The Gator Den Motel — Hotel in Dunnellon

Y'all this place is a vibe. Such a vibe I'm going to leave a very thorough review, sorry it's long!

Lets start with the rooms: The room (11) is very clean and I cannot believe the value for the money. It is freshly painted, the water must be filtered because there is no swamp water taste or smell. There is a station with a microwave, large mini fridge, and a nice fully stocked coffee station. There are plenty of outlets, is an alarm clock, bright and dim lighting, private a.c. that works well and a hair dryer, as well as toiletry items (bring your shower cap and toothpaste!). The bathroom is spacious enough and clean. Everything looks new. There are plenty of linens and pillows.The shower water pressure was strong enough to get conditioner out of my long, thick hair. Any pregnant or handicap person will appreciate the large-ish shower chair and rails. I am 6 months pregnant and have a 1000 square foot master bathroom at home and this was FINE! The beds are comfortable enough. Bring your favorite pillow if you can. The door has 2 locks on it and is secure, windows and door seal tightly. No insects or sign of them spotted in the room. Sparking clean baseboards and really clean from top to bottom if I haven't already mentioned it, haha.

The property: I feel safe being a solo female traveler. It's right across from Centennial park, a public boat launch with a kind of rough but accessible kayak launch. The restaurant on-site is good enough. Try the fish and chips. Parking is a little wild (it is Friday night) but the staff immediately helped me into my reserved space for the unit. They offered to help me carry anything I may need help with. There is free ice on the property for guests and you are walking distance to a Mexican restaurant as well. There is water on both sides of the property. The property rents out boats and does airboat rides, I believe.

The staff: The bar service was friendly and effective (my cravings had me ordering a lot of food). Front desk man was very sweet and accommodating and the parking lot guy was very helpful and made me feel safe.

Things to do nearby: I don't know if much but there's amazing fishing and Rainbow Springs State Park. You're close enough to hit Crystal River and State park too and there's a geological park nearby as well. There are horse stable tours and riding excursions. Lots of kayaking excursions. Bring your own 'yak as this are is a PADDLERS paradise right near the "T" intersection of the Withlacoochee and Rainbow Rivers.

This place is wonderful all-around. And I'm usually a bougie hotel kind of girl. It's so popular I could only stay one night but it has been well worth it and...

We booked room based on reviews we read. We took the chance. We cannot say enough about our short stay. The room were extremely clean with the beds being comfortable for a good night's sleep. Room was the perfect size for our overnight stay. Were surprised that a small looking Mom and Pop motel would provide all we needed. Coffee pot with condiments, refrigerator, soap and shampoos if you left yours at home. The bed was comfortable. Most important, the staff was excellent. Stan checked us in with our reservations and was very helpful and checking on our needs. The service from the house keeping staff was very pleasant and making sure if we needed anything. Our room was quiet even though motel is on a main street. On one website they ask if this was a budget motel. Yes, the price was good, but when you say the term budget it might lower the standards in some people's minds. This Motel does not fit that title as lower standards using the term Budget. Unfortunately, the restaurant was closed on our night stay, but looking forward to our next stay at the end of the month. Thank you, Gator Den Motel. See you at the end of the month. Must also include we have traveled a lot and spent many nights in Motels, this is the first review we have ever done on accommodations, but felt it was necessary to let this great place continue to provide for...

By Far one of the best places, i have been to in a very long time. I recommend this place a million percent. We'll be back Captain.

Captain Bob and his staff are by far the most hospitable people you will ever encounter in a motel/hotel establishment.

The rate was inexpensive (very fare) The room was immaculate. (Super clean) The beds were clean and comfortable The restaurant food was delicious. The staff was friendly, quick to sit us down and serve us. (you have to try the blue gator drink)

Traveling for the first time since this pandemic started is pretty scary as parents. Especially when your 15 year old son has a heart condition and 75% of his lungs function. In addition, we also took my sister-in-law who is on dialysis.

As you can imagine our limitations and fears were vast. After sitting down with Captain Bob and explaining our situation to him he suggested we rented a pontoon. 1. We would have the pontoon to our shelves. 2. Avoid large wait lines 3. Avoid large cowards 4. Also in case of an emergency we wouldn't have to wait at the mercy of the rivers currant or for help to arrive. So we rented one of his pontoon boats and had an amazing day. By far this is one of the best Adventures the Hernandez Family have had in a long time. Thanks...