By Angela Fairhurst
A Double Tree by Hilton, TheGates Hotel South Beach is an art-deco building situated in the heart of South Beach. On the renowned Collins Avenue, it is near trendy Lincoln Road and lively Ocean Drive with its prominent dining, shopping, and nightlife establishments.
The hotel’s origins date back to 1954 as the Ankara Motel, with The Gates’ new look and design maintaining the exterior architecture while blending modern comforts and vintage glamor into its completely reconstructed interiors. The hotel has 235 rooms and 17 suites, with boutique style and designed using neutral tones with splashes of color.
The amenities include a fitness center equipped with a Wattbike and a Gym Rax training center, business center, concierge Services and three meeting rooms to host special events. There are fashion-inspired Martone Cycling Company bicycles and a tuk-tuk to take guests to/from the private beach.
The pool has modern oversized cabanas and an expanded deck leading to the restaurant. There is a bar tucked away in this area where guests can enjoy the sun or the shade with a cocktail.
Jorge De La Torriente ofDe La Galleryis the name of the artist whose work of South Floridian culture is displayed on the walls of the lobby and lounge, guest rooms, and in between the three meeting rooms.
Its newly launched Agaveros Cantina is Mexican-inspired, infusing traditional specialties with a twist such as Mexican pizza, fusion tacos and elote fritters. With more than 100 tequilas and mezcals imported from Mexico and handcrafted cocktails and flights to choose from, guests won’t go thirsty anytime soon. The lobby lounge serves tapas for leisurely dining. They have a globally sourced and locally produced vodka company, Our/Vodka that have created specialty welcome cocktails exclusive to The Gates South Beach.
The Gates Hotel neighborhood is in the center of an emerging art scene with its deco architecture, art galleries, and museums such as Bass Museum of Art, Jackie Gleason and Adriane Arsht Center of Performing Arts, and more.