Hotel Eastport welcomes guests with a spirit that feels both familiar and refreshing at The Villages’ new Eastport Town Center. Inspired by the golden age of 1950s road travel and the serene beauty of Florida’s lakeside living, its design tells a story of connection and comfort. This is a place where nostalgia meets modern vibrancy, a hotel that honors the journey of The Villages while embracing the energy and warmth of its community today.
A Narrative Built on the Past
Hotel Eastport’s architecture reflects midcentury modern sensibilities, with breezeblock patterns, clean lines, and bold geometries that nod to the golden age of American travel while grounding the hotel in Eastport’s story. Inside, the design ripples with movement and color, echoing the energy of Eastport Town Center’s lakeside setting. Dragon boat races, very beloved by Villagers, inspired vibrant palettes and playful patterns throughout. Bright blues, oranges, and creamy whites animate custom corridor carpets and bold ceiling treatments, while circles and curves, hallmarks of both water and mid-century design, flow gracefully through the public spaces.
Every detail is designed to deepen the narrative. Stripes in the lobby echo the racing lanes of dragon boat competitions, while metal grilles in the event space introduce circular, water-inspired motifs. In the ice cream shop, striped tile softens the rhythm with dusty pastels, adding a playful touch. Restaurant interiors reinterpret midcentury geometry through a coastal Mediterranean palette of blues, whites, and sun washed yellows, infusing dining spaces with light and warmth. Even the fitness center contributes to the story, with lake inspired flooring and botanical wallcoverings that reconnect guests to nature. Each gesture, large or small, creates a cohesive, layered experience that feels authentic and inviting.
A Guest Journey Shaped by Architecture
Arrival sets the tone for the experience: guests are greeted beneath a sweeping entry canopy, a nod to mid-century modern elegance, before stepping into a lobby that frames expansive lake views. The lobby bar flows onto a breezy lakeside patio, while the restaurant opens directly to the Town Square, positioning Hotel Eastport at the heart of Eastport’s vibrant energy. Above, private balconies with lakeside views and custom perforated metal panels extend the sense of retreat, offering a balance of connection and seclusion.
Indoor and outdoor spaces blend effortlessly, embracing Florida’s climate and natural light. Open sightlines, generous windows, and layered patios create a constant dialogue between architecture and setting. The result is a guest experience that feels fluid and connected, always part of the community, never separated from it. Unlike many boutique hotels, Hotel Eastport doesn’t simply borrow mid century design; it uses it as a storytelling device, merging nostalgia with contemporary needs. Sustainable touches, including low VOC paints and recycled flooring, add a layer of responsibility and care. Energy performance was modeled in Cove Tool, achieving a Studio EUI of 55.37—representing a 30% reduction from baseline, a strong benchmark within our hospitality portfolio.
Hotel Eastport is a place where Villagers and visitors gather, celebrate, and connect. It reflects the optimism of the past, the vibrancy of the present, and the evolution of The Villages into a community that is both timeless and ever changing.
Photos: ©Dan Ham
