Luxury Meets Unique Florida Keys Traditions at The Gates Hotel Key West

The Gates Hotel in Key West, Florida is the kind of place that makes it hard for you to leave. It has everything – plush accommodation, excellent facilities, good food, and even a Cuban cigar lounge and its own private-label selection of specialty rums and handcrafted cocktails. Every day, there is live music by the pool in the afternoon until the sun sets and they even gave us vouchers to use for lunch at The Blind Pig – their very own food truck on-site.

As if that is not enough, The Gates Hotel provided us with a tour of their legendary local partners – The Rodriguez Cigar Factory and the Key West First Legal Rum Distillery.

The cigar lounge and garden on-site serves hand-rolled Cuban-style cigars from the Rodriguez Cigar Factory. Key West has a cigar legacy dating back to the mid 19th century when Cuban refugees landed on their shore. Today, the best is still getting lit in this classy lounge.

Similarly, rum runs deep in Key West. During Prohibition, “rum runners” smuggled the rum here from Cuba. Nowadays, you can sample the finest at The Gates Hotel bar as it partners with First Legal Rum Distillery, bringing the finest rums and spirits to everyone looking to enjoy a smooth drink.

What can I say? This luxury hotel definitely knows how to spoil guests.

A True Key West Experience at The Gates Hotel

You definitely know you are in Key West once you check-in at The Gates Hotel. The island vibe is in full swing here.

The accommodation has an unmistakable beach-chic design made special by a scattering of original photography and prints by local artist Jorge de la Torriente. All your cares certainly melt away quickly!

The Rooms

Modern yet rustic, the 100 rooms at The Gates hotel are eco-friendly, featuring reclaimed whitewashed beams and pine platform beds. Leather chairs and hardwood floors create a stylish and classy look while deluxe amenities like Peshtemal bathrobes, Turkish towels, Key West Aloe bath amenities ensure comfort.

You can choose from The Standard, Lifestyle, and Scene Rooms with King, Double Queen, and Accessible options. Rooms with King Beds add a glass-enclosed walk-in shower and sofa bed.

Amenities include a Keurig coffee maker, 42 in flat-screen HDTV with premium channels, mini-fridge, hair dryer, MP3 alarm clock, iron, large work space, and laptop space. There is Free Wi-Fi access and wireless printing, too. For bigger families or groups, adjoining rooms are also available.

The Facilities

The hotel promotes the locals: they partnered with the oldest Cuban cigar factory for the lounge, worked with a local rum distillery, and featured the works of local artists in the rooms.

Outdoor pool – Swimming is not the only fun thing to do here. This is a special place where people hang out and party. Be sure to show up!

Rum Row – A nod to the days of Prohibition, this bar serves specialty rum and rum cocktails from First Legal Rum Distillery.

The drinks come from a private-label selection made from local ingredients and a “chef-distilled” philosophy that highlights a farm-to-bottle approach.

For interested guests, tours of the distillery can be organized at The Gates Hotel.

Rodriguez Cigar Lounge and Garden – In this Cuban-theme lounge, you can experience hand-rolled cigars made from cured and aged vintage tobacco leaves.

The cigars are supplied by the Rodriguez Cigar Factory established in 1984 – the oldest operating cigar manufacturer in Key West. Tours of the factory can be arranged at The Gates Hotel, too.

Old Town Shuttle Service – Complimentary shuttle service to and from Old Town is available in the hotel.

The Food

This one is really cool. Instead of a traditional restaurant, The Gates Hotel has a food truck! The Blind Pig serves tapas made interesting by a fusion of Cuban, Bahamian, Carribean, and Floridian influences.

Local ingredients are the star of the dishes and paired with the stellar cocktails from the Rum Row Bar and special cigars from Rodriguez Cigar Lounge, you are sure to have an awesome dining experience. Must-tries include the tacos, ceviche, local fish dishes, Cuban breakfast sandwiches, and truffle popcorn.

But it is not just good food that should bring you to The Blind Pig. It has a lively atmosphere where every day is a party. There is live music and the pool views are relaxing. It is simply a nice place to chill out and make your tummy very happy!

Area Guide

Mallory Square – No trip to Key West is complete with catching the sunset at Mallory Square. There are vibrant nightly gatherings too, as well as a slew of restaurants and shops to explore.

Duval Street – Is there anything you cannot find at Duval Street? There is so much to discover here. There is a diverse range of restaurants, shops, pubs, and attractions. Visit the Key West Aquarium, Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society and Museum, Art@830, Truman Little White House, and a lot more.

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park – A National Historic Landmark, this state park is a good place for recreation. Guided tours are available and short trails are around. A beach is located at the southern end of the park too, perfect for swimming and fishing.

Southernmost Point – This painted buoy is a popular landmark in Key West. Literally, it marks the southernmost point of USA. There is usually a selfie queue!

Dog Beach – Whether you have your pet or not, this pet-friendly beach is just a nice place to interact and enjoy your most loved animals.