The Gates Hotel Key West

"With a large grass lawn set for farm-table dinners and celebrations, The Gates is a different kind of Key West resort that owes more to Brooklyn than Margaritaville. In keeping with the hipster vibe, the hotel’s only restaurant is the Blind Pig food truck, which is permanently parked outside near the pool and serves breakfast goodies, tacos, and sandwiches from morning until late, and(for reasons unknown) the last line of The Great Gatsby, done in a shticky nautical pastiche, hangs over the counter at the open-air Rum Row pool bar. Shiplap walls and headboards in the rooms are the definition of millennial chic—and Instagram gold—as are the wooden docks for tablets and smartphones."

"Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe?A more modern option in Key West, the Gates resembles a typical motel at first glance, with its exposed corridors and seemingly bland pool area. But a closer look reveals a spirited, fresh hotel. Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book?Rooms are spacious and airy, with light wood, sliding barn doors, pops of blue, and hotel-branded throw blankets. Rooms with views of the pool area can be a bit loud. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi?The Wi-Fi is free. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at?Rum Row (the pool bar) has a partnership with Key West's First Legal Rum Distillery and serves prohibition-inspired drinks. The Blind Pig, an on-site food truck, has sandwiches, salads, and excellent tacos. What type of travelers will you find here?The hotel is a popular destination for bachelorette and bachelor parties, so it can get a bit rowdy. What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene?One of the only downsides is the location: a bit far from the bulk of the action in Key West. That said, the hotel runs a shuttle until the wee hours. Any other hotel features worth noting?The Gates is especially pet-friendly. At the pool, you can rent cabanas. Bottom line: Worth it? Why?This is a reasonably priced upscale option that's farther from the action than some of its competitors." - Laura Ratliff

"No trip to the Caribbean is complete without swigging some rum, but the Keys has plenty of the golden stuff on hand as well. The hip Gates Hotel in Key West is home to Rum Row, a hopping bar next to the L-shaped swimming pool. Through an exclusive partnership with Key West’s own First Legal Rum Distillery, the bar slings cocktails like the Up in Smoke, made with aged Key West Raw and Unfiltered Rum, mezcal, ginger, and lime juice. To partake in a scene with an even stronger pirate vibe, head to the hotel’s cigar lounge." - Devorah Lev-Tov