“We’re on the beach yet we’re No. 12 in tourist tax collection in Broward County,” he said, citing 2013 tax data, the latest available.

That year, Hallandale accounted for 1.3 percent or $611,427 of the nearly $48 million in tourist taxes collected in Broward, according to data compiled by the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. The top three collectors were Fort Lauderdale (48.9 percent); Hollywood (15 percent) and Dania Beach (7.6 percent).

Beachwalk also is stirring keen interest from other developers of traditional hotels and condo-resorts, attracted by the redevelopment underway and city improvements proposed or in the pipeline, Klopp said. “We have many positive things happening.”

Developed by The Related Group in Miami, the 216-unit Beachwalk condo-resort boasts two-bedroom suites that can be divided into separate one-bedroom suites and standard hotel rooms for tourists and locals to enjoy when owners aren’t living there.

“We manage and operate Beachwalk as a regular hotel,” said Benjamin Caban, director of sales and marketing, noting that condo owners can opt in to its rental program to earn a percentage of sales when units are rented as hotel rooms.

Beachwalk is the first South Florida property for Gemstone Hotels & Resorts, a Utah management company that specializes in upscale independent hotel properties.

All units were sold out eight months before construction started, Caban said.

The condo-hotel also houses 84 private residences whose owners have access to an exclusive lounge, bar and rooftop pool, among other amenities.

When Related Group launched sales of the condos and residences in February 2013, prices ranged from $399,900 to $699,900.

Beachwalk’s entrance and lobby showcase contrasting hues of red, blue, gray and white, while artwork curated by Related Group CEO Jorge M. Perez is dotted throughout the property.

Italian design house Pininfarina, known for its work in the automotive industry with brands such as Ferrari, Alfa Romeo and BMW, created the condo-hotel’s interior design. Rooms are decorated in soft earthy palettes of white and brown and feature contemporary Italian furnishings.

“We have close to 1,000 room nights already on the books for May and [occupancy] the first three months of opening is looking great,” Caban said. “We’re excited. This is definitely a new beginning for Hallandale Beach.”

Now through July 31, Beachwalk is offering nightly rates from $129 to $249 depending on room category, Caban said.

The resort’s restaurant — Beachwalk Bistro & Market — is set to open by mid-May serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, and will also offer grab-and-go items. The hotel also offers an infinity-edged outdoor pool, fitness center, free bicycles for city touring and a complimentary shuttle service to the Hollywood Broadwalk, Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino and Aventura Mall.

A $20 per room daily resort fee covers the cost of the shuttle service and Wi-Fi access in hotel rooms and public areas, Caban said.

Beachwalk, at 2602 E. Hallandale Beach Blvd., also will shuttle guests for free in an electronic buggy cart to the beach and to its beach club — Hyde Kitchen & Cocktails, which will also open later in May.

Hyde Kitchen sits behind Beachwalk’s sister property, the Hyde Resort & Residenences, which is being built just outside city limits in Hollywood. The beach club will offer towels, beach chairs and umbrellas, and Mediterranean-inspired food and beverages.

Beachwalk, with its modern and chic offerings, should regentrify Hallandale Beach tourism, not unlike Fort Lauderdale’s transformation from spring break mecca to a more family-oriented and upscale vacation destination, said real estate analyst Jack McCabe of Deerfield Beach.

Hallandale doesn’t have the concentration of tourist lodgings as some of its neighboring beach communities. Prior to Beachwalk, it offered a handful of chain hotels and motels such as a Best Western Plus, Knights Inn and Hampton Inn, and mom and pop properties.

“Without a doubt it will be a real positive for the marketplace,” McCabe said.