Recently featured in Travel & Leisure June 2002 "30 Great U.S. Inns" -

"So what makes the Mermaid & the Alligator stand out?  Try the crystal chandelier glittering from the royal poinciana tree out back, or the plunge pool with built-in bench for sipping Meursault."  "The owners intended to create a respite from Key West's hubbub"  "They planted every exotic they could find, then decorated the rooms with refreshing details like Polynesian tapa cloths and Haitian and Cuban artwork depicting island life.  None of the guest rooms have phones or TV's, but instead encourage lingering at mahogany writer's desks.  But first, you'll have to check in at the kitchen - there's no reception desk here."

Superior Florida Keys:  "This small gem has captured the spirit of the Keys.  The Victorian sits among a tropical garden gull of palms and flowering plants.  Handsome rooms and comfortable elegance, done with taste and charm."

Pam Lanier:  "An elegant Queen Anne house in a garden setting with pool, off street parking & a memorable breakfast."

Other Recommendations:  Fodor's, Rough Guide, Richard Young's "Intelligence Report."

Featured in Janis Frawley-Holler's "Key West Gardens and Their Stories"

Dean Carlson & Paul Hayes with the City of Key West Clean & Green Award.

Other Awards:
*   Pride In Paradise by the Key West Chamber of Commerce - October 1997.
*   Key West Chamber of Commerce Island of Lights Christmas Decorating Contest winner 1999-2001.
*  Winner of 11th annual People's Choice Awards for Key West's Favorite Guesthouse.
*   City of Key West Clean & Green Award - July 2002

"We are really impressed by the beauty and hospitality of the hosts.  As innkeepers, we understand the difficulties in achieving such excellence!  Thank you for making such beauty available to us!  Good luck and we can't wait to come back.  
The Rayo's - Guatemala

Innkeepers Dean and Paul
with Largo & Kili, resident pets.