Charming 2nd-story apartment with balcony & lighthouse view - walk everywhere
Welcome to Julia Whitehead Lighthouse 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 the 1980s 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, in the upstairs Seagrass Suite, enjoy peaceful mornings with coffee on your private balcony, with a view of the Key West Lighthouse. Interior space combines modern updates with antique accent pieces, eclectic art, and cheerful pops of color. The modern, sleek kitchen makes meal prep a breeze and a cozy living room is designed for relaxing at the end of the day. Free WiFi and cable will keep you entertained, or unplug entirely with an evening back out on the balcony, enjoying the stars and the lights of Old Town before bed - another idyllic day in Key West awaits tomorrow.
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 cycling and ecotours.
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 2nd-story apartment with balcony & lighthouse view - walk everywhere pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Charming 2nd-story apartment with balcony & lighthouse view - walk everywhere?
As of 31 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Charming 2nd-story apartment with balcony & lighthouse view - walk everywhere on 7 Sept 2026 start from AU$220, 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 2nd-story apartment with balcony & lighthouse view - walk everywhere?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Charming 2nd-story apartment with balcony & lighthouse view - walk everywhere?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Charming 2nd-story apartment with balcony & lighthouse view - walk everywhere?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Charming 2nd-story apartment with balcony & lighthouse view - 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
8.8
Excellent
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Previous renter didn’t vacate the room & manager was not helpful! I was sent to an uptown non-descript apartment building far from the historical center of KW.We didn’t even receive an apology or a refund or credit for the added cost I paid for the first night!!!
martin w.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Abby C.
9 Nov 2023
Great Location
Walking distance to main strip and very centrally located!
I visit Key West often. Place was great. Had a great Key West feel and plenty of privacy. I will definitely stay here again. Super clean and nice. Bathroom shower is awesome!
Josh P.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Celine D.
25 Sept 2023
Nice and Quiet
Very well appointed home with comfortable bedding and full kitchen. Would definitely rent again!
Celine D.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Kathryn D.
30 Sept 2023
Key West Gold
The suite was AMAZING!!! Best place we’ve stayed ever in Florida. It was taken great care of. It was perfect for us. I would 1000x times stay there again.
Kathryn D.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Ron and Jo H.
2 Oct 2024
Awesome place to stay.
The decor was adorable, the bed was so comfortable. A/C kept us nice and cool. The kitchen and bathroom were so nice, and the shower was super cool.
We were close to everything. We also discovered that the free “Duval loop”. bus stop was across the street, great way to get around. We would stay again anytime!
Terrific space. In town for a conference, and this was the perfect spot. Far enough off the main drag so that quiet wasn't an issue, but a short distance to the action. Place was clean and convenient. Very nice to have my own kitchen space. Wonderful little balcony as well. Would definitely stay there again.
This property is perfect for a single person or couple who are visiting Key West for a few days or so. Everything I could need was in the unit, and it’s right off both Duval and White Streets, making it close to great restaurants and shops. People over 6’ in height may find the bedroom area a bit too cramped due to the low ceiling, and please note there is no dishwasher, dryer or laundry machine in the unit. Still, I would happily rent this property again!
David L.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2025
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Domenico C.
7 July 2023
Very Nice
Very accommodating to our needs. Decor was very nice and had everything we needed at our disposal. The only thing I would say is it was difficult for the airconditioner to get cold enough to where the bed was situated. It could use another fan up there but it was still very pleasant. The heat was not overbearing
Domenico C.
Response from VrboOwner on 7 July 2023
Hi, Domenico! We appreciate your feedback and will have the air conditioner inspected for optimal performance. Thank you!
Verified
4/10 Poor
Noah S.
13 June 2024
Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Communication
Left mid stay
Had a difficult time with the property - we were very excited to stay here for our honeymoon. But unfortunately the in-room AC did not properly cool the bedroom area (20 degree difference as reported by maintenance) and so we slept on the pull out couch. We were disappointed to discover multiple cockroaches in the kitchen, as well as cracked glassware. We only discovered this after pouring a beverage to only have it flow out the sides. Our last straw was when the bathroom sink leaked directly over our toiletries in the only storage available in the bathroom. We decided to check out early and move to an available hotel nearby after we spoke with the property office and they did not offer alternatives, as to save our honeymoon. We were told that a property manager would connect with us before we checked out, however we have still not received contact despite reaching out to them directly multiple times.
Noah S.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 28 June 2024
Thank you, Noah, for your feedback! We deeply apologize for the unwanted critters you experienced during your stay. Our local staff did offer to professionally treat the home and when not able, attempted to provide many other avenues to rid the home from pests. We regret that these measures were not effective and that this detracted from your vacation experience. 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!