Beloit’s Hidden Gem

By Ronnie Wendt

Beloit’s newest downtown hotel, Hotel Goodwin, opened for business in September, continuing the gateway to Wisconsin’s downtown renaissance by adding a splash of modern flair. The boutique, 34-room hotel at 500 Public Ave., is managed by Geronimo Hospitality Group, a company affiliated with Hendricks Commercial Properties.

Hotel Goodwin draws inspiration from the old Goodwin House, which Dana Borremans, hotel marketing specialist for Geronimo Hospitality Group, which also owns the Ironworks Hotel, explains was a turn-of-the-century hotel once located in the heart of downtown. “The old Goodwin House was actually located in a different building, not the building we are in,” she adds. “But it was a hub in downtown and featured a restaurant and opera house.”

The Geronimo Hospitality Group hopes to build on the old Goodwin House’s rich history and offer Beloit visitors another overnight option. Borremans explains the nearby Ironworks Hotel often fills to capacity. Hotel Goodwin’s accommodations options, which range in price from $179 to $300 a night, provide a unique experience that combines modern luxury with vintage class. Every room treats guests to turntables and record collections, one-of-a-kind art pieces and state-of-the-art rainforest showers.

“The hotel is stylish and chic—a true hidden gem,” states Borremans. “It’s not like any other hotel around here and is certainly not something you’d find in a small town. We wanted it to be different than our sister property, Ironworks Hotel, which was inspired by America’s industrial heritage. With Hotel Goodwin, we went edgier and more luxurious.”

Though its sophistication reigns supreme and is found in everything from its gorgeous black lacquer doors to breathtaking art to its overall sexy vibe, it also transports patrons back in time with a vintage record collection that spans all genres.

“Every room has a record player and five random record selections,” she says. “But if the records are not to your preference, you can swap out your selection at the front desk for music you like.”

The hotel is situated close to everything a visitor might need. It is just a short walk from Beloit’s varied selection of shops, where one can purchase everything from handmade quilts to bestselling books and spiritual crystals, and to nearby restaurants, which serve deli foods to seafood and steak. But for those who wish to stay in, Hotel Goodwin’s in-house restaurant, Velvet Buffalo Café, can dish up flavors to suit every fancy, including stone-fired pizzas, shared plates and salads. The restaurant also offers a special banquet-style menu for those hosting events at the location.

Hotel Goodwin is poised to become the destination for events, weddings and meetings with its rooftop banquet space offering breathtaking views of downtown Beloit. The Grand Room is located on the fourth floor, “technically the roof,” Borremans says. “We sectioned off part of the roof to create this space. Guests enter from the hotel to a room encased in glass on three sides. However, only two of the sides are permanent, the third glass side can be opened to a spectacular terrace area. It’s really a lovely view at night when the city is lit up, and during the day when you can see the river.”

For smaller meetings, Hotel Goodwin offers The State Room which seats 14 people. “It is a large space with a long table in the middle. It can be used for meetings or for a large dinner party. You can also rent the space during the day for other special events involving food,” she says.

Karen Niffenegger, general manager, adds, “Hotel Goodwin is a great addition to downtown Beloit. It offers a chic vibe with genuine hospitality and is something everyone needs to experience for themselves.”

To make a reservation, contact Hotel Goodwin at (608) 473-1400 or reserve directly at hotelgoodwin.com. To inquire about reserving space for your next meeting or event, email [email protected].