We’re often asked what brought us to own The Tropical Inn. Everyone in Key West has “a story”. Here is the “short version” of ours!

The Tropical Inn is one of the oldest family-owned and operated Bed and Breakfasts in The Conch Republic. In 1984, tourism was just gaining a tentative toehold in Key West history and the big hotels had yet to discover it at all.

Dennis Beaver, local entrepreneur and civic leader, brought to life from a dilapidated but historically significant Bahamian Conch House the third in his series of local Bed and Breakfasts. He operated it with close friends and family members until 1999, when other opportunities called.

Jane Lowe and Allen Lewis were kicking around the Keys about that time, trying out their new boat. Making their time off a “busman’s holiday” from over two decades in Savannah-based commercial real estate brokerage, appraisal, and development in Georgia and South Carolina, they discovered The Tropical Inn.

While a charming property that enjoyed a loyal following, it also had considerable “upside potential”. Best of all, it met that most important of real estate requirements: location, location, location!

Whenever they found the time to travel, Jane and Allen preferred to stay in small, family-run hotels, like those typically found throughout Europe. They enjoyed the “personality” of the accommodations and the affability of fellow guests. From time to time, they mused about owning a property that would blend that ambience with characteristics of a traditional American B & B. Ever ready for an intriguing challenge, they had the vision and experience to foresee The Tropical Inn’s potential to fulfill their concept.

The missing ingredient was a “front person” to meet and greet guests and see to the day-to-day operations while the transformation occurred. With a fresh degree in Hotel Management and a birthright in Southern Hospitality, what more obvious choice than daughter, Brandi? Coaxing her to leave her fast-track career with a large, corporate hotel in Phoenix, the team was formed.

So they made a Five Year Plan, and set about their goal of bringing The Tropical Inn to its full potential as a personal sanctuary for guests … an intimate and engaging retreat capturing positive energy, good karma and that ever-elusive sense of “calm”.

Only a few months into their new venture, Jane and Allen purchased an adjacent vacant lot and transformed it into an exotic tropical garden with a waterfall pool.

They redesigned rooms and common areas, furnishing them with beauty, quality, and comfort always paramount in their selections. And, as the vision became reality, they collected a loyal following of guests from around the world, who return time and again and refer their friends.

Then, as they neared the end of their original FiveYear Plan, the opportunity to acquire more adjoining property presented itself, ushering in Phase Two – The Next FiveYear Plan. More than doubling the footprint of the original Inn and garden expansion, the new addition created a compound by the addition of three cottages, more garden space, and room for an inviting, rejuvenating spa.

Imagination, determination, dedication, and drive have transformed The Tropical Inn from a minor presence to one of the most unique, romantic, and upscale guesthouses in the Key West Bed & Breakfast community. Jane, Allen, and Brandi’s enthusiasm for sharing this very special place is infectious, and they are always ready to welcome new friends into their “family of guests”.

Today, Brandi or Jane will be at the front desk to greet you. Allen will be about the property, usually seeing to something that needs repair or an “upgrade project” in progress. They're always available for help with anything a guest may need, even if it's just for a friendly chat in the garden or on the back porch, over breakfast.

The family’s vision of what makes a perfect island hideaway manifests itself in every detail of The Tropical Inn. But theirs is still a work in progress. Who knows what exciting new opportunity to “improve on perfection” might present itself before the close of the second Five Year Plan!

Remembering Biskit

An integral member of the Tropical Inn "team" was Biskit, Jane and Allen’s mellow-yellow Lab mix. She joined the family as a rescue dog when she was a about a year and a half old, and filled the lives of all who entered hers with unconditional love, spontaneity, and joy for a decade to follow. Accompanying Jane and Allen to "work" at the inn each day, her "job description" was to welcome guests, entertain, and sooth any separation anxiety that might be felt about furry or feathered friends back home. As she "never met a stranger", she naturally excelled in her role as hostess, and amassed a loyal following of adoring guests.

After a valiant, two-year battle with lymphosarcoma, during which she bravely endured extended therapies which resulted in two remissions, sadly, Biskit succumbed on March 17, 2008. Many thanks to guests who showered her with affection and kept her in their thoughts and prayers. The Tropical Inn family is especially grateful to her amazing veterinarian, Dr. Kristen Hall, along with the infinitely compassionate staff of the Marathon Veterinary Hospital.

Biskit's absence is intensely felt, but her life is celebrated in gratefully joyous memories. She lives on now in our hearts.