Verified
10/10 Excellent
Peter T.
18 Jan 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous
Peter T.
Stayed 28 nights in Dec 2023
Entire home
Tropical oasis in a former author’s retreat. Sleeps 4.
Photo gallery for Tropical oasis in a former author’s retreat. Sleeps 4.
In the heart of Key West, this charming Old Town Cigar Maker's Cottage is steeped in literary history. With lush foliage and meandering brick walkways surrounding the swimming and wading pools, unwind on your expansive deck with a gas grill or retreat to your cozy sun room.
Reviews
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
2 bedroomsSleeps 6854 sq ft
Popular amenities
- Washing machine
- Dryer
- Pet-friendly
- Free Wi-Fi
Add dates for prices
About this property
Tropical oasis in a former author’s retreat. Sleeps 4.
- Former residence of an author and decorated accordingly, this cute cottage is quintessential Key West. Perfect monthly rental has two bedrooms, one full bath plus outdoor shower, is an authentic Old Town Cigar Maker's Cottage and the location of the actual writing of Laurence Shames' famous book FLORIDA STRAITS. Key West is a former home of many other authors including Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams and this lovely getaway reflects that heritage in its decor and lending library! Lush foliage and brick meandering walkways surround the swimming and wading pools. Brand new living room furniture and decor in 2019. All new memory foam mattresses. Brand new shower head with features, brand new sink faucet, new ceiling fans as of 1/21, newly finished bar area, brand new hot water heater. WiFi and access to your smart network on roku.Other features of this charming home include hardwood and tile floors, ceiling fans and central a/c in every room, a large eat in kitchen with all appliances and kitchen items/utensils including dishwasher, high ceilings, sun room, and an expansive deck with gas grill perfect for entertaining. In home washer and dryer. This monthly rental property is within walking distance to Truman and Duval streets, Higgs beach pier, local grocery stores, restaurants, shopping, St. Mary's Star of the Sea basilica and the beach! This cottage is perfect for a couple's retreat or a group getaway to remember! Professionally cleaned by a third party service after each guest's stay. Book your dream Southernmost vacation today!
Property amenities
Beach
- Beach loungers
- Beach towels
Pool/Spa
- Communal pool
- Heated pool
- Hot tub
- Outdoor pool
Internet
- Available in the house: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
- Parking on site
Food and drink
- Coffee/tea maker
- Cookware, dishware, and utensils
- Dishwasher
- Electric kettle
- Hob
- Microwave
- Oven
- Refrigerator
- Spices
Dining
- Dining table
Bedrooms
- 2 bedrooms
- Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
- Bathtub or shower
- Hair dryer
- Outdoor shower
- Towels provided
Living spaces
- Dining table
Entertainment
- Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
Outdoor areas
- Barbecue grill
- Outdoor furniture
- Patio
Laundry
- Laundry facilities
- Washing machine
Work spaces
- Desk
- Desk chair
Comfort
- Air conditioning
Pets
- Pet friendly
- Welcoming dogs only
- Up to 23 kg per pet
Suitability/Accessibility
- Smoke-free property
- Note from host: smoking allowed outside on private deck or patio
Services and conveniences
- Iron/ironing board
Things to do
- Heated pool
Safety features
- Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
- Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
- First aid kit
- Fire extinguisher
- Deadbolt lock
General
- Property does not allow children
- Unit size: 854 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 21
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Pets
Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
1 total (up to 23 kg per pet)
Note from host: Pets to be approved by hoa on guest by guest basis
Children and extra beds
This property does not allow children
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Smoking allowed outside on private deck or patio
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
About the area
Old Town Key West, a neighbourhood in Key West, is home to this holiday home. 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 The Kite House are also worth visiting. Visit our Key West travel guide
View more Holiday homes in Key West
Key West, FL
What's nearby
Duval Street12 min walk - 0.7 miles
Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park14 min walk - 0.8 miles
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum15 min walk - 0.8 miles
South Beach15 min walk - 0.8 miles
Southernmost Point17 min walk - 0.9 miles
Getting around
- Key West, FL (EYW-Key West Intl.)8 min drive
Restaurants
- Dions Truman & White3 min walk
- Sandy's Café1 min walk
- Moose Lodge12 min walk
- Morrison's Market12 min walk
- Better Than Sex11 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Does Tropical oasis in a former author’s retreat. Sleeps 4. have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.
Is Tropical oasis in a former author’s retreat. Sleeps 4. pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.
How much is parking at Tropical oasis in a former author’s retreat. Sleeps 4. ?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Tropical oasis in a former author’s retreat. Sleeps 4. ?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Tropical oasis in a former author’s retreat. Sleeps 4. ?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Tropical oasis in a former author’s retreat. Sleeps 4. located?
Located in Old Town Key West, this holiday home is within a 15-minute walk of Key West Firehouse Museum, Florida Keys Beaches and Duval Street. Southernmost Point and South Beach are also within 1 mile (2 km).
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Tropical oasis in a former author’s retreat. Sleeps 4. Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
More informationOpens in a new windowRating 10 - Excellent. 11 out of 11 reviews
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10
Cleanliness
10
Location
Reviews
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Peter T.
28 Jan 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic 3rd year!!!!!!Already booked 5 weeks next year. Christina is a great host, lovely people in the compound, walked to everywhere.WOW!
Peter T.
Stayed 30 nights in Dec 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
David R.
2 Apr 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Author’s Cottage
We had a fantastic stay at the Author’s Cottage. The cottage was very roomy and comfortable, and came equipped with everything we needed. The pool and hot tub were excellent for relaxing after a day out enjoying Key West. Christina was super helpful and quick to respond to our inquiries. An all around excellent stay!
David R.
Stayed 31 nights in Feb 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Peter T.
16 Jan 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
1111 Watson
Fantastic! We booked for next year already for our 3rd in a row. Christina and the folks who live in the compoud are great..
Peter T.
Stayed 28 nights in Dec 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
David R.
1 Mar 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Secret Hideaway
We absolutely loved our time in the author’s cottage. It’s tucked away down a tree lined path, ending by the pool and hot tub. The pool deck has just been beautifully redone, and the heated pool is great. The cottage is very comfortable, with two good sized bedrooms, an eat in kitchen, and an office area. I wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again, and highly recommended the cottage. Christina was very helpful and a great host!
David R.
Stayed 28 nights in Jan 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Randy S.
3 Feb 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Awesome location with great heated pool and hot tub!
This is the first time staying at Christina's home in Old Town Key West and we loved it! It's a gated group of 5 homes tucked away off the street. All of the other owners were great, friendly and outgoing. We felt like part of the group immediately. I love the heated pool! The house is a cottage with lots of light, it's own private deck and it has w/d, a/c, and fully equipped kitchen. Christina is an excellent hostess too! Highly recomend!
Randy S.
Stayed 32 nights in Nov 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Robert B.
9 Feb 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We are coming back!
We stayed for the month of January 2022. Great neighborhood and location. Easy walk or bike to virtually all activities and attractions on the island. Yet far enough from the action on Duval for quiet evenings. The perfect spot to see what Key West offers. 2 blocks from the best coffee (Sandy's) & chicken (Dion's) on the island and from Fausto's (groceries). We didn't bring a car and never felt the need for one. Beautifully big deck in the back with an outdoor shower! It is in a complex of 6 cottages surrounding a common pool and hot tub. You will get to know the neighbors. Christina (owner) was always available and responsive. The pictures really don't do it justice. The walk through the (locked) main gate takes you down a lush pathway back to the cottages. It is quintessential old Key West. Loved every day we were there! If your expectation is new and fancy - this is not it. This place makes you feel like you are a resident of the island. Just what we were looking for.
Robert B.
Stayed 28 nights in Jan 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Evelyn S.
6 Mar 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Author’s Retreat
Our stay in Key West at the author’s retreat was fabulous. The condo was clean, well-equipped and the pool was always the perfect temperature. We had our own private back area for relaxation and having friends over for dinner. The common area in the front of the building was a great place to get to know your neighbors. We would definitely return at a later date.
Evelyn S.
Stayed 28 nights in Feb 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Hannah P.
12 May 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
AMAZING stay - Would recommend to anyone!
It is not often that reality exceeds expectations, but that is exactly what this quaint cottage did. Upon arrival, the place was immaculate and stocked with everything one might need from a blender to olive oil to cleaning supplies this place had it all. It is in a gated compound which added a level of safety we appreciated. All of the other compound guests were extremely friendly as well and the place/pool is large enough that we never felt overcrowded. The location is great, far enough away from the hustle and bustle of Duval but also walkable to almost anything. There is a grocery story and great Cuban restaurant, Sandys, within a 2 minute walk as well. (Sandy's breakfast sandwiches are too die for)
Further, Christina was a top tier host. Extremely responsive and made the "check in/check out" process seemless. I can whole heartedly reccommend this place and hope myself to return one day soon!
Hannah P.
Stayed 28 nights in Apr 2021
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Terri S.
31 Mar 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Authors cottage
This cottage was wonderful ! It was very clean and fully stocked with everything we needed. The pool and landscaping are so secluded and gorgeous! Getting to know the neighbors was so much fun! Christina was quick to answer any of our questions—I would highly recommend staying in this oasis!
Terri S.
Stayed 58 nights in Feb 2021