The Gates Hotel South Beach - a DoubleTree by Hilton

The Gates Hotel South Beach is a chain hotel with a boutique atmosphere, though guests can still expect the warm cookies typical of the DoubleTree brand. The atrium lobby is decked out with colorful art prints of the beach, gold alligators resting in white rock gardens, and stylish light fixtures. A long bookcase stacked with fun curios such as a small globe and sailboat add another fun touch. However, while the public spaces may have an atypical and almost artsy look for a Hilton, the cookie-cutter look of the rooms brings the vibe back to its chain hotel roots. The property's layout concentrates most of its public space on the ground floor, resulting in a lot of movement and bustling atmosphere throughout the day. Hiltons are set up well for business travelers -- and this Hilton is no different -- though the South Beach location brings in lots of groups and families. 

The Gates Hotel is located directly on Collins Avenue at the southern mouth of Lake Pancoast. Beach access is a few minutes' walk away, across Collins Avenue and down 23rd Street. The hotel is directly across the street from a large tower building, so there are also no beach views from any floor, though water views of the surrounding small lake are available. Several hotel bars and restaurant, plus shops, pharmacies, liquor stores, and a car rental company are within walking distance. The Miami Beach Convention Center is a 10-minute walk or five-minute drive from the hotel, and Miami International Airport is a 20-minute drive away. 

The Gates has 235 rooms with contemporary, albeit generic decor in neutral hues. Expect light laminate wood furniture, gray carpeting, and vibrant pops of color in high-contrast photo prints All rooms come standard with Cuisinart single-serve coffeemakers featuring Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf coffee pouches, 42-inch flat-screen HDTVs, desks, and mini-fridges, plus closets with laptop-sized electronic safes. Bathrooms are contemporary and feature separate vanities with modern bowl sinks, walk-in showers, and Crabtree & Evelyn bath products. Bedside outlets and desks with charging stations make the spaces worker friendly, and ironing facilities are convenient. Standard rooms either come with one king or two queens with courtyard views out toward the pool. Beginning-level upgrades add either a furnished balcony or rooftop terrace, while upgrades to suites add nearly twice the size and a separate living space with a dining room table. Accessible rooms are also available. Unlike most hotels in the area, there is no free bottled water in rooms (unless you're a Hilton Honors elite member). Some past guests have complained that the "GTFO" signs meant to act as "do not disturb" signs are inappropriate.

True to the Hilton brand, The Gates Hotel is well-stocked with features for transient business travelers, like Wi-Fi, printing, business computers in the lobby, meeting spaces, and work desks in rooms. However, South Beach's leisure travelers will also find the hotel offers convenient and fun features, starting with three bars. All guests can download an eazyo app that allows them to order food and drink to their room, at the bars, or by the pools. A sunken spot off the main lobby, this bar has a lounge vibe, contemporary look, and wall that opens up onto the pool terrace. Though it's in proximity to the pool area, there's a separate bar for the pool. Both of these bars have good happy hours and a menu of quick bites. The third bar is inside the hotel's main restaurant, the adjacent Agaveros Cantina. This spot services all menus in the hotel, including room service and the lobby and pool bars. Breakfast is a la carte or buffet, and lunch and dinner have their own menus. As with most hotels in the area, a gratuity (18 percent during our stay) is automatically added to all food and drink orders.The hotel's outdoor pool is small and in peak times or seasons can quickly become packed. During these times it's best to head down early to grab a lounger because they're likely to stay occupied all day long. For sun without the splash or service, there's a quiet third-floor rooftop sundeck that overlooks Collins Avenue. The gym here is small, but stocked with enough cardio machines and weights to get in a basic workout. Unfortunately, there is no spa. Other hotel features include a small snack market by reception, free cookies on check-in, and a resort fee that covers bikes, Wi-Fi, beach chairs and towels (umbrellas cost extra and there is no food or drink service on the beach), and a free tuk-tuk shuttle to nearby spots. Unlike most hotels who offer shuttles or house cars, this shuttle does both drop-offs and pick-ups. Pets are allowed for a small daily cleaning fee, and pet amenities packages are available.