Is the Goodtime Hotel Really a Good Time?
When I first saw that Pharrell Williams was collaborating with David Grutman to open the Goodtime Hotel in 2021, I immediately added it to the list of places I wanted to stay—partly because Pharrell is a fellow Virginia native and partly because I fell in love with the aesthetic. It just seemed like, well, a good time.
After spending a week there, I thought I would clue you in—is it really the ultimate "good time" as the name suggests? Here's what I loved and then a few things that caught me off guard.
The Good
Location, Location, Location
When I choose hotels, I’m often thinking of convenience relative to the activities I have planned. If possible, I like to be able to walk to attractions, restaurants, and shops. In Miami, the main consideration for me was proximity to the beach. The Goodtime Hotel happens to be perfectly situated just two blocks from the beach, and I had planned to spend most of my time enjoying the sun and sand, so this convenience was unbeatable.
In addition to the beach, you can find pizza on almost every nearby block, a drugstore just a few steps down on the corner, and there are also clothing stores and other restaurants within walking distance.
For the things I wanted to do that weren’t within walking distance, such as Perez Art Museum Miami, I never paid more than $20 for an Uber.
Aesthetic Vibes
If you're into vibrant, vintage decor, this hotel is your dream come true. It’s Instagram-worthy in every corner, from the lobby to the rooms. The colors and retro details give the entire hotel a fun and playful vibe, and every space feels like the ideal invitation to lounge and have a good time.
Beach Club Access
One of the best perks was the complimentary access to the beach club. In a place like South Beach where you know there will always be crowds of people enjoying the beach and beautiful weather, you don’t want to have to worry about finding a good spot.
For me, this trip was about relaxation and having to think as little as possible, so having a reserved spot to lounge in the sun made every day feel like a luxury. As a guest of the Goodtime Hotel, all you have to do is approach the Boucher Brothers tent on the beach (approximately at 7th street), give them your name and room number, and the attendants will guide you to an open beach chair. It’s important to note that while the chair is free, the umbrellas are not.
The Not-So-Good
Party Vibes at the Pool
If you’re hoping for a relaxing poolside experience, especially on the weekends, you might want to look elsewhere. The pool area turns into a non-stop party, and while that’s great for some, it didn’t match my expectations for quiet relaxation. It’s definitely more for the social, party crowd than a family-friendly or serene escape.
Incidental Fee Surprise
One of the biggest drawbacks for me was the $100 per night incidental fee. While it’s normal for hotels to charge a fee, this one seemed exorbitant, especially since it wasn’t clearly communicated upfront. I’m all for fun surprises, but certainly not when they hit my wallet!
So, is the Goodtime Hotel really a good time? That depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a lively, stylish hotel with great service, a prime location, and a vibrant atmosphere, this could be your perfect Miami stay. But if you’re after some quiet relaxation or a family-friendly vibe, you might want to think twice.
Would I recommend it? For solo travelers, couples, or groups looking to party and enjoy the best of Miami’s nightlife—absolutely. For those who want a serene, poolside escape or are traveling with kids, I’d suggest exploring other options.
