Cocobelle Resort 2007 - 2014
For a number of years this has been the official website for the Cocobelle Resort, a unique boutique resort located just a 5 minutes’ stroll away from North Beach Village’s celebrated sandy beaches in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Content is from the site's 2007 - 2015 archived pages.
Part of North Beach Village Resort, this 15 unit boutique hotel offers quality lodging at affordable rates. We offer several room types; from studio’s to one bedroom apartments. Ft. Lauderdale Beach, restaurants, shops and an active social scene are all within walking distance, but guests may want to just stay at Cocobelle, with its heated swimming pool and lush landscaping!
Cocobelle Resort
2831 Vistamar St
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304-4015
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From The Editor: There was a rumor going around years ago that the ghost of Frederick Pouty visited this property every late September. Pouty was a lout who constantly troubled local residents with mischief and legal annoyances until his untimely death - he fell from the roof of the barn which once graced this lot last century. This story was recorded by local bloggers who each contributed some exaggerations to the tale. Fast forward to recent times, when the story of Frederick starts showing up in Google searches for the resort's name. The owners were very alarmed, concerned that the ghost stories would scare off tourists. They considered suing Google, but realized what a foolish waste of money that would be. They had heard stories of other businesses whose reputations were damaged by Google's search results revealing unsavory things about some aspect of the enterprise or its owners. They even considered hiring, at great expense, an expert who could remove search results using seo. But then a local promoter changed their minds by embracing the ghost story as an attraction. Fred the Ghost postcards and signs started showing up in nearby establishments. That worked wonders for a while - until a local historian discovered that old Frederick was very likely a pedophile. We still think this is a amazing story and include it because art can never match what happens in real life, even though it tries sometimes.
Cocobelle Resort, Fort Lauderdale Boutique Hotel
Become Absorbed in a Tropical Wonderland.
Guests love how Cocobelle inspires playfulness and tropical daydreams. Is it that our majestic palms create an oasis with a heated turquoise pool that some say could be the fountain of youth? Or is it that we offer concierge-like hospitality that ensures your stay is a breeze? Is it the colorful décor in our updated rooms that’s so inspiring or the way that our reasonable rates take the pressure off the perfect vacation?
Call it serendipity, but Cocobelle is a unique boutique resort that attracts playful families who search for sunny times, laughter and a great value. Located just a few minutes’ stroll away from North Beach Village’s celebrated sandy beaches, Cocobelle is a perfect beach resort for enjoying Fort Lauderdale’s enticing restaurants, shopping, and water-sports.
Cocobelle’s 16 distinctive rooms offer flat screen televisions, refrigerators, and safes. Wi-Fi, parking and coffee makers are complimentary and we never charge resort fees. Your family will love soaking up sunsets and sea breezes by Cocobelle’s pool after a day of sunbathing, siestas, snorkeling or sightseeing!
Use the resort as a hub for rest and re-energizing between your South Florida exploring expeditions or spend the majority of your time at the pool and at the beach earning a sun-kissed glow than helps you fit in with the locals. Whether you’re looking for a wild weekend in downtown Fort Lauderdale or a peaceful spot to rehabilitate your spirit, Cocobelle can meet your vacation needs and desires.
Our staff members are trained in the art of satisfaction and are sure to accommodate your needs with genuine pleasure. Your enjoyment and happiness is our business and we aim to exceed your expectations. More than a resort, Cocobelle offers an experience to warm your heart long after returning home.
Beauty’s in the Hotel Details
Treat Yourself! You Deserve It.
Rejuvenated with bright and modern décor, the Cocobelle Resort is a North Beach Village property located on Fort Lauderdale’s barrier island, moments away from crashing waves, delicious cuisine, and boutique shops. Regardless of what brought you to Cocobelle, you are sure to leave with memories to sustain you until your next stay.
Tucked away on Vistamar Street, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the value of Cocobelle at such affordable rates. Caribbean furniture, floral accents, amenities like a full kitchen, a flat screen TV, and a living room anticipate and exceed your every need during your stay. Treat yourself! You deserve it.
Cocobelle Resort Specifics >>
- Exceptional rooms
- Wet bars include at a minimum a mini-fridge, microwave & coffee maker
- Daily housekeeping service
- Guest laundry facilities and ice machine located at Tranquilo Hotel (2909 Vistamar St., 1/2 block east)
- Complimentary Wi-Fi, parking & smiles
- Heated crystal blue pool in sunbathed courtyard lounge area & covered poolside gazebo
- BBQ facilities for impromptu festivities
- Bicycle Rentals at a central location
- 24 hour front desk at Tranquilo Hotel
- Check- in at 3pm and Check-out at 11am
- Early check-in and late check-out will be offered based on hotel occupancy and availability. Extra fees may apply.
- Gated
- No resort or surprise fees – we are hassle-free and offer a great value
Just Around the Corner
Guests staying in any North Beach Village hotel are able to take advantage of all of the amenities in the village. Dine in casual elegance at the Plaza Bistro or keep fit and healthy with our health and fitness options, including Village Yoga.
Guests can also experience all of what Fort Lauderdale has to offer. Many cultural attractions and leisure locales are within walking or biking distance. So put on your sandals or hop on your rented b-cycle and take in all that Fort Lauderdale was, is, and will always be: simply irresistible.
Near Cocobelle Resort >>
- Fort Lauderdale Beach: 0.2 mi, 350 km
- Galleria Mall: 1.2 mi, 1.9 km
- Old Fort Lauderdale Breakfast House: 4.3 mi, 6.9 km
- Bonnet House Museum & Gardens: .9 mi, 1.5 km
- Birch State Park: 0.7 mi, 1.2 km
- Fort Lauderdale Beach Park: 2 mi, 3 km
- Down Town Las Olas: 2.4 mi, 3.8 km
- Riverwalk: 3.5 mi, 5.7 km
- Himarshee: 3.6 mi, 5.7 km
- Museum of Art: 3.3 mi, 5.3 km
- Museum of Discovery and Science: 3.7 mi, 5.9 km
- Broward Center for the Performing Arts: 3.8 mi, 6.1 km
- Parker Playhouse: 2.8 mi, 4.6 km
- The Classic Gateway Theatre: 1.0 mi, 3.1 km
- Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport: 6.9 mi, 11.1 km
- Port Everglades: 5.3 mi, 8.5 km
- Broward Convention Center: 4.2 mi, 6.6 km
Read Our Reviews
TRIP ADVISOR REVIEWS
**** Valery M Moscow, Russia
Reviewed January 12, 2015
Not extraordinary but good overall
Location is couple of blocks from the beach which is OK; but to get around you need car. Even nearest cafe serving breakfast is 10 min walk at least. First we stayed 5 nights in suite which was good, comfy and big kitchen. On way back from cruise we stayed for one more night in double room which was cramped, beds narrow, window facing wall and no kitchen. So if you stay for more than one night I highly recommend to spend few more bucks on suite; it's not that expensive. Staff was friendly, and they allowed third person to stay in room for free. But reception is located in other hotel of this chain, so you need 5 min walk to communicate with managers. Parking was free. Pool pretty small. WIFI was good.
Show less
Room tip: take suite if available
+++
**** Shannon Y Vernon, British Columbia, Canada
Reviewed November 24, 2014
Great location good value
this is a charming 16 room hotel with a heated pool, 1.5 blocks from the beach. There are lots of things to do nearby, and parking is limited. Wifi was excellent, no breakfast. The only complaint we had was the entire room was tiled, and...More
Date of stay: November 2014
Thank Shannon Y
Response from NorthBeachVillage, Owner at Cocobelle Resort
Responded December 3, 2014
Shannon Y, What a great review, thanks so much. We appreciate your suggestion and will definitely look in this. Thanks very much for staying with us, we hope to see you again soon!
+++
***** karin248karin Parnu County, Estonia
Reviewed November 17, 2014
Recommend 100%
We had had a couple of rough days with my newly husband. Driving around all night I was able to book a room in Cocobelle but when arrived, the booking.com had overbooked. Basically I started to cry a little but the staff was amazing! In a matter of minutes later the host had found me a room (a lot more expensive) for tge price of a smaller room.
All in all,they literally saved our honeymoon!
Super 100%!!!
+++
Date of stay: November 2014
Thank karin248karin
Response from NorthBeachVillage, Owner at Cocobelle Resort
Responded December 3, 2014
karin248karin, We promise to always do our very best to help out our guests, and we are so touched that we were able to save your honeymoon! You should celebrate every anniversary with us from now on! Thank you so much for staying with us, see you again soon!
+++
***** JFG1982 Lucerne, Switzerland
Reviewed October 22, 2014
great stay!
We felt very comfortable! Thanks to the whole staff! We will be back. It´s a calm place. Beach and restaurants are just 2 blocks away. The perfect getaway! rooms are big and clean, parking is free. Staff is very helpful.
+++
***** WandererGuru Denver
Reviewed May 18, 2013
Another great stay!
The Cocobelle is a hidden gem. This is the second time we've stayed there and both stays exceeded our expectations. The Cocobelle was recently purchased by the North Beach Village and they have done a super job with the transition. The front office is currently...More
Date of stay: May 2013
Thank WandererGuru
+++
*****livismum
Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
2017
Follow
Reviewed April 21, 2013
Charming Hotel - Great Stay
We stayed at the Cocobelle for 3 nights over Easter weekend. We arrived from the UK via Miami airport around 8pm and were greeted by the owner who checked us in and gave us 3 beach towels. We were shown to the room we had...More
Date of stay: March 2013
Thank livismum
+++
*** TexasTimon Sweden
Reviewed March 29, 2013
Nice stay and funny owner
Big rooms which was clean, a little bit old. Nice pool area with alot of palmtrees. The owner is walking around everywhere and has full control - be don't be afraid of his sense of humour. Cocobell is situated 5-10 minutes walk from the beach and the area felt safe.
The price was ok for what we got.
I would give this the rating averige +
Date of stay: February 2013
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** Michaelbyrns London, Canada
Reviewed May 24, 2012
A disappointing visit - I suggest that you choose another place.
We had stayed at this hotel three years ago, and decided to come again for three days as we passed through Ft Lauderdale on our way back up north. I booked it quite a while in advance. It was hard to get set up, as they are not good on email. I had not heard back from them many days later, and I was just getting ready to choose another location. Finally they did get back to me. I booked and they grabbed the first night in advance from my account.
As the date approached I saw that the weather was not all that great there, and I wanted to cancel. I saw that was not possible as you are not able to do that unless it is a long time before that.
When we arrived, we were shocked to see how much more dumpy the area is around them. Other reviews here have said the same. A number of derelict hotels surround them. There is construction which was very loud, going on a couple of buildings over. Jack hammers, etc.
The rooms were very clean, as were their grounds. Others have pointed out, and I can confirm, that the bed mattress and couch were exceptionally soft and uncomfortable. I had poor sleep as a result. Sitting in the couch was very exciting, hard to get out of. We elected to put pillows below and behind us, to make the couch useable.
This hotel does cater to smokers, you can smoke everywhere except the rooms. Being non smokers, this was disgusting, as we were never able to use the pool or sit outside as every other person who was there smoked a lot, including a fellow with cigars. Yuck. I had liked it due to the location, near to the beach, but nothing really there, a few dumpy stores, and derelict buildings.
If you wish to come to this hotel, I suggest that you bring your own paper products, they don't provide Kleenex, and the single ply toilet paper is not very good.
We decided to leave a day early, the weather was poor, not their fault of course. Rather than spend another day in the mall, we left. I knew that I would get no money back, which of course, I did not. When checking in, you pay in advance. If I return to Ft Lauderdale, I will stay at a regular hotel and just drive to the beach.
I regret to suggest that you pass on this place. Go to one of the newer places.
+++
***** Ferla Jacarei, SP
Reviewed October 14, 2012
Perfect
This hotel is a perfect place to stay. Its near from the beach, the rooms are clean and confortable. The pool deck is organized, relax and clean. The manager was helpless all the time and the housekeeping service was great. It was my second time...More
Date of stay: November 2011
+++
***** Kate M Ottawa, Canada
Reviewed August 15, 2012
Charming hotel, so close to the beach.
This hotel is lovely. The owner clearly has a lot of pride in his establishment. The pool area in the courtyard is like a completely different world. Also, the Cocobelle is right beside the grounds to Bonet House, so it's extra secluded. We got a...More
Date of stay: February 2012
+++
***** Patricia S Jensen Beach, Florida
Reviewed December 6, 2011
Great spot and so clean!
We celebrated our mother's 90th birthday and had a wonderful time. The resort was so clean and everything was perfect. Absolutely no complaints! Thank you.
Date of stay: December 2011
Thank Patricia S
**** Leah w Louisville, ky
Reviewed September 23, 2011
Good Value
This small motel was well tended, clean, and quiet. It was also very secure with gates, which wee locked at night and guests were given keys for access. The price was extremely reasonable. The beach was a few blocks away; however, restaurants and shopping were...More
Date of stay: June 2011
+++
***** mrsmole58 London, United Kingdom
Reviewed August 30, 2011
Great Resort great Location
fabulous resort small and personal the owner was friendly and told us where we could go for shopping and to eat. he gave us maps and two lovely big fluffy pool towels which he said we could also take to the beach. he accompanied us...More
Date of stay: August 2011
Things To Do
BEST FAMILY ACTIVITIES – Your Quick Guide to Everything Fort Lauderdale
South Florida’s 322 days of pure tropical sunshine, remarkable blue skies and warm Caribbean waters are what we’re known for the world over! We’re proud of that natural heritage, but there’s so much more to Greater Fort Lauderdale for families and adventurers to marvel at and do!
Here’s a quick guide to bookmark with some useful tips, insights and links for an optimal Cocobelle Resort vacation:
BEACH DAY – The Cocobelle Resort is about a 5 minute walk to pristine beaches and inviting turquoise waters! Prepare a little before you go and check this page out for some helpful planning tips to ensure your family is safe and happy!
DINING – General tips and ideas regarding the many diverse culinary tastes and allures our tropical city-by-the-sea has to offer. With almost as many restaurants as residents, Greater Fort Lauderdale offers something unique and delicious for everyone, for casual eaters or for connoisseurs, alike.
NATURE’S PARADISE – Explore the other side of paradise and visit the primordial Everglades! Take a thrilling airboat ride and experience South Florida’s one-of-a-kind wilderness expanse where magnificent wildlife like alligators are abundant. Special attractions along the way make it a memorable family adventure.
SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA – Your quick guide to nearby shopping! Click here for a preview of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s best malls, boutiques, shopping districts and flea markets. Need groceries for a beach picnic or your hotel suite, find out where to go by clicking here!
FISHING – Rent a boat or schedule some time with an experienced captain to snag your own catch of the day. They’ll guide you to the best hotspots for whichever fish you’d prefer or is in season. Check out our quick reference guide for seasonal fish caught right here!
SNORKELING – Whether you’re looking to SCUBA dive, snorkel or view our vibrant undersea world through the window of a glass-bottom boat – read about some of the basics and find out where to go.
PERFORMING ARTS – Within minutes of Cocobelle, experience world-class live performances, comedians, plays and orchestras. The Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District beckons; “Come for the sun. Stay for the Stars.”
MUSEUMS – Take a break from the steamy sun or a tropical downpour. There’s always something to do indoors and outdoors in Greater Fort Lauderdale that’s intriguing and entertaining.
STATE PARKS – Parks, wilderness and recreational areas that you’ll want to explore near Cocobelle.
WATER TAXIS – Floridians love boats and cruising the Venetian-like canals to dinner or to a gallery opening. It’s one of the finer pleasures of living in Fort Lauderdale. The lights, drawbridges and towers along the way are hypnotizing! Embark on your own short cruise by hailing a Water Taxi at least once on your tropical vacation.
LAS OLAS BOULEVARD – Fort Lauderdale’s illustrious tree-lined street offers fine galleries, boutiques, restaurants and cafes to suit all tastes and lifestyles. Click here and find out more about nearby Las Olas and everything our quaint ‘main street’ has to offer!
More Background On CocoBelle Resort
For nearly a decade, the Cocobelle Resort in Fort Lauderdale represented the essence of what travelers sought in an intimate beachside getaway — charm, simplicity, and proximity to the ocean without the impersonal scale of corporate resorts. The now-archived website, CocoBelleResort.com, served as the digital window into this 15-room boutique hotel, presenting it as a tropical oasis steps from North Beach Village’s sun-soaked sands.
While the resort ceased operations in its original form years ago, the preserved website content offers a vivid portrait of a beloved Florida retreat that once balanced local character with warm hospitality. Its pages reveal a story not only of lodging and leisure but also of cultural adaptation, digital reputation, and the enduring allure of Fort Lauderdale’s beach district.
Ownership and Affiliation
Cocobelle Resort was part of North Beach Village Resort, a collective of independently styled boutique hotels developed throughout the North Beach district of Fort Lauderdale. The North Beach Village concept emerged from a redevelopment vision to restore mid-century modern buildings that had fallen into disuse. The collection ultimately included over a dozen small hotels, each with a distinctive personality yet sharing common management, design sensibilities, and guest services.
This portfolio of retro-modern properties was tied to a larger effort to rejuvenate the once-neglected beach area north of Sunrise Boulevard. Rather than demolish aging low-rise motels, North Beach Village sought to reimagine them as affordable boutique hotels with fresh design, community engagement, and neighborhood synergy.
Cocobelle fit perfectly within that ethos — small, personal, and tropical, offering studio and one-bedroom apartment-style rooms designed for comfort rather than extravagance. Its ownership group emphasized hospitality grounded in friendliness, cleanliness, and charm, not corporate uniformity.
Location and Setting
The resort’s physical address — 2831 Vistamar Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304 — placed it squarely in the heart of North Beach Village, a few blocks from Fort Lauderdale’s iconic shoreline. Guests could stroll to the beach in about five minutes, passing swaying palms and pastel Art Deco facades that defined the neighborhood’s nostalgic charm.
The location provided easy access to:
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Fort Lauderdale Beach (0.2 miles) – a quick walk to white sands and turquoise surf.
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Bonnet House Museum & Gardens (0.9 miles) – a historic estate preserving one of South Florida’s last coastal wilderness habitats.
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Birch State Park (0.7 miles) – a 180-acre park ideal for kayaking, cycling, and nature walks.
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The Galleria Mall (1.2 miles) – upscale shopping just across the Intracoastal Waterway.
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Las Olas Boulevard (2.4 miles) – Fort Lauderdale’s lively downtown district filled with boutiques, cafes, and galleries.
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Port Everglades and the Convention Center – about 15 minutes by car, convenient for cruise travelers.
Cocobelle’s position made it both secluded and connected — quiet enough for rest, yet close enough for entertainment and exploration.
Accommodations and Amenities
Cocobelle Resort offered 15 to 16 units, depending on seasonal configurations, consisting of hotel rooms, studios, and one-bedroom apartments. Each was designed to provide comfort in an airy, tropical setting.
Room Features Included:
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Tile floors and colorful, contemporary furnishings
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Fully equipped kitchens or wet bars with microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffee makers
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Flat-screen televisions and complimentary Wi-Fi
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In-room safes, daily housekeeping, and fresh linens
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Air conditioning, ceiling fans, and spacious living areas
The resort promoted itself as “beautifully furnished, fully equipped, and tastefully decorated.” The emphasis was on functionality and charm rather than opulence. Many rooms were designed with bright Caribbean-inspired accents — floral upholstery, bamboo-style furniture, and cheerful art evoking sun and sea.
Pool and Outdoor Spaces
At the center of Cocobelle Resort’s appeal was its tropical pool area, surrounded by lush landscaping and enclosed within a gated courtyard. The pool, often described as “crystal blue” and “heated,” formed the social heart of the property. Guests could lounge in sun-drenched chairs, retreat beneath a covered gazebo, or enjoy impromptu gatherings around the BBQ area.
This courtyard setting created a sense of intimacy rare among larger resorts. The fence, palm canopy, and compact scale made the environment both private and community-oriented — a sanctuary where strangers often became friends over morning coffee or late-afternoon swims.
Services and Guest Experience
Cocobelle’s defining trait was its personal service philosophy. The staff were “trained in the art of satisfaction,” as the archived website proudly declared. While it lacked on-site restaurants or large-scale amenities, the resort compensated with genuine warmth and attentiveness.
Guest services included:
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24-hour front desk assistance (coordinated through nearby Tranquilo Hotel)
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Guest laundry and ice facilities
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Complimentary parking and Wi-Fi
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Early check-in and late check-out options when available
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No resort or hidden fees
The hotel’s relationship with its sister properties allowed guests to share village-wide amenities — such as bicycle rentals, yoga sessions, and dining at nearby establishments like the Plaza Bistro.
Cocobelle wasn’t about luxury; it was about ease, friendliness, and authenticity. Guests often described it as “hassle-free” and “great value for money,” highlighting how the management emphasized comfort over formality.
History and Evolution
The Cocobelle Resort operated throughout the 2000s and early 2010s as a modest but beloved North Beach Village property. Its website archives from 2007–2015 show a consistent message: small-scale hospitality, affordable rates, and a tropical setting ideal for relaxation.
During that time, Fort Lauderdale was transitioning from its spring-break reputation toward a more sophisticated tourism model. Boutique hotels like Cocobelle helped redefine the area, appealing to travelers who wanted a neighborhood atmosphere rather than resort anonymity.
Interestingly, the resort also became the subject of a curious local folklore episode: a rumor about a mischievous ghost named Frederick Pouty, said to haunt the property each September. Initially, owners worried the tale might deter guests, but a creative promoter reframed it as a local novelty. “Fred the Ghost” postcards and signs briefly became a marketing quirk — until a historian revealed Pouty’s darker past, and the story quietly disappeared. This episode illustrates how online folklore can both challenge and color a brand’s identity in the digital era.
Reviews and Reputation
Archived reviews from TripAdvisor between 2011 and 2015 portray Cocobelle as a small, friendly, and well-kept property offering excellent value:
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“Great location, good value” – Guests praised its proximity to the beach and cleanliness.
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“Recommend 100%” – A newlywed couple recounted how staff saved their honeymoon after a booking error.
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“Perfect place to stay” – Multiple reviewers from Canada and Europe admired the pool and attentive staff.
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“Another great stay!” – Repeat visitors called it a “hidden gem,” noting improvements after joining North Beach Village.
Not all feedback was glowing; some guests found the smaller rooms “cramped” or disliked the tiled floors. Others mentioned minor maintenance issues or nearby construction noise — common in Fort Lauderdale’s redeveloping districts. Still, overall sentiment skewed positive, especially regarding staff helpfulness, cleanliness, and atmosphere.
Cultural and Social Significance
Cocobelle represented a broader movement in Fort Lauderdale’s tourism identity — a shift toward sustainable, small-scale revitalization. Rather than replacing local motels with glass towers, North Beach Village’s model reused existing structures, blending heritage preservation with modern tourism economics.
By providing affordable, independent alternatives to corporate hotels, Cocobelle helped maintain diversity in the city’s hospitality ecosystem. It catered to families, couples, and international travelers seeking personal experiences — guests who valued character over size.
Moreover, its website and marketing language reflected an era of digital storytelling in hospitality. The vivid descriptions of “sun-kissed glows,” “tropical daydreams,” and “concierge-like hospitality” were part of a growing trend where small hotels built brand identity online through tone and personality, not just amenities.
Dining, Recreation, and Nearby Attractions
While Cocobelle didn’t host its own restaurant, guests had access to numerous nearby dining options. The North Beach Village area featured the Plaza Bistro and several seaside cafés offering breakfast and light fare. For fine dining, Las Olas Boulevard and Sunrise Boulevard provided an array of cuisines within a 10-minute drive.
The resort’s website encouraged exploration of local attractions, offering guides to:
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Beach activities – swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling just blocks away.
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Nature excursions – Everglades airboat tours and state park visits.
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Museums and performing arts – Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Museum of Discovery and Science, and local art galleries.
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Shopping – from the Galleria Mall to flea markets and boutique shops.
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Water taxis – an iconic Fort Lauderdale experience, connecting canals and nightlife.
Cocobelle promoted itself as a home base for exploration, positioning the hotel as both sanctuary and starting point for discovering South Florida’s cultural and natural offerings.
The Digital Face: CocoBelleResort.com
The resort’s website, active from roughly 2007 to 2015, was simple yet inviting. It featured a soothing tropical color palette, friendly copywriting, and sections describing amenities, rates, and nearby attractions.
Distinctively, the tone was conversational and emotional — “Treat Yourself! You Deserve It”, “Become absorbed in a tropical wonderland,” and “Our majestic palms create an oasis with a heated turquoise pool that some say could be the fountain of youth.”
Such writing reflected the shift in hospitality marketing from informational to experiential storytelling. Even without advanced booking systems or high-tech visuals, the site conveyed warmth and personality, qualities that endeared Cocobelle to its loyal clientele.
Decline and Legacy
By the mid-2010s, many small North Beach Village hotels underwent rebranding, consolidation, or redevelopment. As Fort Lauderdale’s property values rose, some independent hotels closed, while others merged into larger resort operations. Cocobelle’s website was eventually archived, preserving its imagery and copy as a time capsule of a transitional period in beachside hospitality.
Although the physical hotel may no longer operate under its original name, its legacy endures in how it captured authentic, small-scale Floridian hospitality. It stood as a counterpoint to luxury towers — proving that atmosphere, personal service, and community could define success as effectively as grandeur.
Cocobelle Resort was more than just a boutique hotel; it was a reflection of Fort Lauderdale’s evolving character — blending mid-century nostalgia, tropical charm, and modern sensibility. Through its website, it projected warmth, friendliness, and a uniquely human approach to travel long before “boutique” became a hospitality buzzword.
The archived Cocobelle story reveals how thoughtful design, genuine service, and neighborhood integration can create an enduring sense of place. Even today, as North Beach Village continues to change, the Cocobelle name evokes an era when guests were greeted not by automated kiosks, but by hosts who remembered their names and shared their stories — the true essence of coastal hospitality.