
Blue Flamingo Resort Key West
Best for families and groups who want social programming, two pools, on-site entertainment, and an included shuttle to Old Town.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Blue Flamingo Resort Key West is a newly renovated, family-friendly 4-star resort at Key West’s gateway with two lively pools, tiki bars, and a shuttle to Old Town — good for families and groups who want social programming and easy airport access. The Gates Hotel Key West is a contemporary 4-star New Town hotel (the property Blue Flamingo was formed from) with a single outdoor pool and straightforward services — useful for travelers who recognize the Gates name and want a simpler, service-forward stay near the Botanical Garden.
Updated · about 0.1 miles apart

Best for families and groups who want social programming, two pools, on-site entertainment, and an included shuttle to Old Town.

Best for travelers who prefer a smaller, contemporary New Town hotel with a quieter, conventional hotel offering and a convenient location near Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden.
When Blue Flamingo Resort Key West wins: choose Blue Flamingo if you want two pools, regular evening entertainment, family-friendly facilities (playground, game room), on-site tiki bars and casual dining, plus a resort-fee shuttle to Old Town. It’s designed for social stays and events.
When The Gates Hotel Key West wins: pick The Gates if you prefer a simpler, contemporary New Town hotel layout with essential hotel services, fewer on-site entertainment features, and a straightforward stay close to the Botanical Garden and the island entrance.
Bottom line: Blue Flamingo is the more activity-focused, family-friendly option with more pools, programming and dining; The Gates is the smaller, conventional New Town hotel that some travelers still search for by name and that may suit guests wanting a quieter, no-frills stay.
| Category | Blue Flamingo Resort Key West | The Gates Hotel Key West |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Lively, social resort with programming and two pools | Contemporary New Town hotel with a simpler, service-focused feel |
| Location (area) | New Town / island gateway, near Key West Intl. Airport and Botanical Garden | |
| Size (rooms) | 245 rooms | 100 rooms |
| Ages / audience | All-ages, family-friendly (children’s play area, kids’ amenities) | All-ages (not adults-only) |
| Pools | Two outdoor pools, cabanas for rent, poolside programming | One outdoor pool (wheelchair-accessible pool listed) |
| Restaurants & bars | Rum Row (tiki food truck) and Toasted Coconut (poolside restaurant) plus coffee shop and bars | Two restaurants and a coffee shop/cafe and a bar/poolside bar |
| Spa & wellness | Hot tub/jacuzzi on site; no standalone named spa published | Health or beauty spa listed as nearby / not published as an on-site, named spa |
| Signature feature | Backyard Pool & Social Club with live music, karaoke, lawn games | Convenient New Town location at the island gateway and proximity to botanical garden |
| Airport access | About 1 mile from Key West Intl. Airport; resort shuttle to Old Town included in resort fee | Nearest major airport Key West Intl. Airport about 1.8 km / 1.1 mi away (supplier listing cites EYW as nearest) |
| Accessibility | Multiple accessible features listed (paths, pool access, parking) | |
Blue Flamingo sits at the northern island gateway on North Roosevelt Boulevard, minutes from Key West International Airport and a short ride to Old Town.
Good pick if you want very quick airport access and shuttle service into Old Town while staying outside downtown.
The Gates Hotel Key West is also in New Town at the island’s gateway, within short driving distance of the airport and nearby attractions.
Practical option for travelers who want a New Town location close to the airport and botanical garden without downtown lodging.
Blue Flamingo offers 245 rooms with pool, garden, or ocean views and suites that include one-bedroom ocean- or pool-view options.
Choose Blue Flamingo if you want more room types, larger suite options and view choices for families or groups.
The Gates lists 100 air-conditioned rooms (supplier listing) with standard hotel conveniences.
The Gates works for travelers who want a conventional hotel room offering and straightforward room features.
Blue Flamingo’s on-site dining is aimed at casual, family and poolside service — tiki cocktails, breakfast bites, and island-inspired menus.
The resort is designed for casual, pool-centered dining and drink options that keep families and social groups on property.
The Gates has two restaurants and a coffee shop/cafe on-site and a bar/lounge for drinks.
The Gates offers standard hotel dining options suitable for guests who want simple on-site meals and a cafe for morning coffee.
Blue Flamingo centers much of its programming around two outdoor pools, cabanas, and the Backyard Pool & Social Club.
If you want active poolside programming, two pools and pool cabanas, Blue Flamingo is the option to pick.
The Gates has one outdoor pool and more conventional poolside service per supplier listing.
The Gates provides a quieter, conventional hotel pool environment rather than a multi-pool social club.
Blue Flamingo offers a 24-hour fitness center plus a hot tub and regular on-site evening entertainment.
Good for guests who want to keep up workouts and enjoy active evening entertainment without leaving the resort.
The Gates lists fitness facilities and evening entertainment among nearby activities, with a business center and concierge services.
The Gates supports basic fitness needs and helps arrange local activities while offering a quieter night on-property compared with Blue Flamingo’s programmed nightlife.

Blue Flamingo — two pools, children’s play area, arcade/game room, and family-friendly programming.

The Gates — simpler, contemporary hotel experience with fewer on-site entertainment features.

Blue Flamingo — Backyard Pool & Social Club, live music, karaoke and lawn games around two pools.

The Gates — contemporary New Town positioning and proximity to Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden.
Blue Flamingo was formed from the former Gates Hotel and 24 North Hotel properties; they occupy adjacent addresses on North Roosevelt Boulevard but are presented now as Blue Flamingo Resort and The Gates listing remains a recognizable name.
Blue Flamingo — it’s explicitly family-friendly with children’s play areas, family programming, two pools, and activities like an arcade and lawn games.
Blue Flamingo’s mandatory resort fee includes a shuttle to and from Old Town; The Gates supplier listing notes an area shuttle is available for a surcharge.
No — at both properties breakfast is available for an additional fee (Blue Flamingo’s dining is à la carte; The Gates lists a paid full breakfast).
Explore how Blue Flamingo Resort Key West stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·