I thought for a second I shouldn't write this review, however, I can't keep this big secret any longer.

The Mermaid & the Alligator is by far the best B&B anyone could ask for. My husband and I discovered it the second time we visited Key West and are forever committed.

We've briefly contemplated staying elsewhere but quickly realized what a mistake that would be. The rooms are amazing, the breakfast is served every morning by the owners, and their lovable short-haired retreiver, Havana, is never far away.

I've taken numerous pictures of the gardens behind the house but they never seem to do it justice. The birds are in cages amongst the trees and plants and play sweet songs throughout the day.

The best part about the inn is coming back to it at the end of a long day on Duval street, dipping into the pool and having a "couple" glasses of wine at wine hour. It's 5 O'clock somewhere!

For B&B beginners, regulars, and critics this is, without a doubt, the place to be.

This place is to die for. I may have limited experience of quality accommodation, but for less than the Pegasus International, we got to stay in an incredible, Victorian-period Key West home.

The garden is organised around the deck and small pool, shadowed by fine tropical plants. Songbirds in cages add to the ambience created by Dean, one of the joint-owners and an experienced garden designer. A relaxed breakfast is served here from 8:30 until 10am with a different, home cooked hot dish served every day alongside yoghurt, muffins, fruit and coffee. Also in the garden there is a covered porch where lemonade is served in the afternoon and wine available for guests in the early evening. These guys look after you!!

Hidden at the back of the garden are two (or three? I couldn't tell, they were hidden!) cottage rooms with their own verandahs. There are another four or five rooms in the main house, each decorated with interesting local antiques. We stayed in the Sun Room - essentially one big bay window, forming half an octagon - with sun deck, bathroom and walk in closet - light, beautifully furnished and decorated.

Dean and Paul are marvellous hosts - aside from the breakfast and wine, we were loaned beach towels and equipment and given excellent recommendations for restaurants and activities - particularly the Seven Fish restaurant, not 50 yards from the front door. The guesthouse is also in the lucky position of having parking for eight cars - not to be sniffed at in Key West!

If the other guesthouses on Truman are on the same level as this, you need go no further than a couple of blocks to find the perfect spot.