KeyWest Hotels

KeyWest Hotels is an economy hotel brand that forms part of the Cobblestone Hotels portfolio, which encompasses Cobblestone Hotel & Suites, Cobblestone Inn & Suites, Boarders Inn & Suites, Centerstone Hotels, and KeyWest Hotels. The brand was originally founded in 1989 by Cory Jackson, Sr., who envisioned a hotel chain that would bring the warmth and character of South Florida to thriving smaller markets across the United States. The first KeyWest location opened in Boaz, Alabama, and the brand has since grown to include approximately 28 properties nationwide.

A South Florida–Inspired Experience

What sets KeyWest Hotels apart is its distinctive theming. Every property is designed to evoke the relaxed, coastal atmosphere of old South Florida. New construction hotels are lightly accented with the architecture of Key West, Florida, and that theme carries through into the public areas and guestrooms. Guests may encounter rocking chairs in the lobby, coconut ice buckets, signature lime drinks, and a themed gift for children to take home—small touches that collectively create a fun and memorable stay. Hotel owners can choose from three tiers of design packages to theme their property from exterior to interior, depending on their budget.

Three Tiers to Match Every Property Type

The KeyWest brand operates across three distinct tiers to serve different market segments. KeyWest Inns are designed for smaller limited-service properties, KeyWest Hotels serve larger full-service facilities, and KeyWest Resorts are reserved for true resort destinations. This tiered structure allows the brand to maintain a consistent identity while adapting to the specific needs and scale of each property.

A Franchise-Friendly Approach

KeyWest Hotels is known for one of the lowest fee structures in the hospitality industry. The initial franchise fee is only $12,000, with short-term agreements available as low as 36 months. Combined marketing and royalty fees are just 3%, or a flat fee per room for smaller properties. This makes the brand particularly accessible to independent hotel owners and developers seeking an affordable entry point into franchising.

Part of the Cobblestone Hotels Family

In August 2018, Cobblestone Hotels acquired KeyWest Hotels and Centerstone Hotels from Vimana Franchise Systems, expanding its portfolio to over 120 open locations across 25 states and more than 5,400 guestrooms. For Cobblestone, the acquisition filled a strategic gap by adding an upper-economy brand to its offerings, complementing its existing upper-midscale and midscale properties. Since the acquisition, Cobblestone has continued to invest in franchise development for the KeyWest brand, strengthening its presence particularly in the southern United States.

Whether it is a roadside inn in a small town or a full-service hotel in a leisure destination, KeyWest Hotels delivers a playful, coastal-inspired experience that brings a touch of Florida's island spirit to communities nationwide.