Sebastian Phillips explores the enduring Art Deco style of South Beach’s landmark hotels.
The air in South Beach always seems to hum with a certain energy, a vibrant mix of sun, style, and history. And as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Art Deco, it’s impossible not to notice how this iconic architectural style has shaped the very soul of this place. It’s a style that speaks of glamour, innovation, and a certain joie de vivre, and it’s embodied in some truly remarkable hotels. This story, however, isn’t just about admiring these architectural gems from afar. It’s about the stories within those walls, the experiences they offer, and how they continue to evolve.
The Delano, for many, is where the modern South Beach story truly began. When it opened in 1995, it was the place. It wasn’t just a hotel; it was a phenomenon. There were photos of George Clooney lounging by that iconic pool while filming “Out of Sight.”
Madonna, in her ever-iconic way, chose the Delano for her 37th birthday bash, and even dipped her toes into the hospitality world as a part-owner of the Blue Door restaurant. Lenny Kravitz and J.Lo were regulars. It was a time of pure glamour, and the Delano was at the heart of it all. A lot of that magic came from Philippe Starck’s surreal interior design. Those billowing, floor-to-ceiling white curtains created an ethereal atmosphere, a sense of being in a dream. And the art! Works by Dalí and Gaudí were conversation starters, adding a layer of artistic depth that was, and still is, truly unique. Now, Ennismore and Cain International are taking on the challenge of recapturing that magic as the Delano prepares to reopen in late 2025. The original 1947 structure, designed by Robert Swartburg, is being reborn, with a design that honors its Art Deco heritage while embracing a modern sensibility. They’re keeping the best of the Delano and adding new elements, like four new dining and “imbibing” concepts, including a reimagined Rose Bar. And that legendary ground-floor pool? It’s getting a new beachfront amenity deck. The Shelborne, in contrast to the Delano’s splashy arrival, has had a more… complicated design journey. It opened in 1940, and I’ve always thought of it as a grand dame of South Beach. Then came a 1958 addition by Morris Lapidus. Now, Lapidus was a visionary, but sometimes his visions were… bold. That addition, along with a less-than-successful “upgrade” in the 1980s, and yet another reimagining in 2011, led to what you might call “aesthetic confusion.” Proper Hospitality is now at the helm, undertaking a $100 million renovation to restore the Shelborne to its former glory. They’ve essentially given the Shelborne a new lease on life, resulting in 251 all-new rooms, suites, and villas, many with those stunning ocean views that are such a South Beach staple. The new look, by ADC Atelier, is a beautiful blend of Art Deco and Miami Modernism (MiMo). With a food and beverage program by Michelin-starred chef Abraham Bissell, including a signature restaurant called Pauline and an intimate lounge called Little Torch, it’s clear they’re aiming for a sophisticated, elevated experience.
Last but not least, The Andaz Miami Beach, fresh from its June 2025 debut, is staying true to Hyatt’s ethos. The interior design, by EoA Group, is all about free-flowing forms, an organic homage to the original 1940 Art Deco property, which was once known as the Lord Tarleton Hotel. The hotel offers 287 guestrooms, including 64 suites, with views of the city or the ocean. And those roomy, marble-centric bathrooms stocked with Byredo toiletries? That’s the kind of detail that elevates a stay from good to truly indulgent. Plus, there’s the Ondara Spa, which sounds incredibly relaxing, and a restaurant called Aguasal by José Andrés. José Andrés! That’s a hospitality force to be reckoned with.
