Olivia By Duval

I have stayed here for the past 20 years. It’s always been a little run down but because it was so cheap at $ 79 a night, my expectations were never high but this year, I simply cannot begin to accept the deplorable conditions of this hotel.
Electric outlets are highly outdated and could easily start a fire. Turn on hair dryers and blow a breaker. No exaggeration. This happened. Mold spores as big as quarters growing out of wall where air conditioning unit is in the «loft» room. Floor rotten by toilet and dangerous from water dripping profusely onto molded wall onto floor. Turn on tv and AC turns off. Change channel on TV and AC turns off. Tiny ants infestation in all rooms. We had to move rooms initially because the first one had no AC at all in 90 degree heat.
Seriously, this entire property needs condemned. It’s unsafe and unfit to stay in. It’s a shame because I’ve had a lot of great memories here.

We had a great experience here. DJ was extremely helpful in finding us a room. It’s clothing optional and everyone was extremely friendly. We’ll be back again

Stayed here recently. Had found on internet by accident and was glad I did. It was the most reasonably priced hotel in the «off season» and it’s 1 block away from Duval! I’ve been to the keys many times and have in the past stayed at a B&B but they can sometimes be kind of pricey. I specifically wanted something a little less since I am barely in the room at all to begin with. This place was great. DJ at the office was friendly and helpful, gave me restaurant suggestions, coupons, explained where to park, etc. He was just awesome! I also thought it great that our room was ready as soon as I got into town (noon) as opposed to the usual check in time of 3pm. This was a bonus, not expected but very much appreciated. The room was cute and cozy in a quiet out of the way corner and had everything we needed. The only thing I’d suggest is that the bathroom’s window was slightly open (permanently as the locks were broken) so because of this we closed the door to the bathroom as to not let the AC air continuously escape (it’s June in So. FL it gets HOT and Sticky!). Because of this, bathroom showers were not as comfy even when taking a cold one. All in all, this was a minor thing for me, I was happy with everything else. Thanks! We’ll be back.

What a fantastic place to stay! We stayed in Kay’s Cottage and it was everything we wanted and needed! We arrived late on Thursday night and was prepared for the late check in by the friendly office staff. It was a breeze getting our key and getting settled in. There was a spot right in front of our cottage that was free parking! (I was afraid we weren’t going to find a spot but there was plenty and soo close!!) First walking into the cottage it was a lot nicer and bigger than we expected. There is so much storage and room to put all of your belongings. They provide an ironing board and iron, vacuum, some dishes, coffee with condiments, towels, a safe, plenty of pillows, and soaps! The cottage was very clean! The front porch was so nice to spend our mornings and nights on! All of the staff we encountered were very friendly and accommodating!
This cottage is in a perfect location and close to everything you want or need! We couldn’t of asked for a better place to stay!
Very close to CVS, laundry mat, scooter/​bicycle rentals, coffee, Duval St and much much more! Also, the pool is a nice, quiet, relaxing area where clothing is optional! We would definitely recommend staying here when you go to Key West!

We found Olivia by Duval almost by accident this year as we scrambled for lodging during January 2014 when our plans to stay elsewhere changed suddenly. Although this was our 5^th trip to Key West, and we have literally walked past the buildings several times — this truly is a Hidden Gem!!!
We stayed in the Conch Room (and hope to again our next time down) which was perfect for the two of us — Comfortable bed, clean room & bathroom, kitchenette with refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker. Outside of our room (which has A/​C and windows we opened!) was a small courtyard between buildings with a table and two chairs (perfect morning coffee spot) as well as a table with 4 chairs and an umbrella.
Check in was less than 5 minutes (Free Beer!) and we were provided with maps for possible parking places (see below) as well as an «attractions» map of the Duval St area.
The private, clothing optional pool was heated 24×7, clean and the perfect size for a dip to cool off and float. No kids = no cannon balls or screaming! There were a few other guests staying at OBD (several buildings, accommodation options) and all of the people we met were great folks to hang out with and talk to!
A few «fully utilized» the clothing optional aspect of the pool — but no worries if this is not your thing, everyone is mature and very relaxed!
Location is IDEAL! Literally around the corner from Croissants de France, Havana (GO here for breakfast!), Willie T’s and all the rest of Duval St!
While there is no parking available for the locations — during check in we were shown on a map where to look for non-​metered parking, and even offered a pay for spot in a lot not too far as a last resort. We found (and had used on other trips) a spot on Truman just north of Duffy’s and Simonton where we left our rental car from the time we checked in — to when we pulled out of Key West — Cost = $ 0.00! If you circle the block a few times, and know the non-​metered streets — you will be fine if you have a car.
Thank you very much OBD! We WILL be back!
Raymo & Jen

Loved it. Clean, pretty room (the Pool House, at 820 Center Street) was half of a private cottage, facing a quiet street. Wood floors, reclaimed wood interior walls, porch. Clothing-​optional pool and (non-​private) outdoor shower were pluses. Friendly, attentive staff, lots of privacy. Reasonable prices and will book online.
Location: while near Duval, it’s not near north Duval, where «the action» is. Cabs can be hard to find sometimes (mid-​day), so if you go in August, rent a scooter to beat the two-​headed beast of heat and humidity.
A couple of missteps: there was no soap or shampoo when we arrived, although soap was brought promptly upon request. We found sugar ants in the kitchen and giant red ants in the bathroom (and we did not leave food out to attract them). Repair guys stopped in at 5pm on a Thursday to fix the stove — a somewhat inconvenient time, since we had dinner reservations at 6 and were trying to get ready. The kindness and cordial attitude of the staff made up for these small things.
I’d stay there again.

We won’t be staying anywhere else but Olivia by Duval in the future, loved it here! The room was great, especially with the full kitchen. It was nice to be able to keep drinks and snacks in the room and eat meals at the breakfast bar (we stayed in the captains quarters back). We loved the pool and spent quite a bit of time there, yes it’s small but it’s very private and that’s what we liked about it! We met some great people down there and had a fantastic time! DJ, Kay, and the rest of the OBD staff went out of their way to make us feel welcomed, we loved this place and hated leave! Avoid the cookie cutter /​expensive hotels on the island and check out OBD, lots of charm!

Came back to Olivia by Duval again this year and had a great time. The clothing optional pool can become an all out swingers’ party late at night… not exactly my scene since I was there with some biker buddies, but fun to watch.

I love Olivia by Duval! I have stayed there twice over the last year. They usually have a two night minimum, but have been able to accommodate me for one night both times I’ve stayed.
The first time I stayed in the loft room, which was clean, cozy and very comfortable. Last weekend we had the porch room, which was also clean, comfortable and very roomy. The location is perfect, half a block from Duval. You can easily get to either end of the street.
Good prices, great staff, good place to stay. I’ll be back.

What a great place !! Both of our rooms were very clean and comfortable with a very nice retro type décor. The property was well maintained, and secured with a private locked gate. The property was very quiet and very private, The location was great ! Staff was helpful and available, and… The best part… the room rates seem to be on the negotiable side and very reasonable. We will be back, on our future trips to the Keys and I highly recommend Olivia by Duval with 5 stars as a Great place to stay.

We stayed in the Cat Room which was cozy but enough space to be comfortable and bring our bikes in at night. Street parking wasn’t a problem over Christmas weekend. Very clean and well-​kept up. The pool WAS heated (recently fixed) and is clothing optional :) Great location! The staff was great as well. I’d definitely stay there again… Prices were fantastic as well.

This is only five star if you can take living like your college days again. Small guest house with street onlly parking. Perfect location, Olivia and mid-​Duval. Walking distance from a mo-​ped shop, internet café and drug store. Easy access to both ends of the island. Rooms are small and old. Shower you can barely turn around in. Pool not heated. You don’t come to Key West to stay in the room. Cheap place to hang your hat. That deserves five stars amid the high priced options.