Dutch East Design, Focus Lighting partner for Gates Hotel South Beach renovation

The Gates Hotel South Beach – a DoubleTree by Hilton, located on Miami’s Collins Avenue, renovated its public areas including the entrance, lobby bar and lounge, and destination pool deck. The guestrooms were also reimagined.

The Gates collaborated with New York-based interior and architectural design firm Dutch East Design, and architectural lighting design firm Focus Lighting for the transformation of the hotel.

Honoring its origins as the Anakara Motel, The Gates pays homage to The Magic City’s community, blending Art Deco-inspired architecture with modern as well as vintage elements.

The hotel’s garden pathway—which is newly paved with local flora and crushed shells to cover plant beds—is now accessible from Collins Avenue. Upon entry, guests are welcomed by a walnut colored reception desk with natural stone surfaces matching the perforated carved wooden screen and wood slat ceiling.

Reminiscent of Miami culture, the selected color palette includes pink, sea foam and teal. Utilizing existing architectural elements, the staircase is embellished with two blade walls of concrete, accompanied by a wooden bench with circular cushions. Stones, two brass-colored alligators and foliage separate the bench from the staircase.

White oak half-round dowel columns paired with glass screens contrast the color schemes. The once exposed ceiling is subdued with teal and layers in solid pastels and other muted tones throughout the public spaces.

Various lighting solutions were also custom built, including pendants that resemble a blown glass located over the communal table and pool table, and pill shade similar to the shape of the reception desk. 

A book display is behind the bar and pool table, surrounded by various seating options in the lobby. The lounge can serve as an extension to the bar.

By the pool, there are double-sided cabanas with natural materials and fabrics. There is also an expanded pool deck leading to the restaurant; this space has lounging areas and a communal table for outdoor dining. A hidden bar is located between the pool area and restaurant.

The hotel also has a newly launched Mexican-inspired restaurant, Agaveros Cantina.

The Gates has a collection of artwork by Jorge De La Torriente of De La Gallery in Key West, visible in the lobby bar and lounge, restaurant, and 235 guestrooms. Custom shots were curated by the design team and anchor the double height wall in the lobby. Additional shots are displayed in between the three meeting rooms.

Two renovated rooms have 11 different types of fitness equipment and accessories, including a stationary bike from Wattbike for indoor-cycling or interval training, and a GymRax training system with touch screen display. Additionally, the guestrooms have meditation chairs and blackout shades.

The hotel is located in South Beach. It is part of The Gates Gallery of Hotels, which is managed by Highgate.