Name: Gateway Inn
Address: 1780 Sunrise Hwy, Merrick, New York, United States of America, Merrick, New York, US
Price range: $129–$190 per night
Rating: 6.28

What guests think

Across recent reviews, Gateway Inn draws heavy criticism for dirty rooms, strong smoke odors, and visible wear such as peeling paint and damaged fixtures, while a minority of guests report acceptable stays and friendly staff.

Common complaints include housekeeping lapses, unreliable Wi‑Fi and TV, loud or malfunctioning HVAC, and missing or extra‑charge items like refrigerators or microwaves. Several note no breakfast and a closed or behind‑glass lobby, and some felt the area or property vibe was unsafe, though others found the location convenient for local errands or events. Expect a very budget, worn stay with significant trade‑offs.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Facilities are very limited: multiple reviews mention no breakfast or only short coffee hours, a closed or behind‑glass lobby, and recurring elevator problems; some amenities (like microwave use or ice) are restricted to the lobby or unavailable.

Related guest reviews

2

Monica

Jul 21, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The front desk clerk let me know the common area is no longer available. No continental breakfast and if i wanted ice I would be buzzed in just to get the ice. I had to go to my room for the ice bucket but the ice machine is at front desk?!?!? Sheets had stains. AC did not work properly and the room smelled of mold. Why bother running a business if you dont care about it?

6

Charles

Jun 16, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Had an event nearby, so the location was near-perfect for a 1-night stay. Booked an inside room but still had to go outside and up outdoor stairs in drizzle to reach. I think elevator was out of order. Still has a covid-era setup with a tiny slot for your card/id. Not likely to stay there again 7-11 right next door, which we used for breakfast. Bed and room were OK. Staff was friendly

2

daheima

Oct 23, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

I did not like this property. I was so scared to use the shower because there was so much dirty water pouring out of it. I have asked to house cleaning but all they did was the beds. There’s no microwave in the room. I have go outside to get back in the lobby to use microwave. It was ridiculous! The attendant was rude and not friendly. He was questioning my reservation because I have my kids with me. It was Terrible

2

Frank

Sep 25, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Every aspect of the facility needs a thourough cleaning and new furniture. There was no continental breakfast as advertised and no coffee maker/condiments in the room. Room was not refreshed/cleaned for our two night stay. The room key was not set for our two night stay which required attention

8

Danielle

Sep 9, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Oily hand prints on the wood headboards. Crusty white stuff on bathroom door knobs. Signs to not sit on lobby furniture. No drinking water station or fountain provided.

8

Betty

Jul 19, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

It’s clean, quiet, staff is very friendly and helpful. I wish it had an elevator for people with knee issues and some welcoming refreshments. ( juice, fruits and water).

6

richard

Oct 28, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

This hotel is okay but needs some updating. Customer service was fair to midland. Afternoon clerk was rude and not pleasant. Maid service is every other day. This is unacceptable. Paid good money to stay at this hotel and ever since COVID hotels try to get away with this. No coffee when needed. This simple task must be made available at all times.

6

Muriel

Oct 26, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The hallways are dark and scary the hotel needs a paint job and brighter lights the elevator is small and shaky. Didn’t like that the lobby was closed

8

Nawid

Jun 23, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The lobby elevator light flickers. Constantly. Literally constantly. Like in a scary movie. Its cartoonishly a sketchy motel from the outside but the rooms arent half bad. Clean and pragmatic, about what i could expect. The front desk guy was pretty chill, gave me some silverware for my takeout.The building however is decrepid and honestly hard to get comfortable in the building. Its a room, itll do you fine. If you can afford the difference to an actual hotel, its probably worth the peace of mind and aesthetics.

2

Robert

Jul 13, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We were put on the second floor with Elevator not operable. We informed them one of us had a handicap. There was no iron or ironing board in the room.They didnt deliver both items and said we have to pick them up and once again go up and down the stairs. The Tv had very minimal channels and the room and bathroom was filthy.The sink in the bathroom backs up badly. This place is a Dept of Health Nightmare and should be shutdown. $420.00 for 2 nights was a total ripoff.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Cleanliness

Cleanliness is a recurring concern: numerous reviews cite stained bedding and towels, moldy bathrooms, strong smoke or urine odors, and trash or hair left behind, with occasional bugs. A smaller number said their room was clean.

Related guest reviews

2

Miriam

Aug 9, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Where do I start!?!?! The bathtub had an anti slip mat inside it that was now black instead of white - mold and lack of cleaning. The tub did not drain unless you held the level down, so you're standing in all previous guests' filth because that tub has not been cleaned properly. Ever. The walls in the shower were caulked over where mold is, though they missed some. Then the stains, so many stains everywhere. Stains dripping down the walls, down the door frames, on the sheets, on the "blanket", on the flooring, everywhere. At 10 AM, when I exited this glorious shower, I heard someone fumbling at my door - the cleaning person was attempting to enter. Side note, checkout is 11 AM. I stood by the door with what can only be described as a loin cloth for a towel, sort of frozen in place because what do I do of this person enters and I'm standing there naked? And I'm almost certain there were fecal stains on the walls by the bedframe. All the proof is attached.

2

danielle

Jun 1, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Sheets were stained, bathroom door didn’t close right and there was hair in the shower. I would not recommend

2

Elizabeth

Oct 26, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

It was the worst experience of my life. It had Rust ,mold , ceiling panels were falling down in bathroom! Doors had peeling paint. Remote control was taped which didn’t matter as tv didn’t work! Tried to charge my phone outlets pushed into wall! So phone didn’t charge ! Noise all night long. Heated didn’t work . Mattress was stained with some fluid I needed a fridge. Nope no fridge per the website ! Hair stuck to handrail in bathroom and bugs in tub! Desk clerk not interested had no personality !

2

Kevin

Oct 14, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Room was dirty, smells of smoking I don’t smoke, I have a bunch of pictures there were holes in the blanket broken light switch in bathroom. I checked in on Oct 8, no refrigerator, hair dryer, no microwave, no small coffee machine normal things you would have in the room, I went to the lobby to ask why and and was told I give you another room Oct 9 the next day and went the next day and was told we have to charge you for the refrigerator an up charge make no sense I stayed in the original room. The next day I came back to the room and it was not made up back to the lobby and asked for a towel and asked why nothing was done and they said they will do it tomorrow morning the next day came back to the room which was Oct 10 and nothing was done back to the lobby and asked again for a towel and why the room wasn’t cleaned again they will come tomorrow Oct 11 left did my work finally sat I left came back and the room was cleaned and 4 and it was made up I had dumped the garbage myself and checked out Oct 12 4:15 am. This was the worst experience I ever had and will never stay there again, I’m going to try to send photos of the room, if you have any questions feel free to call me at 516-643-0279 and we can go over the pictures, thank you Kevin Canham.

2

Kevin

Nov 17, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

It was the dirtiest hotel I have ever stayed in very little maintenance drains clogged took forever to drain, TV was not working some stations froze and others did not work I could go on but time to take this one off your listing

2

Fazrin

Jul 21, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

It was disgusting, paint was chipping off the door the wall there was mold smell everywhere there was mold on the mattress,in the bathroom the bathtub had a hair in the tub and the room look like it was hasn't been cleaned ever it was a disgusting and horrible experience I would not recommend. The lights kepts starting off by themselves to a point we had to keep our room open to get some light.

2

Catchana

Jun 8, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Not sanitize. The sheet wasn't clean. The room wasn't clean. The bathroom wasn't clean, nothing wasn't clean. And on top of that when you asked to change your room, they refuse there was no access to anything like wife or TV not even a microwave I never been disappointed in my life Expedia you have felt.

2

Burnett

Sep 24, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Paint peeling off ceiling in both bathroom and room. Mold on bathroom ceiling. Smell horrible. Bathroom sink falling apart. Floors and walls were very dirty. Absolutely disgusting!

2

Kaitlynn

Feb 2, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

This place is disgusting. We checked in, room on the second floor at the very end. We walked into a humid, 76 degree room; walks were cracked and paint peeling. The door to enter didn't even meet the floor threshold leaving a gap and a breeze coming through. There were stains on the blanket of the bed, hair on he pillow, dust on the furniture pieces. I opened the bathroom door to find the tile in the bathroom cracking and black underneath, the countertops to the sink were not clean, and the top of the toilet eve was not wiped off. We didn't even bother to complain or request a refund. We immediately took the room key back to the desk and left. I DO NOT recommend. How this place passes any kind of inspection or code is baffling.

2

Charles

Aug 23, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Dirtiest room I ever walked into. I checked out immediately and will never return there.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Rooms are dated and poorly maintained, with broken or missing door hardware, plumbing that doesn’t drain, loud or uncontrollable HVAC, and TV/cable problems; Wi‑Fi is unreliable or absent. Many rooms lack a fridge or microwave, and street noise is reported.

Related guest reviews

2

jean

Jan 1, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

No wireless Internet. Place was dirty. The guy told me that if I did not like the place to just leave.

6

Yanis

Apr 27, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

They need to remodel their facilities because some doors are old and the rooms look bad conditioned but it's ok to stay a night

8

Brian

May 3, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Shower head was broken.

4

SUSAN

Dec 31, 2022

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was too cold. Could not control the temperature. Cold air blowing out of unit.

6

Phyllis

Aug 28, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was freezing and the ac couldn't be controlled!!

2

KWAME

Mar 31, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was dirty Smokey No internet A hole in the wall Loud heater!! Broken sink

4

Robert

Jul 4, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Pencil scribbles on the walls. Charging outlets didn’t work. One of the wall lights didn’t work. Front door frame split. Rust on fixtures in bathtub.

6

Jessica

Jun 29, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Its ok better if they would have microwave and frige

4

Dolores

Jun 19, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The rooms are dirty and old. Need paint job it smells I will never go back. Poor wifi tv can get curtain channels not good!!!

2

Jeanne

Jul 29, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

I liked everything BUT the hotel. The Gateway Inn was the most DISGUSTING hotel I have ever stayed at. The walls all over the room were dirty, the headboard was marked up and it looks like something removed the varnish from one big spot; there were bugs and spiders in the ceiling (obviously no one every dusts); the walls in the bathroom were cracked and crumbling; the mat on the floor of the tub was disintegrating and GROSS; the alarm clock in the room was broken; not all of the channels on the TV worked; they only gave us 2 towels for 4 registered guests; they only gave us 1 small bottle of shampoo and 1 small bottle of conditioner for 4 guests. The pictures on the website looked NOTHING like the room we were staying in (not even a refrigerator, coffee maker or microwave in the room). For what I paid for that room, I at least expected a clean room and walls that weren't crumbling and cracked (I have pictures). ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING

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Service

Service feedback is mixed but trends negative: multiple guests describe rude or unhelpful front‑desk interactions, inflexible policies, and spotty housekeeping or responsiveness. Others encountered friendly staff, yet check‑in behind security glass left some uneasy.

Related guest reviews

2

Una

Jun 2, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The old paint is chipping in the bathroom on one entire wall, and the tub is also chipped and dirty-looking. The key card did not work when I got back to the hotel late at night—I had to bang on the window to get someone to come out. The worker, Hush, was rude and obnoxious, blaming me for the card not working and being unable to open the door. Another manager came to help. Hush yelled at my friend and me and told us to go to another hotel. Very rude.

6

Ali

Aug 13, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Front Desk, not friendly

4

Timothy

Dec 13, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

At checkin i was required to remain in the security box between the outer door and the door to the lobby. I don’t know what kind of security issues they’ve had there so that was understandable at first. But i was made to stand there even after i had providided my license and the with i had reserved the room. Despite asking to complete the transaction at the lobby desk, I was required to stay in the box. The clerk had to fold the rental agreement 3 ways in order to stuff it through the slit in the window so was unable to read what i was signing. Had he let me into the lobby he could have simply passed the form through the larger window there and i couid have read it before i signed it. Only after i signed the form, which i was unable to read, and he gave me my key did he let me into the lobby. I'm all for workplace safety, but making me stand out there after i had identified myself and forcing me to sign a form i couldn't read made no sense to me. The clerk could not explain why he was doing that when i asked him.

8

Angela

Oct 21, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Property was convienent for our plans we had this past weekend. The young man that works at the front desk was exceptionally friendly and welcoming. Room wasn't as clean as we would have liked. We got parking right in front both nights we stayed over and felt better about this since we had a nice car rental.

2

MANNY

Jul 16, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

This place is very old and dirty The staff was rude

10

Maria

Nov 9, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

What i like about it is the staff

6

richard

Oct 28, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

This hotel is okay but needs some updating. Customer service was fair to midland. Afternoon clerk was rude and not pleasant. Maid service is every other day. This is unacceptable. Paid good money to stay at this hotel and ever since COVID hotels try to get away with this. No coffee when needed. This simple task must be made available at all times.

4

Mark Machiri

May 20, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Not friendly and understanding

2

ivette

Sep 18, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was dirty, the bed sheets were stained, walls was dirty, the guy in the front lobby 9/16 around 8:00pm was very rude about the stay and told us to leave if we didn’t like it.

2

DEAN

Sep 20, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

They only offered coffee from 7 am to 10 am and it was only in the lobby. The keyless entry system did not function even after multiple requests for servicing them. They did not have maid service for two of the four days we were there. If you want ANY REASONABLE AMOUNT OF SERVICE, FORGET THIS PLACE!

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Location

Location is convenient for Merrick, Jones Beach, and nearby eateries or a 7‑Eleven, but several guests felt the area or property vibe was sketchy or unsafe. Suits quick errands more than a leisurely stay.

Related guest reviews

4

Lori

Sep 2, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The only reason I stayed at this hotel after reading the reviews was because there was nothing else around in the area to stay for 1 night. We had an event but we knew it wasn't a clean place and didn't shower or bring any clothes inside. We slept for 5 hours after changing sheets, lysol, and put our own bedding on. Clearly you can see they dont clean the rooms, mildew, rundown motel that people rent hourly to do their thing. The staff was pleasant upon arrival and checkout. It was good for what we needed. I don't recommend it to anyone. The area is also very sketchy.

2

Connor

Oct 12, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

This is a really really rough area.

8

Angela

Oct 21, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Property was convienent for our plans we had this past weekend. The young man that works at the front desk was exceptionally friendly and welcoming. Room wasn't as clean as we would have liked. We got parking right in front both nights we stayed over and felt better about this since we had a nice car rental.

8

Robert

Sep 26, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Was a good basi hotel. Used it as home base for the Ryder Cup and served its purpose perfectly. Neighbourhood had ample pubs and places to eat and only about 30 mins to Penn Stn by train. All and all a nice low frills option.

6

Thomas

May 14, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

great spot to visit Merrick walking distance to restaurants

2

Wisline

Sep 7, 2025

·

Stayed 6 nights

The area is not safe at all

2

Alisha

Oct 10, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

I don't have any nice words or pictures to describe my stay. Oh wait. One nice thing. 7-eleven was next door

2

Matthew

Sep 26, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Check-in was awkward. Guy was behind a bulletproof window and I could barely hear him. This hotel is in Merrick—a very nice area, so this was a bit concerning. I lived in Merrick for 26 years and this little slice of Sunrise Highway did NOT feel like the Merrick I remember. Stayed two nights. The first night, our room phone started ringing around 12:45 AM. Weird. The second night, we got back to the hotel around 11:30 PM and there were 4 police cars in front of the hotel. Our room wasn’t the cleanest either. The top comforter on the bed had a huge red stain which looked like paint or ink, but was disgusting. The shower was beat to hell. The air conditioner had gigantic layers of dust in the vents. Saw a couple of beer cans in the parking lot too. During check-out, dude was asleep with a sleep mask on, completely out of it. I get it—it’s the overnight shift, but ooof, not the best look as far as safety! This is one of the cheapest hotels in the area, so if you want cheap, this is it baby. I wouldn’t stay here with a young family, with kids, or with your significant other. If you need a cheap place to stay for a couple of nights for business, or to see friends, then this could be the place. If you’re an older couple, want comfort, cleanliness, and a feeling of safety, look somewhere else!

4

Michelle

Jun 16, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Location good. But our room was in need of some much needed TLC.

6

Antoanela

Aug 9, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

The property is located relatively close to Jones Beach. Affordable accommodation, however it needs a thorough cleanup and a little TLC.

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Dining

No on‑site breakfast is available despite expectations in some listings, and coffee service is limited. No restaurant or room‑service options are mentioned.

Related guest reviews

2

Monica

Jul 21, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The front desk clerk let me know the common area is no longer available. No continental breakfast and if i wanted ice I would be buzzed in just to get the ice. I had to go to my room for the ice bucket but the ice machine is at front desk?!?!? Sheets had stains. AC did not work properly and the room smelled of mold. Why bother running a business if you dont care about it?

6

Charles

Jun 16, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Had an event nearby, so the location was near-perfect for a 1-night stay. Booked an inside room but still had to go outside and up outdoor stairs in drizzle to reach. I think elevator was out of order. Still has a covid-era setup with a tiny slot for your card/id. Not likely to stay there again 7-11 right next door, which we used for breakfast. Bed and room were OK. Staff was friendly

6

Robert

Mar 31, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

No breakfast. It has seen better days.Handicapped bathroom excellent, but handicap access to facility fair.

2

Frank

Sep 25, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Every aspect of the facility needs a thourough cleaning and new furniture. There was no continental breakfast as advertised and no coffee maker/condiments in the room. Room was not refreshed/cleaned for our two night stay. The room key was not set for our two night stay which required attention

8

Stella

Aug 24, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

I miss the coffee, and breakfast items. I know it was because of Covid19. I am a morning coffee person. Sure did miss it.

8

Danielle

Sep 9, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Oily hand prints on the wood headboards. Crusty white stuff on bathroom door knobs. Signs to not sit on lobby furniture. No drinking water station or fountain provided.

2

Alisha

Oct 10, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

I don't have any nice words or pictures to describe my stay. Oh wait. One nice thing. 7-eleven was next door

8

Betty

Jul 19, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

It’s clean, quiet, staff is very friendly and helpful. I wish it had an elevator for people with knee issues and some welcoming refreshments. ( juice, fruits and water).

6

richard

Oct 28, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

This hotel is okay but needs some updating. Customer service was fair to midland. Afternoon clerk was rude and not pleasant. Maid service is every other day. This is unacceptable. Paid good money to stay at this hotel and ever since COVID hotels try to get away with this. No coffee when needed. This simple task must be made available at all times.

2

DEAN

Sep 20, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

They only offered coffee from 7 am to 10 am and it was only in the lobby. The keyless entry system did not function even after multiple requests for servicing them. They did not have maid service for two of the four days we were there. If you want ANY REASONABLE AMOUNT OF SERVICE, FORGET THIS PLACE!

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	$127
February	$124
March	$120
April	$123
May	$137
June	$144
July	$137
August	$132
September	$129
October	$126
November	$125
December	$131

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $156	2 $190	3 $190
4 $156	5 $156	6 $156	7 $156	8 $156	9 $190	10 $190
11 $156	12 $156	13 $156	14 $156	15 $156	16 $190	17 $190
18 $157	19 $156	20 $157	21 $156	22 $156	23 $190	24 $190
25 $156	26 $156	27 $156	28 $156	29 $156	30 $190	31 $190

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17 $129	18 $168	19 $167
20 $129	21 $129	22 $156	23 $156	24 $156	25	26
27 $155	28 $156	29 $156	30 $156

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Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Main Building Deluxe Double (Highway View)

Main Building Deluxe Double (Courtyard View)

Garden Double

Garden Queen, Smoking

Main Building Deluxe King with Sofabed

Main Building King, Handicap Accessible

Main Building Deluxe King

Suite, 1 King Bed

Garden Queen

Garden Double, Smoking

Guest reviews

Pleasant

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Security deposit

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Gateway Inn

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Prices for upcoming dates