Vacation Rentals by Owner

Beach Retreat

Guest: Peter H.
Date of Stay: 10/15/11 Review Submitted: 10/29/11

Spent a week in the apartment, and my fiance and I could not have been more pleased. It is a perfect size for 2 people and Marilyn provides everything you need. Easy access to both Duval Street and the beach, and just a block from a grocery store. Sandy's Cafe is also right around the corner for your morning coffee. We rented bikes while we were down there, and it is a little awkward getting them in and out from the street, but there is plenty of room along the side of the house to lock them. All in all, I highly recommend this rental.

Recommended for:

My favorite place to stay

Guest: Enjoyed my stay (Boca Raton, Fl USA)
Date of Stay: 06/07/11 Review Submitted: 06/21/11

We really do feel at home in this peaceful rental. The home is located near enough to the beach and Duval but far enough to feel you are a native. The patio and porch are very relaxing. The apartments have everything you could ever want. There is a grocery store one block away and the kitchen was so well supplied that we saved money by eating breakfast and lunch at the rental. We often came back home for naps in the afternoon. The beds are comfortable and the rooms are always spotless when we check in. I won't stay anywhere else.

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful place

Guest: Matt (New York)
Date of Stay: 04/21/11 Review Submitted: 04/26/11

I rented this place with my fiancee and we both loved it. Less than 2 blocks to a great grocery store and good Cuban take-out place, pluis it was close enough to Duval to walk but far enough away to be able to enjoy a quiet evening on the back porch. Perfect size for 2 with all the amenities one could need. The owner was very prompt and friendly in getting the reservation set up and making sure everything was perfect with the place itself. Would definiately stay here again or recommend it to anyone looking for a convenient and enjoyable place in Key West.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Nice Place

Guest: Marc M. (Raleigh, NC / USA)
Date of Stay: 03/10/11 Review Submitted: 03/18/11

My girlfriend and I stayed here during our vacation in Key West. It's a nice little place with everything you need. We liked being able to walk everywhere (Duval Street, the beach, Malory Square) but there is a bike shop at the end of the street if you prefer renting a bike. The bathroom is small but is good enough. The only thing keeping me from rating this place as excellent is the bed. We both agreed it was uncomfortable but not so much that it will ruin your stay. Marilyn was very easy to work with and she makes sure you have everything you need.

Owner response:My guests from Raliegh, NC were very nice people and nice to talk with when setting up the reservation. I really enjoy having my vacation rental and being in this business. It truly is satisfying and alot of fun to work with and talk to all my guests. I do appreciate very much their comments. Before they stayed I had 2 comments on the bed. The first man thanked me and liked it because I guess he had a back problem and he said the bed was good for him and then after that another guest stayed and they told me the bed was not so comfortable for them but then they told me they like quite soft beds. After their comment I did take action and bought a very thick like feather mattress pad for the bed. I quess I will get a new mattress for this bed BUT my only problem is whom do I please when buying my new mattress. The people who like firm beds or the people who like soft beds. It's like that commercial you see on TV where both the husband and wife can control their own side of the bed for firmness or softness. It's just hard to keep everyone happy. But I will go shopping and try the make the best decision for the masses. That is the best I can do and all that I can do. Guest imput is good and helps me try to ensure that my guests have an enjoyable stay.

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Valera Street Rocks!!!

Guest: Dustin (Pinckney, MI)
Date of Stay: 03/04/11 Review Submitted: 03/15/11

I was a little apprehensive about renting privately due to all the scams out there but this is definitely legit. Marilyn runs a top notch operation; everything from the booking to the cleanliness of the rental was perfect. Valera Street is close to everything. We rode our bikes everywhere we needed to go and can't wait to return!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great little place

Guest: Cindy (Dallas TX)
Date of Stay: 09/09/10 Review Submitted: 09/21/10

We had a great time in Key West! This little place was in a good location with a grocery store & laundry just around the corner. The place was just the right size for a couple I would have liked more towels, but other than that it was really nice. We would defintely stay again.

Recommended for:Girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great little apartment in the local district.

Guest: Lauren M. (US)
Date of Stay: 09/02/10 Review Submitted: 09/09/10

Just stayed here for 5 days and had a great time. The apartment had everything I needed, and was located in a nice neighborhood away from all the noise, but within close bike ride distance to the action. Also had a nice little grocery down the block, and close walking distance to the pier/beach. The bathroom is tiny, but otherwise there is a good amount of space. It would fit 2-3 great, but I wouldn't want to try for 4 ppl. I will definitely be returning to this rental! It's a great value for the price, and Marilyn was great to rent from.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, tourists without a car.

Great Place

Guest: mr3jhs (Charlottesville, VA)
Date of Stay: 06/13/09 Review Submitted: 06/23/09

This is a great apt. for a vacation for 2-3 people. We just loved it. Lots of info. available for folks who are not that familiar with Key West. Place was very clean. Ample fixtures for use. ie. toaster, BLENDER, microwave, etc. Located just far enough away from all the "action" not to be bothered with it when you want down time and close enough to walk to if you want. We rented bikes based on recommendation of owner. It's the only way to get around Key West and the bike shop is just a couple doors down the street. We will be back again.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Absolutely Darling!!!!

Guest: Enjoyed my stay (Boca Raton, Fl USA)
Date of Stay: 06/04/09 Review Submitted: 06/06/09

We stayed two nights June 4th and 5th, 2009 and found the apartment absolutely perfect. The apartment was completely stocked with everything we needed to make complete meals and frozen drinks. The location was Excellent and we were able to get around to Duval and the beach with ease. We would Definitely stay again.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great find in Key West; perfect location!

Guest: GatorPeople (Gainesville, FL)
Date of Stay: 05/28/09 Review Submitted: 06/06/09

It was our first time to Key West, and we stayed for 3 nights/4 days. We stayed in the back apartment, and loved every bit of the trip. The house is in a perfect location, walking distance to everywhere. The bike store next door was cheap and the folks there were helpful - bikes made it very easy to get anywhere on the island quickly. The place was spotlessly clean, had plenty of recommendations on what to do on the island, was in a quiet but convenient little part of the island, had a fully functioning kitchen (and all the necessary utensils, cooking gear, etc), the back porch provided all the privacy you'd need, and obviously the price was fantastic. Marilyn was amazing to work with - very responsive to any questions. I would definitely recommend to friends, and we will definitely be staying at Varela St. during our next Key West trip. We got in some snorkeling (Reef Express...two reef trips in the same time as many places get one trip), some guided kayaking touring (the guided part is critical...very knowledgeable and friendly folks at Lazy Dog), plenty of beaches nearby (visiting the Fort Zach Taylor park is a must), lots of bike riding, etc. In the end, our favorite place to eat was probably Kim’s Cuban (tiny little place with delicious breakfast and lunch). Good times all around.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

True Gem

Guest: Khea (Wilmington, DE)
Date of Stay: 04/05/09 Review Submitted: 04/11/09

All the reviews are true. We had a great time in Key West. This location was central to the best Key West has to offer. It was 10 minute walk to Duval Street and the beach. Some of the best local restaurants were a few minutes away. Definitely rent a bike at the shop on the corner and eat at the Greek restaurant around the corner on Duval. Great food! Khea and Greg

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A great little home away from home in Key West

Guest: Vitaly and Larry (Philadelphia, PA)
Date of Stay: 02/21/09 Review Submitted: 03/01/09

The apartment was charming, clean, and well kept. The location was also great because you can walk everywhere. Marilyn, the owner, definately takes a lot of pride in her place. The attention to detail, such as the welcome book and suggestions gave a very nice personal touch. The neighborhood is quiet and friendly. You are in short walking distance to great restaurants such as Cafe Sole, El Siboney, and my favorite, Azur. I would definately recommend this place and plan on repeating our stay in the future. So much more personal and cozy over large/chain hotels. I would much rather support the "individual". Thank you Marilyn - we really enjoyed it...Vitaly and Larry

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A Great Place to Kick Back!

Guest: 332 (Leesburg, Florida)
Date of Stay: 11/29/08 Review Submitted: 12/20/08

This place was the best part of our trip! The apartment was spotless and the wood deck out back got lots of morning sun. We felt so at home that we stayed in several days just to relax and read on the deck. We would definitely come back! Chuck and Terri

Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Great Place! Very Cozy!

Guest: ashley t. (Cedar Falls, Iowa)
Date of Stay: 08/01/08 Review Submitted: 08/12/08

My husband and I LOVED our stay at Varela Street retreat. It was so cozy and we loved the location. We were a 10 minute walk from Duval and a short walk to the beach. We loved it so much, we enjoyed hanging out there during the day and sunning on the porch. We will definitely stay again. And,plan on staying at Varela. We also loved the neighbors and enjoyed their company. Don't miss out on this retreat! You will love it!

Recommended for:Girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

GREAT LOCATION!!

Guest: CandS (West Palm Beach, Fl)
Date of Stay: 06/30/08 Review Submitted: 07/16/08

My boyfriend and I had a great time at this adorable rental in the keys. Honestly, it was the perfect location. Close enough to enjoy Duval Street, but far enough to enjoy our quiet time. Place was very clean and cozy. Everything you would ever need was there. I plan to stay there in December, and have already recommended the place to friends.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway