If you’re looking for a unique spot for a night out in Fort Lauderdale, a fun and hip speakeasy with low-key vibes is just what you need. I recently visited Room 901, and this is a hidden gem you don’t want to miss, whether you’re a local or a first time visitor.
It feels intimate, sophisticated, and clandestine all at the same time. Originally a standard hotel room, the hotel turned it into a hidden lounge that feels a world away from the bustling city just outside its doors.
I recently had the chance to check it out myself, and I walked away loving not just the drinks and food, but the whole experience. From the moment we got the password at the hotel’s front desk to the last sip of my handcrafted cocktail, I didn’t want my time to end.
I visited Room 901 while on a press trip to the Hyatt Centric Las Olas. While this trip came at no cost to me, I am absolutely going back with friends and family.
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What is Room 901?
Room 901 is a hotel room-turned-speakeasy that has a maximum of 8 people per seating. It’s designed to feel like you stepped back in time into a fancy speakeasy without being snooty or intimidating.
The small space makes it perfect for a special date night, a small group of friends, or a milestone celebration. The lounge plays up the clandestine ambiance of a 1920s-style bar with dim lighting, rich furniture, a well-stocked bar, all of which add to the feeling you’re in on a well-kept secret.
What is a Speakeasy?
If you’ve never been to a speakeasy, you’re in for a treat. Back in the Prohibition era of the 1920s, alcohol was outlawed in the USA so enterprising folks opened clandestine bars opened in hidden spaces and required a password or a special knock to enter.
Today, the concept has become a fun twist on you typical night out. You can find them around the country with different levels of mystique and fanciness from Don’s TV and Repair in Milwaukee to the more swank Room 901.
They tend to play up the romance, discretion, and intimate feeling of those hidden clubs from a bygone era. It’s perfect for a unique night out, and the food and drink fit the space.
Why I Loved It
Walking into Room 901 felt like we were stepping into a scene from another era. The lighting was dim and intimate, the seats were comfortable, and there were decks of cards and dominoes on the tables, though we spent our entire time there talking with no time to play games.
The bartender reassured us that some nights, people indulge in that charming touch while other nights, the tables enjoy the bartender show and chat. I loved the small touches like this that made the space feel homey and a little playful.
The small number of seats meant we were able to enjoy a more personalized experience, which is why a single bartender in the space works. While the two hours flew by, we were able to chat, sip, and appreciate the surroundings without feeling rushed or crowded.
For me, the best part was how much the space encouraged relaxation and connection. Some nights people might break out the cards or dominoes; other nights everyone simply talks quietly, swapping stories and making memories. The ambiance made it easy to appreciate the moment — something we often miss in bustling restaurants or busy rooftop bars.
Do You Need Reservations?
Yes, reservations are required and depending on the time of year, they can be hard to come by, so as soon as you know you want to go, book it. There are only eight spots at each seating, with there are three seatings per night.
You can choose from 5pm, 7:15pm, and 9:30pm every Tuesday through Sunday. And yes, they’re closed on Mondays.
If you wait too long, there’s a waitlist, but cancellations are rare, which makes securing a spot all the more special. It’s a place you need to plan for, not a drop-in spot, and that adds to its appeal.
Everything you do is done electronically. You don’t talk to anyone at Room 901, which can feel a little weird if you don’t expect it. You don’t talk to anyone until you arrive in the lobby to check in for your reservation, but that’s part of the mystique.
How Do You Get Access?
While some speakeasies are hidden behind existing businesses or require you to find a secret door to enter them, Room 901 is located within the Hyatt Centric Las Olas.
Prior to your check in time, you receive a text with the secret password. Go to the front desk, and provide them with your password.
It’s a clever little touch, and it makes you feel a bit more “in the know.” The front desk personnel will provide you with the special key and direct you to the elevators.
The speakeasy itself is quite literally room 901, not marked by a sign or a grand entrance. Instead, it’s a simple hotel room door like all the others on that floor, adding to the feeling you’re entering a clandestine space.
Use your keycard to enter, and you’ll go through a velvet curtain to enter the space. Make sure to show up early so you have your choice of seating in the venue.
Are There Food and Drink Minimums?
Yes, with your reservation, there’s a minimum of $50 per person, which encompasses your choice of both food and drinks. But honestly, it’s worth it.
Given the size of the speakeasy, there’s an extensive food menu focusing primarily on heavy appetizers and a few desserts. You can enjoy something as simple as a charcuterie and cheese board or the fabulous wagyu sliders we ordered.
We wished we hadn’t filled up on dinner before we went, but lesson learned! We did manage to make room for dessert near the end of our reservation, and the churros and macarons were a lovely finishing touch.
Both the food and drink menus do change up, so you may have a bit of a different selection than we did, but I have a feeling those wagyu slides will stay on the menu for a good long while. The bartender shared some of his new, upcoming drinks with us, and you’ll definitely enjoy them.
The drinks are handcrafted and sophisticated, made by a single, personable bartender who performs all the cocktail magic himself. Because it’s a small space, there’s no blender here, which would prevent conversation, so everything is shaken or stirred by hand which adds to the intimate, bespoke feeling.
Do You Have to Be a Hotel Guest?
Not at all, and I think this is part of why Room 901 isn’t booked out every single night. People don’t realize it’s available to anyone who’s 21 or over, whether you’re staying at the hotel or not.
It’s a nice opportunity for locals and tourists alike to discover a hidden side of their city. Yes, it’s fun and easy if you happen to stay at the hotel, but this is not a hotel-only establishment by any stretch of the imagination.
Why It’s So Unique
You don’t go to a speakeasy every day. I can actually count on one hand the number of speakeasies I’ve been to in my life. They’re unique and fun, and each one is different.
Room 901 does a great job of playing up the 1920’s vibe in the room. It’s a small space – remember this was an actual hotel room prior to its conversion – but they make the most of that space.
And because it’s so small, the limit of eight people per seating means that you are not far from the other patrons, but it’s a really cool experience. We had fantastic personalized service, where the bartender listened to exactly what each of us does and doesn’t like before crafting our cocktails.
Even though we were too busy enjoying our conversation, I loved the concept of the charming games to play at each of the tables. It’s the kind of spot you want to return to with friends because you know about something cool and secret that you have to share.
If You’re Headed to Fort Lauderdale, Make Your Reservations
Room 901 isn’t just your average weekend bar. From the moment you check in at the hotel desk with the password to the last sip of your crafted cocktail, it feels intimate, sophisticated, and a little mischievous.
This is a great way to enjoy special night in Fort Lauderdale before your cruise or as part of a longer vacation. And locals? If you’re looking for something different, Room 901 is well worth a visit.
Just make sure to book in advance and show up on time to make the most of your two hours in this charming, hidden lounge. And order those wagyu sliders – just trust me on that one.
