Pharrell Williams’ Goodtime Hotel Is a Joyful Escape From Real Life

Photo: Goodtime Hotel

The hotel is in South Beach, and just up the street from the pleasures of the sand and the sea. It’s also a block away from the South of Fifth (SoFi) neighborhood, meaning you can easily walk to many of the city’s most popular restaurants, bars, and clubs. If you’re able to snag a coveted reservation, head over to the recently opened Carbone for dinner or enjoy the delectable lobster eggs benedict at The Local House. And if you’re seeking an unforgettable culinary experience, make sure to get a table at Intimo, the Peruvian-Japanese Nikkei gastronomic venture of acclaimed Peruvian chef Juan Chipoco. One can find the original luxury beach club, Nikki Beach, a short distance away for DJs who play deep house beats for crowds of stylish revelers.

Art Deco meets Wes Anderson

American designer Ken Fulk and his team aced the design of the Goodtime Hotel — it feels elegant, cheerful, inviting, and retro all at the same time. The muted pink hues paired with bold tropical prints hearken back to the late 1950s and early 1960s (the aesthetic is a mix of Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’s Miami hotel in season three and Wes Anderson’s Grand Budapest Hotel). While the entire space is immaculately decorated, there are a few areas of the property that will particularly catch your eye.

Photo: Goodtime Hotel

The lobby’s hand-painted, jungle-themed mural makes you feel like you’ve arrived in a locale like Hawaii or Cartagena rather than South Beach. It’s bright with a playful, seemingly mismatched array of art and furniture that instills a sense of glee. The strong tones and patterns of the lobby are complemented by extravagant items and touches like brass palm tree sculptures, fringed tabletop lamps, and Art Deco plasterwork.

Photo: Goodtime Hotel

On the third floor, you’ll find Strawberry Moon, the hotel’s restaurant and pool club, but you’ll also find what is arguably the most Instagram-worthy room in the entire hotel: The Library. Soft pink curtains, walls, and velvet sofas with teal fringes fill the room and invite you to take a seat under the soft light of a wicker lamp in the shape of a giraffe. This room is a wealth of gorgeous design inspiration, so don’t be ashamed if you find yourself ordering the gold pineapple base round top table off Anthropologie in an attempt to get the look.

Sun and fun at Strawberry Moon

Strawberry Moon is the hotel’s restaurant, and it’s also a 30,000-square-foot pool club. The Mediterranean menu has favorites like babaganoush, sheftalia, and kebabs. It’s a busy place but the hospitality doesn’t lapse, and the staff does their best to accommodate guests while they wait (don’t be surprised if the manager comes over to check in and offers up a complimentary drink for a delay). The food is top-notch, but that’s to be expected for the prices, with entrees starting at $32.

Photo: Goodtime Hotel

The drinks are delicious and served in the most beautiful display. Try the Purple Reign, a tequila cocktail made with Domaine de Canton, shōchū, yuzu, and butterfly pea lavender garnished with a small purple flower. If you like your beverages sweet, make sure to let the bartender know — they’ll accommodate your taste without a fuss. The signature cocktails are priced at $17 each, which is on par with most places in Miami.

Photo: Goodtime Hotel

The pool at Strawberry Moon has the energy and DJ talent to match a Las Vegas pool party. Yet it’s for a more sophisticated crowd — think Millennials who work hard and play hard instead of college students on spring break. Lined with pastel pink tiled walkways shaded by palm leaf sculptures, Strawberry Moon’s two pools are the perfect place to soak up some sun in South Beach. Reserve a cabana for a space to retreat and admire the stunning work of landscape architect Raymond Jungles.

From revelry to relaxation

While there are few things better than imbibing colorful cocktails poolside at Strawberry Moon, if you’re looking for a quieter environment, head out to the Goodtime Hotel’s exclusive beach.

The beach is located at Seventh Street, and guests can use chaise lounges between Fifth and 14th streets. The beach club is serviced by Boucher Brothers, whose staff will set you up with a chaise lounge and umbrella. If you’re looking for something more active, the company will set you up with a watersport adventure.

Photo: Goodtime Hotel

After a long day of basking in the sun, shopping on Collins Avenue, or perusing art galleries in the area, escape back to your room at the Goodtime Hotel. The guest rooms are minimalist and small, but incorporate the hotel’s joyful design. Each room comes with a signature pink mock-rotary dial phone that makes for a great photo opp while donning the flowy patterned robe — a real Norman Rockwell-esque image. Guest rooms range from queen-bed accommodation to suites with beautiful views of the ocean. The rooms are complete with custom bedding, bespoke drapes, and Ortigia Sicilia bath amenities. You’ll wake up rested and ready to spend another day poolside at Strawberry Moon.

For a complete tour of the Goodtime Hotel, check out Architectural Digest’s video where owners Pharrell Williams and David Grutman give an all-access tour.