If you’re planning a trip to Key West, Florida, you’re in for a treat. This beautiful island is known for its crystal clear waters, stunning beaches, and rich history.One of the best places to stay during your visit is The Gates Hotel Key West. Located in the heart of the island, this boutique hotel offers a unique blend of modern amenities and classic Key West charm.In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at The Gates Hotel and explore all the best things to see and do in Key West.
Location And Accommodation
The Gates Hotel’S Location In Key West
The Gates Hotel is located in the beautiful and vibrant city of Key West, Florida. It is situated on North Roosevelt Boulevard, just a few minutes away from the island’s historic Old Town district. The hotel’s location is ideal for those who want to explore the city’s exciting attractions and landmarks.
One of the main advantages of staying at The Gates Hotel is its proximity to some of the most popular tourist destinations in Key West. For example, the hotel is located just a short drive away from the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, which is a must-see attraction for literature enthusiasts. Another nearby attraction is the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, which offers visitors a chance to see hundreds of different species of butterflies up close.
In addition to its convenient location, The Gates Hotel also boasts top-notch accommodation options. The hotel features 100 beautifully appointed guest rooms, each of which is elegantly decorated and equipped with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, high-speed internet access, and plush bedding.
Types Of Rooms And Amenities
When it comes to accommodations at The Gates Hotel Key West, guests have a variety of options to choose from. The hotel offers 100 guest rooms and suites, all of which are designed with a modern and stylish decor. Each room features contemporary furnishings, premium bedding, and state-of-the-art amenities to ensure a comfortable stay for guests.
The standard guest rooms at The Gates Hotel Key West come equipped with either one king bed or two queen beds, making them perfect for couples or families. For those seeking a more spacious option, the hotel’s suites offer separate living areas and private balconies with stunning views of the surrounding area.
In addition to its comfortable rooms, The Gates Hotel Key West also offers a range of amenities to enhance guests’ stay. These include a large outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a complimentary shuttle service to nearby attractions. For those looking to explore the local area, the hotel also offers bike rentals and a concierge service to help plan activities.
Dining Options
The Blind Pig Restaurant
The Gates Hotel Key West offers a variety of dining options for its guests. One of the most popular restaurants on-site is The Blind Pig Restaurant, which serves contemporary American cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients.
The Blind Pig Restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating available. The restaurant’s menu features a range of dishes including appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Some of the most popular items on the menu include the seafood tower, lobster mac and cheese, and key lime pie.
The Blind Pig Restaurant also has an extensive wine list and a selection of craft beers and cocktails to complement your meal. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and reservations are recommended, especially during peak season.
If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, The Blind Pig Restaurant also offers private dining options for groups of up to 30 people. This is a great option for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, or corporate events.
For more information about The Blind Pig Restaurant, visit their website at https://www.blindpigkw.com/.
Rum Row Bar
The Gates Hotel Key West offers multiple dining options for its guests, including the popular Rum Row Bar. Located on-site at the hotel, Rum Row Bar is a great place to grab a drink and relax after a day of exploring the island.
Rum Row Bar offers a variety of cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits. The bar specializes in rum-based drinks, with an extensive selection of rums from around the world. Guests can enjoy classic cocktails like mojitos and daiquiris, or try something new like the Hemingway Special, a favorite of the famous author who called Key West home.
In addition to drinks, Rum Row Bar also serves light bites and snacks. Guests can enjoy items like conch fritters, fish tacos, and ceviche while taking in the views of the hotel’s lush tropical gardens.
For those looking for a more substantial meal, the hotel’s sister property, 24 North Hotel, offers additional dining options just a short walk away.
Website Reference: https://www.gateshotelkeywest.com/dining/rum-row/
Activities And Attractions
Beaches And Water Sports
Key West is known for its beautiful beaches and a wide range of water sports activities that attract tourists from all over the world. The Gates Hotel Key West is located just a few minutes away from some of the most popular beaches in the area, making it an ideal destination for beach lovers.
One of the most famous beaches in Key West is Smathers Beach. It is a two-mile-long beach that offers plenty of space for visitors to relax and enjoy the sun. The beach has several vendors who rent out chairs, umbrellas, and other beach gear. Visitors can also indulge in various water sports activities such as parasailing, jet skiing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Higgs Beach is another popular beach that is located near the Gates Hotel Key West. This beach is perfect for families with children as it has a playground and picnic tables. Visitors can also rent chairs, umbrellas, and snorkeling gear. The beach has a long pier that extends into the ocean, and it is a great spot for fishing.
If you are looking for a more secluded beach experience, then Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is the place to go. The park has a beautiful beach that is surrounded by lush greenery and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can swim, snorkel, and explore the underwater marine life. The park also has a historic fort that was built in the mid-1800s and is open for tours.
| Beach Name | Location | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Smathers Beach | South Roosevelt Boulevard | Parasailing, Jet Skiing, Kayaking, Paddleboarding |
| Higgs Beach | Atlantic Boulevard | Snorkeling, Fishing, Playground |
| Fort Zachary Taylor State Park | Southard Street | Swimming, Snorkeling, Fort Tours |
In addition to these beaches, visitors can also indulge in various water sports activities such as deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, and windsurfing. Key West is known for its excellent deep-sea fishing opportunities, and there are several charter companies that offer half-day and full-day fishing trips. Scuba diving enthusiasts can explore the coral reefs and shipwrecks that surround Key West, while windsurfers can enjoy the strong ocean breezes.
Historical Sites And Museums
Key West is a city with a rich history and culture, making it an ideal destination for those interested in exploring historical sites and museums. There are several notable locations that visitors can explore to learn more about the history of Key West.
The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is a popular attraction for literature enthusiasts. The museum is located in the house where author Ernest Hemingway lived from 1931 to 1961. Visitors can tour the house and see Hemingway’s writing studio, as well as the descendants of his famous six-toed cats.
The Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters Museum is another must-see historical site. The lighthouse was built in 1848 and served as a vital navigational tool for ships traveling through the treacherous waters surrounding Key West. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for a stunning view of the city and learn about the life of a lighthouse keeper in the accompanying museum.
The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum is dedicated to the history of shipwrecks and salvaging in the Florida Keys. The museum features artifacts recovered from shipwrecks, including gold and silver coins, jewelry, and other treasures. Visitors can also learn about the techniques used by salvagers to recover these items from the ocean floor.
Other notable historical sites and museums in Key West include the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, the Key West Art and Historical Society, and the Harry S. Truman Little White House.
| Historical Sites and Museums | Location | Admission Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum | 907 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040 | $14 per adult |
| Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters Museum | 938 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040 | $12 per adult |
| Mel Fisher Maritime Museum | 200 Greene St, Key West, FL 33040 | $15 per adult |
For those looking to experience history in a unique way, there are also several historical tours available in Key West. The Old Town Trolley Tour takes visitors on a tour of the city’s most notable historical sites, while the Ghosts & Gravestones tour explores the darker side of Key West’s history.
Shopping And Nightlife
Key West is renowned for its vibrant nightlife and shopping scene. Visitors to The Gates Hotel Key West can enjoy a variety of shopping and entertainment options in the vicinity.
Duval Street is the main hub for shopping and nightlife in Key West. The street is lined with boutiques, souvenir shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Visitors can stroll along the street and explore the various shops and eateries. Some of the popular shops on Duval Street include Margaritaville Store, Kino Sandals, and The Spice & Tea Exchange.
In addition to Duval Street, visitors can also explore the nearby Mallory Square. The square is famous for its nightly sunset celebration, where street performers entertain crowds as the sun sets over the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors can also find local artisans selling their wares at the square.
| Shop Name | Address | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Margaritaville Store | 500 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040 | A store that sells Margaritaville-themed clothing, accessories, and home decor items. |
| Kino Sandals | 107 Fitzpatrick St, Key West, FL 33040 | A shop that sells handmade leather sandals, belts, and bags. |
| The Spice & Tea Exchange | 431 Front St, Key West, FL 33040 | A store that sells gourmet spices, teas, and seasonings. |
For those looking for a more upscale shopping experience, Key West Art & Historical Society Custom House Museum Store is a great option. The store offers a wide selection of art, books, and souvenirs related to Key West’s history and culture.
| Item Name | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Original artwork by local artists | A variety of paintings, sculptures, and mixed media pieces created by local artists. | $500-$10,000+ |
| Books about Key West’s history and culture | A collection of books written by local authors that explore the island’s rich history and culture. | $20-$50 |
| Souvenirs | A variety of souvenirs including t-shirts, hats, and magnets with designs inspired by Key West. | $5-$30 |
When it comes to nightlife, visitors to The Gates Hotel Key West can enjoy a variety of bars and clubs in the vicinity. Some of the popular spots include The Green Parrot Bar, Sloppy Joe’s Bar, and Hog’s Breath Saloon. These establishments offer live music, signature cocktails, and an energetic atmosphere.
The Green Parrot Bar
Sloppy Joe’s Bar
Hog’s Breath Saloon
Events And Celebrations
Weddings And Special Occasions
The Gates Hotel Key West is an ideal destination for weddings and special occasions. The hotel offers a picturesque backdrop with its lush gardens and stunning ocean views, making it the perfect location for couples to exchange their vows.
The hotel has a dedicated team of event planners who work closely with the couple to ensure that every detail is taken care of. From selecting the perfect venue to arranging for catering and entertainment, the team is there to make sure that the day is perfect.
The Gates Hotel Key West offers a range of venues for weddings and special occasions, including indoor and outdoor options. The Sunset Green Event Lawn is a popular choice for outdoor weddings, with its stunning views of the sunset over the ocean. The Blind Pig Bar is another great option for a more intimate wedding or celebration.
To make the occasion even more special, the hotel offers a range of packages that include everything from flowers and decorations to photography and music. Couples can choose from a variety of packages to suit their needs and budget.
| Wedding Package | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Package | Includes venue rental, basic decor, and catering for up to 50 guests | $5,000 |
| Luxury Package | Includes venue rental, premium decor, catering for up to 100 guests, and a DJ | $10,000 |
| Ultimate Package | Includes venue rental, premium decor, catering for up to 200 guests, photography, and live entertainment | $20,000 |
The Gates Hotel Key West has also hosted a number of celebrity weddings and special events. In 2019, the hotel was the venue for the wedding of Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin, which was attended by a number of A-list celebrities.
Corporate Events And Meetings
Corporate events and meetings are a crucial part of any business’s success. The Gates Hotel Key West understands the importance of hosting these events in a professional and efficient manner. With its state-of-the-art facilities and experienced staff, The Gates Hotel Key West is the perfect location for corporate events and meetings.
The hotel offers several meeting rooms that can accommodate groups of various sizes. The largest room, the Hemingway Ballroom, can hold up to 200 people. It is equipped with modern audio-visual equipment, high-speed internet, and comfortable seating arrangements. Other smaller rooms are also available for more intimate gatherings or breakout sessions.
The Gates Hotel Key West also provides catering services for corporate events and meetings. Their culinary team can create customized menus based on the client’s preferences and dietary requirements. From coffee breaks to full-course meals, they can cater to any event’s needs.
The hotel’s central location makes it easily accessible to guests coming from different parts of the city. The hotel also offers ample parking space for attendees who are driving to the event.
Hosting corporate events and meetings at The Gates Hotel Key West ensures a successful and productive gathering. The hotel’s experienced staff will take care of every detail, allowing the clients to focus on their event’s content and objectives.
Conclusion
Key West is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a tropical paradise with a rich history and culture. And The Gates Hotel Key West is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay.Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo, The Gates Hotel offers a wide range of amenities and activities to keep you entertained throughout your stay.So why wait? Book your stay at The Gates Hotel Key West today and start planning your unforgettable trip to this beautiful island.
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