Sometimes it’s nice to just check into a hotel and know that it’s going to be a mellow, not-over-the-top stay, but a nice one. The Gates Hotel Key West is just that, with nice rooms, wonderful swimming pool space and convenient shuttle to get you into the heart of the historic town. Located next door to the 24 North Hotel on Roosevelt Bouldevard, the Gates Hotel KW is another great budget friendly stay that’s great for families.
One thing I like about staying in a hotel versus a large resort is that it ensure that we go out exploring. Yes, there are food and beverage options available here at the Gates Hotel, but since it’s not a resort with multiple fine dining restaurants and fancy bars it means that we get to experience the fun that Key West is known for. Yes, I love being able to just hang out, but that’s not always how we like to travel. Take a look at the rooms and amenities here and see if this is right for your trip to Key West. If you have any questions, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan a fun Florida Keys vacation.
Why Stay at the Gates Hotel Key West
The Gates Hotel in Key West is very similar to the 24 North Hotel in terms of price and amenities. They are next door to each other, owned by the same people and guests have access to each property’s pools. It’s kind of a win win. I like the location on Roosevelt Boulevard because it’s a hotel that is easy to arrive to and easy to depart from. I like the shuttle service to downtown. I like the garden vibes.
When we’re on a VACATION vacation we want to be able to enjoy our hotel as either a crash pad or a place of respite. The Gates Hotel has nice spots to relax outdoors, either by the pool, in the shade or in the alcoves of the lobby. It may not be as sprawling as the Perry Hotel or as lush at the Marker Resort, but it’s nice and it’s an easy escape. And when it comes to being a crash pad, the Gates Hotel Key West is nice enough that we like to return each not, but not so fancy and luxe that we feel like we’re missing out by being gone all day. Sometimes I feel like I’m cheating my family out of a lovely hotel experience by having lots of plans to keep us busy, but with this hotel, it’s just nice to come home to and if we get extra time to hangout here, great.
Book the Gates Hotel Key West here!
Room Options at the Gates Hotel
There are a few room types at the Gates Hotel in Key West, but it’s mostly varying by bed type and location. The room sizes are great, but not hugely sprawling. Everything is nicely updated and crisp, which I appreciate, especially when we’re someplace as humid as the Keys. There are no suites at the Gates Hotel Key West, but there are poolside rooms that also have patios.
If you’re looking for a long-term or suite hotel, the Laureate Hotel is perfect for that sort of stay. When it comes to hotel rates, the Gates Hotel is at the lower end of Key West hotels, which is amazing for how nice it is and how great the pool area is. You can expect to pay anywhere from $135 per night on a deal to $289 when it’s super busy or on a weekend. While that might not seem like a “budget option” it very much is for being in Key West.
Gates Hotel Key West Amenities
The swimming pool at the Gates Hotel is bank! It’s huge and has lots of lounge chairs around it, there are umbrellas and shade trees, and there’s a pool bar. From morning to night it’s a great place to hang out and refresh. There is also a game yard just past the pool, shared with the 24 North Hotel. The pool next door at the 24 North is also available to Gates Hotel guests, so double the pools double the fun.
There isn’t a fitness center within the Gates Hotel property, but as the amenities are shared with the 24 North, guests do have access to the fitness center there. You’ll need to get a key card from the front desk, but then you’ll have access to free weights, cardio equipment and more.
Besides the swimming pools, I think the best amenity offered by the Gates Hotel is the shuttle into downtown Key West. If you’ve driven in Key West before, you know that sometimes parking can be a challenge, and sometimes driving is too. There are some narrow streets, and often street parking can be difficult to find. We took full advantage of the free shuttle from the hotel into downtown and back. It runs until 10:00 pm, so you can stay out plenty late and still have your ride home.
Note: the free shuttle doesn’t drive all around town, but goes between the Gates Hotel property and the Historic Seaport, but that is walking distance to most attractions in Key West.
Dining at the Gates Hotel
Dining at the Gates Hotel is just like the rest of the property: chill. There is Rum Row, which is the pool bar and patio restaurant, and then the Blind Pig food truck. While these aren’t broad, diverse options, the food is good and the happy hour specials from Rum Row are good. There are lots of great restaurants in Key West though, so you’re always just a few steps or a short ride from a nicer restaurant or a different cuisine. A great option is to jump on the shuttle to downtown and have a nice dinner just in the Historic Seaport. Both the Boathouse and Turtle Kraals are great and just steps from where the shuttle drops you off.
Gates Hotel Key West Parking Information
Parking at the Gates Hotel Key West is not included in the resort fee ($15/night as of February 2025). You do need to put a parking pass in your front window (get it at the front desk). When you check in and get your room assignment, get instructions for where to park to be closest to your room, as the property is actually quite large with parking all around it.
Activities and Sights Near the Gates Hotel
There are some fun things to do near the Gates Hotel that don’t require you to go into downtown Key West, but then remember the easy shuttle also can get you right to the Historic Seaport. Here are my top picks both at the east end of Key West and some great tours that leave from where the shuttle drops you off.
- Night Kayak Key West
- Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden
- Smathers Beach day
- Guided tour with Geiger Key Paddle Hut
- Key West Eco Tours – Java Cat
- Honest Eco Tours Squid Catamaran
- Sunset Watersports Dolphin / Snorkel combo tour
Gates Hotel Operating Information
To be sure you have the best experience staying at the Gates Hotel, here’s the operating information for your visit:
- Operating Dates/Season: year round, check in is after 4:00 pm, check out is by 11:00 am
- Office phone number: 305-320-0930
- Company website: hotel site
- Hotel check-in address: 3820 N Roosevelt Blvd, Key West FL 33040
- Hotel booking link: Book the Gates Hotel Key West here!
More Fun Things to do in Key West
Key West is many people’s favorite destination in the Florida Keys. You can’t blame them; there are so many wonderful things to do, historic sites, so much wildlife and great food. If you know you’re coming to Key West and need some ideas to add to your itinerary or travel plan, take a look at some of our favorite things to do. You can always just play it by ear, walking from neighborhood to neighborhood, but I like to always have at least a loose plan.
Where to Stay in Key West
If you haven’t planned where to stay in Key West yet, of course we have recommendations. We’ve stayed many place, from luxury resorts to family friendly hotels, cute stays in the historic center to spacious condos on the end of town. There’s the right type of accommodation for any type of traveler in Key West. Keep in mind that with so many things to do and beautiful places to just explore on foot, you may not have a ton of time in your hotel room, so you might not need a ton of space and lots of amenities. Also, Key West is pretty costly for accommodations. As you look for where to stay, balance out your budget by considering hotels that AREN’T directly downtown.
Here are some of our recommendations for where to stay in Key West. We’ll keep adding to this list as we enjoy more wonderful hotels and resorts.
I hope you’ll consider the Gates Hotel for your Key West stay. The vibe here is really fun and it’s a great budget option. If you have any questions about visiting Key West or need additional recommendations, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help plan awesome Florida Keys trips!
