Last month I ended up planning a last minute getaway to Key West. I had only been there once, for a couple of hours on a cruise, so I knew that even though I’d be there less than 24 hours I wanted to stay somewhere cool. Luckily I was able to get a room at The Gates Hotel.
Located at the entry point of the island on North Roosevelt Boulevard, The Gates Hotel is a gateway to all things Key West, providing you with the full island experience at your fingertips. The Gates is a new lifestyle hotel in Key West offering an intimate setting that invites guests to celebrate the island’s colorful history and creative spirit. Mixing contemporary design and retro Floridian flair, The Gates Hotel features guestrooms with modern amenities that uniquely combine upscale sophistication and polished service with the island’s casual laidback vibe.
Rum Row, the hotel’s lively pool, bar, and lounge scene, welcomes guests to kick back in true Key West style with live music, handcrafted cocktails, and regionally inspired tapas (from a food truck that is parked POOLSIDE). Patrons can even channel the days of Prohibition with specialty spirits and the custom Gates Key West Hotel Rum from their exclusive partnership with First Legal Rum Distillery.
I loved the hotel the minute I walked in the front door. It was more like walking into a friends beach front home than a hotel lobby. The completely glass lobby has beautiful views on the pool and Rum Row just outside – how can you say no when its staring you in the face from the minute you walk in? Oh, and did a mention the complimentary welcome cocktail you get upon arrival? They know how to get you ready for the Key West experience.
The rooms were beautiful, roomy, and had everything you could need. There was a sitting area with a couch and chair, a HUGE comfy king sized bed, flat screen tv, and a bathroom you think you’d only find in a luxury resort. There is even a tablet on the bedside table that acts as your alarm clock and guide to the hotel. How cool is that?
Rum Row is the perfect accessory to their their private pool area. You can grab a custom cocktail made with local rum or try one of the numerous craft beer (some local) that they have on tap. And they have happy hour as well so plan your pool time so that you can take advantage of that. Lounging poolside with my Peppermint Bark cocktail in the middle of December reminded me why I live in Florida 🙂
The hotel is just a short ride from the airport and a short cab or bike ride to the center of town. They even have bikes on property that are available for guests to rent. If we hadn’t be out and about in the evening the bikes definitely would have been our preferred method of transportation.
So you are probably thinking “Is there ANYTHING wrong with this place Meghan?” Well, there is only one thing that comes to mind – noise. All of the rooms face out towards the pool and noise travels easily up to your room. There was a domino tournament the night we stayed complete with an amazing DJ. That was all fine and well until I came down with a horrible migraine and couldn’t get away from the noise and music. The music stopped by 10 pm and on a normal night that would have been fine, but that night I just wasn’t having it. So if you are someone that goes to bed early or is a light sleeper, that might be a deal breaker for you. But for me, if I had been feeling better, it would have just convinced me to go downstairs and join the party.
Next time I’m in Key West I hope to spend a bit more time there and hopefully a couple of nights at The Gates Hotel.
That looks amazing!