Gene Hackman -- VIP Treatment at Florida Hospital

Gene Hackman spent the night at the Florida hospital where he was treated for injuries he received in a car vs. bike accident Friday ... but TMZ has learned he was treated like the VIP that he is.

Informed sources tell us ... Hackman was assigned to a special hospital room for important patients where doctors could keep a close eye on the 81-year-old.

We're told doctors were concerned about a large gash on his forehead ... coupled with the fact that he's an older gentlemen who was HIT BY A CAR!!!