The Gates South Beach – a DoubleTree by Hilton has revealed upgrades following its renovation from New York-based architecture and design firm Dutch East Design. With redefined spaces and new local partnerships, the Art Deco-style Gates pays homage to its history as the former Anakara Motel.
“Aligning our brand with complementary design partners was key to the hotel’s reinvention,” says Christina Zimmer, senior vice president of design for Highgate Hotels. “Our vision lies within creating a uniquely distinct Gates Hotel, which incorporates branding elements tailored to the Miami area.”
A newly paved garden path is clad with local flora and crushed shells as its leads to the entrance and reception area. The natural stone surfaces of the walnut reception desk mirror the room’s perforated carved wooden screen and wood slat ceiling. A dusty pink, sea foam, and teal palette evoke a sense of place, while the architectural staircase is embellished with two blade walls of concrete breezeblocks. In addition to subtle lighting, white oak dowel columns are paired with ethereal glass screens against a dark teal ceiling with solid pastel layers. All 235 guestrooms are adorned with locally inspired artwork and colorful headboards and walls.
Custom double-sided cabanas line the expanded pooldeck, which is home to the onsite Mexican restaurant Agaveros Cantina, anchored with lounging areas and a communal outdoor table as well as a clandestine bar situated near the pool. The lobby bar and lounge serve as additional F&B venues. Other amenities include an onsite art program and a renovated, fully equipped fitness center.
“Some important tenets to address in the design were to create intimacy and warmth in the lobby and provide a variety of seating arrangements for positive social dynamics,” says Dieter Cartwright of Dutch East Design. “To eliminate visual noise each individual space is defined based on functionality.”
