There are some sizzling cocktails, poolside merriment and whimsical decor happening behind the façade at the newly opened The Kimpton Goodland Hotel-Fort Lauderdale Beach. It might not be beachfront, but we’re actually loving that this lovely boutique hotel isn’t front and center … sort of a tucked away oasis for those in the know, and now you know.
The 96-key The Kimpton Goodland—check one off for “true boutique”—opened in the building that originally housed the Escape Hotel (side note: love that name, but I digress…), which debuted in 1950 as the first year-round resort in Fort Lauderdale. Located in the North Bay Village neighborhood, this Kimpton property spans three 2-story buildings, all tucked away behind lush greenery and exuding a retro, mid-century vibe. We also adore the names of the three buildings—Jolly Roger, Clipper and Trader.
The accommodations at The Kimpton Goodland are quite spacious, with a desk, a sitting area overlooking the outside greenery (in our case … room 250), a nice-sized bathroom and a luscious bed. The decor, though, is what really had us at hello … neutral colors (lots of white and pale woods, with splashes of blue that sprinkle in the seaside vibe and yellows to bring in the sunshine), retro-style mini-fridge, Marshall vintage-style portable stereo speaker, fabulous Art Deco-style B&W tile work in the bathroom, B&W photos perfectly placed and a Wes Anderson aesthetics-style wallpaper that puts the spotlight on monkeys.
One of our favorite amenities at The Kimpton Goodland is the bathrobe, looks as if plucked from a Moroccan design store; and of course, Kimpton’s famous in-room yoga mats for that morning yoga session that takes place in one of the hotel’s courtyards.
The pool area is embraced by greenery and there are lots of places for lounging, including chaise lounges as well as comfy sofas and hammocks. The poolside Good Bar, too, is where your clients can order lunch.
Breakfast can also be served poolside and come evening, the whimsically decorated Botanic at the Goodland serves up an eclectic menu as well as those sizzling cocktails with names like “Painkiller,” “Welcome to the 954,” “Always Sunny in Pearadise,” and “See You in Kentucky.”
We were told that this fall the hotel will be opening an 8th floor rooftop pool oasis with a Spanish tapas restaurant, cabanas and beautiful views of the surroundings—the sunset views will be extraordinary. You might ask how a 2-story hotel has access to an 8th floor rooftop area with fab views … the hotel is part of a larger complex that includes a residential high-rise and the 8th floor rooftop area will be available to hotel guests.
And, of course, you can’t write about a Fort Lauderdale Beach hotel without mentioning its proximity to the beach—it’s just a couple of short blocks away. A nice, easy stroll and voila, the shoreline spreads out before you. In fact, if you’re an early riser, you might be able to get a sunrise or two in.
But most importantly, your clients can bring their four-legged buddies—it’s a Kimpton and you know they always roll out the red carpet for pets. The property offers water bowls, waste bags, dog beds, leash and treats.
For more information, visit goodlandhotelftlauderdale.com.
