a city garage, for a fee, which is located at Grinnell and Caroline streets. Continental breakfast is served for free on a pretty, shaded terrace. Wi-Fi throughout is free.