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- About us -
We’re often asked what brought us to stewardship of The Tropical Inn. Everyone in Key West has “a story”. Here's 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 neglected but historically significant Bahamian Conch House the third in his series of Key West 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 requirements: location, location, location!
In their travels, Jane and Allen had developed a preference for small, family-run hotels, like those typically found throughout Europe. They enjoyed the uniqueness 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 adventurous challenge, they foresaw The Tropical Inn’s potential to fulfill their concept.
The missing ingredient was a “front person” to meet and greet guests and see to their comfort. 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 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”.
As serendipity would have it, the opportunity to purchase an adjacent vacant lot soon presented itself. Today, it is an exotic tropical garden with a waterfall pool, the envy of many a fellow innkeeper.
Rooms and common areas were redesigned, furnished with beauty, quality, and comfort. As the vision became reality, the new, upscale Tropical Inn collected a loyal following of guests from around the world, who return time and again and refer their friends.
In 2004, additional adjacent property was acquired and renovated, more than doubling the original inn's footprint and taking it to the next level of luxurious guest accommodation. Expanding to embrace three cloistered cottages and embellishing the grounds with a soothing hot tub, the original inn was transformed into a secret garden enclave.
Vision and determination have developed The Tropical Inn into one of the most unique, romantic, and stylish guesthouses in the Key West Bed & Breakfast community, all the while retaining its original homelike, welcoming warmth. 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”.
The trio's concept of what makes a perfect island hideaway manifests itself in every detail of The Tropical Inn. And the day-to-day operation is, as it always has been, a personal, hands-on endeavor, ensuring a quality experience for each guest. 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.
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. 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 crossed the Rainbow Bridge 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 still intensely felt, but her life is celebrated in gratefully joyous memories. There was never a companion quite like Biskit, and she lives on now in our hearts.
Tropical Inn Bed and Breakfast 812 Duval Street ~ Key West, Florida 33040
Toll Free: 1-888-611-6510 (9 a.m. to around 8 p.m.)
Tel: 305-294-9977 | Fax: 305-292-1656 or Email
Tropical Inn
Key West Bed & Breakfast
Romantic Lodging & Accommodation in Historic Key West
