Several new independent and soft-branded hotels are slated to open throughout Florida in the coming weeks.
Miami
The Goodtime Hotel, the first collaborative lifestyle hotel brand from David Grutman of Groot Hospitality and musician Pharrell Williams, will open to guest stays on April 15. The 266-room property has nearly 100,000 square feet of public space.
Grutman and Williams worked alongside real estate developers Michael Fascitelli and Eric Birnbaum of Imperial Companies, who assembled and developed the full square block between 6th and 7th streets on Washington Avenue. The project was then developed by architect Morris Adjmi, designer Ken Fulk and landscape architect Raymond Jungles.
"We want The Goodtime Hotel to impart a feeling of both revitalization and that rare, exciting thrill that takes over when you discover something special," Williams said. "It's that adrenaline-fueled sensation of entering a whole new setting and a whole new mindset. This place will provide a natural good time, for all who come through."
Public spaces include 45,000 square feet of ground floor retail, a gym and the Library multipurpose room.
Orlando
Ette hotels, a contemporary luxury hotel group founded by hotelier Alex Ekbatani, is set to launch its premier property in Orlando in early summer.
Located 4 miles south of the theme parks, the 126-room Ette Hotel Orlando will have an exterior entryway lattice with vines and a 35-year-old olive tree. The lobby space is lined with Italian Calacatta marble while the courtyard by design firm Bonetti/Kozerski was inspired by Tuscany.
In addition to several food-and-beverage options, the hotel has a rooftop restaurant with a zero-alcohol bar. Public spaces include an open-concept back-of-house laundry service where guests can see how Italian linens and towels are washed, pressed and folded. The hotel also has a spa.
Guestroom options include wellness suites with a Peloton bike and Technogym weights. Chrome lighting fixtures in the rooms are made exclusively for Ette in California.
Delray Beach
Commercial real estate development company Menin is preparing to launch its first ever hotel project, the 141-room Ray Hotel Delray Beach, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, over the summer.
The Ray will have tropical modern architecture by Gonzalez Architects. Living walls, a rooftop floating forest and a tree canopy will crown the hotel, with large-scale sculptures and immersive art installations inside. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold Certified hotel was brought to life by three interior design companies: Virserius Studio, Studio Munge and Celano Design. Clique Hospitality oversaw the F&B options, which will include a grill, a lobby bar and a rooftop lounge.
The 141 guestrooms and suites, designed by Virserius Studio, have custom-made furniture and hand-woven rugs with beadboard paneling and large pendant light fixtures. Tech options include digital key entry, energy-efficient lighting controls and mobile device control for TV and roomservice. The concierge staff can be reached via text message.
Public spaces include the 22,000-square-foot rooftop, a fitness center and more than 45,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor event space.