The Gator Den Motel

2.5 star property
Motel in Dunnellon with a restaurant and a bar

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Gator Den Motel

Restaurant
Front of property
Standard Room, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking (Large 1 King with Sleeper Sofa) | Interior detail
Restaurant
Desk, free WiFi, bed sheets

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Housekeeping
  • Pet friendly
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
12189 South Williams Street, Dunnellon, FL, 34432
  • Place, Rainbow River
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Place, Rainbow Springs State Park
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, K.P. Hole County Park
    ‪7 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Room, 1 Bedroom, Accessible, Non Smoking (1 King Bed ADA)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(5 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking (Standard 1 King Bed)

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(11 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking (Large 1 King with Sleeper Sofa)

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(7 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking (2 Queen Beds)

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(41 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

About the neighborhood

Dunnellon

Within a short walk of Rainbow River, The Gator Den Motel is within 2 miles (3 km) of Lake Rousseau. This 12-room motel has conveniences like a restaurant, free in-room WiFi, and free self parking.

What's nearby

  • Rainbow River - 12 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Rainbow Springs State Park - 4 min drive - 2.3 miles
  • El Diablo Golf & Country Club - 5 min drive - 3.8 miles
  • K.P. Hole County Park - 9 min drive - 4.9 miles
  • Juliette Falls Golf - 13 min drive - 8.6 miles

Restaurants

  • ‪Sonic Drive-In - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪The Blue Gator of Dunnellon - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Swampy's - ‬2 min drive

About this property

The Gator Den Motel

Motel in Dunnellon with a restaurant and a bar
Guests of The Gator Den Motel have access to free WiFi in public areas. You can put free parking to good use if you drive. Helpful staff is there to provide front-desk service during limited hours, as well as offer insight about the area.
TVs come with cable channels, and free WiFi keeps guests connected. Other amenities include microwaves, coffee makers, and desks.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • The Blue Gator

Things to do

  • Boat tours
  • Fishing

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

More

  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Microwave

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for USD 20 per accommodation, per stay
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Pet fee: USD 20 per accommodation, per stay
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a security system, and a first aid kit
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a security system, and a first aid kit.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Gator Den Motel Citrus Springs
Gator Den Citrus Springs
Motel The Gator Den Motel Citrus Springs
Citrus Springs The Gator Den Motel Motel
The Gator Den Motel Citrus Springs
Motel The Gator Den Motel
Gator Den Motel
Gator Den
The Gator Den Motel Motel
The Gator Den Motel Dunnellon
The Gator Den Motel Motel Dunnellon

Frequently asked questions

Is a free cancellation option available at The Gator Den Motel?

The Gator Den Motel provides free cancellation on certain room rates. To learn more, look at the cancellation policy on our site.

How much does it cost to stay at The Gator Den Motel?

As of Oct 31, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Gator Den Motel on Nov 2, 2025 start from $109.95, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What can I see near The Gator Den Motel?

This motel is located in Dunnellon within a short 9-minute walk of Rainbow River. You'll also find Rainbow Springs State Park and K.P. Hole County Park within a short drive.

Will I be able to park at The Gator Den Motel?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the motel. Accessible parking is also available for guests.

Does The Gator Den Motel include a casino?

No, The Gator Den Motel doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at The Gator Den Motel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this motel.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at The Gator Den Motel?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this motel include a bar and a restaurant.

Are there hot tubs at The Gator Den Motel?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this motel.

Does The Gator Den Motel have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

No, The Gator Den Motel doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does The Gator Den Motel allow pets to stay for free?

Although they can't stay for free, pets are welcome at The Gator Den Motel for a fee of USD 20 per accommodation, per stay.

Are there connecting rooms at The Gator Den Motel?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this motel.

Are there rooms with balconies at The Gator Den Motel?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at The Gator Den Motel.

Reviews

The Gator Den Motel Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

9.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 341 out of 474 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 91 out of 474 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 26 out of 474 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 474 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 8 out of 474 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Gina

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Perfect little spot to stay for Rainbow Springs adventures. The rooms are basic, but the beds are comfy, the pillows squishy, and the A/C is ice cold. The restaurant has amazing steamed shrimp. The staff were really nice too. The only comment I did have is that the weekday maid smokes the entire time she's cleaning, so there is a lingering scent of cigarettes. But the weekend housekeeper is delightfully friendly.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sandi

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
The motel had recently been renovated in the room, reflected very well of that. Modern bathroom, great floors, bed and pillows were very comfortable. This was a spur of the moment stay and we were not disappointed.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

sharmin

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Irene

Traveled with family
Liked: Amenities
We were pleasantly surprised that this older property had clean and recently rennovated rooms. Beds were comfy, towels were thick. Down side was you could hear the neighbors and some road noise. But all and all a good stay for a,quick overnight on our way south.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Amenities
Very nice place we had a great time will be back
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stephen

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service

Great Stay!

The stay was amazing. Tim and his staff were friendly and helpful. The room was clean and newly renovated. We will be back!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great Southern Country Place

First time in Dunnellon and we loved the town. Great southern country vibe. We were here to kayak the Rainbow River which I highly recommend. This was a great place to stay and I would do it again. I was looking for a sign that said Gator Den Motel but there is none. I drove past the Blue Gator and had to go back because that’s the place. Not sure why the name discrepancy. It’s on the main highway through town and right beside the Withlacoochee River. The room was very nice and clean and the bed was very good. Just a walk across the parking lot gets you to the restaurant/bar with mostly if not only outdoor seating. It’s a great country vibe with a great selection of food and beer. I enjoyed the two meals I had there very much. I arrived around 8pm on Sunday evening. Earlier in the afternoon I received a call letting me know they were expecting me and I needed to go to the restaurant to get the manager to check me in. That was a great bit of info that kept me from wondering what to do. It all went smoothly and with a friendly welcome. It’s a small motel with rooms facing the parking lot and a highway right beside it but none of that disturbed me at all. It was a great place to stay.
Blue Gator Tiki Bar and Restaurant
Gator bites with spicy ranch overlooking the river
Rainbow River
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robin

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Small motel, I believe about 10 rooms, which appear to have been recently updated. Tiki Bar on the grounds, which sits on the river, and the food is great (ask about the chocolate mousse pie). Checkin and checkout very smooth and easy, and everyone is very friendly. As a guest, we were able to fish off the dock. We have stayed twice now, and a great experience each time.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Darren

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice place to stay while visiting Rainbow River State Park. The room was clean and comfortable. Will definitely stay again 😄
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jodi

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Tammy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Great location for launching a boat,
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Centrally located…very nice rooms! The owner was super friendly!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michele, San Antonio

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was the best trip so far to Dunellon. We come every year and this is our first year staying here. Room was clean, check-in was easy. You can walk to the restaurant on the property, which has really good food. They also rent pontoon boats. Everyone on staff was super friendly and kind. The absolute best part of this motel though was meeting Captain Bob. If you’ve never had (or even if you have) been on an airboat ride, I can’t stress enough how much you HAVE to go with Captain Bob. We were able to see all kinds of wildlife and even a baby alligator. Make sure you ask him to “drive it like he stole it” lol! You will be smiling for weeks. Capt Bob also gave the kids some bait and both our kids caught their first fish off the dock. This will be the only place we stay for years to come.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Sherri, Palmetto

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Just a sink with no bathroom counter. Nowhere in bathroom to put toothbrush, grooming items, or cosmetics. No seating in room, unhappy
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Heidi

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

peggy

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Office people great! Clean updated rooms Good food at restaurant. Enjoyed my stay.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Clean updated motel rooms. Convenient to boating and springs. Price for rooms is higher than most
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ryan

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Very basic but clean
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Albert

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Deborah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice and clean. Friendly staff. Bed was a little hard but I perfect a really soft bed. Restaurant had excellent food. I would stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

LYNN

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It has been upgraded! Very nice! Clean! Friendly staff! Tiki bar restaurant next door!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

4/10 Poor

Michelle

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
To close to the road . Parking tight and had the motel feel.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
hotel was clean and comfortable!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025