Expanded Elegance In South Florida
Photo Courtesy of The Betsy – South Beach
For decades, Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star The Betsy — South Beach has served as a luxury and literary haven for the artsy set. A distinguished landmark on South Beach, the hotel’s Florida-Georgian architecture is the sole example of this unique style in the area. The structure was originally designed by L. Murray Dixon, who created some of South Beach’s famed Art Deco hotels, including The Tides and The Raleigh.
After undergoing a multi-million-dollar facelift in 2009, The Betsy is now in the midst of a massive expansion that will merge the existing Betsy hotel (the Colonial Wing) with the historic Carlton Hotel (Art Deco Wing) to become one unified property. The wings will be connected via a bridge over the alley between the two hotels. These updates will more than double the number of guestrooms and add amazing amenities, including a rooftop pool with panoramic views.
Jet setters, celebrities and locals alike flock to this picturesque beachside hideaway and with the completion of the long-awaited project slated for early November 2016, they’ll have even more reason to do so. Here’s a peek at what you can expect once this luxurious Miami enclave opens.
The Future of Rooftop Relaxation, Photo Courtesy of The Betsy – South Beach
The Art Deco Wing
The Art Deco Wing will feature 55 rooms and 14 suites, half of which will have balconies that provide views of the city or the new atrium courtyard. The wing will also house the 2,000-square-foot Skyline Penthouse and Terrace, an exquisite two-story unit with up to four bedrooms, private elevators and a 1,000-square-foot wraparound balcony. If that weren’t enough to get the reservations department on the line, you will also have a 3,000-square-foot rooftop pool and the 1,000-square-foot Ocean View Deck for special events.
In keeping with The Betsy’s longstanding literary tradition, the Library Lounge on the third floor will supply an impressive selection of books. Other outstanding amenities include a space with an espresso bar for private functions in the converted Carlton lobby; another meeting and performance space on the ground floor; a quaint, alley-accessed window for gelato and crepes; and an expansive Atrium courtyard.
The New-Look Atrium, Photo Courtesy of The Betsy – South Beach
The dining
The expanded hotel will have two restaurants, one in each wing. The biggest culinary change to the Colonial Wing is a newly renovated ground-level restaurant, LT Steak & Seafood (formerly BLT Steak), that will serve elevated American fare from award-winning chef Laurent Tourondel.
In the Art Deco Wing, Poeti, a trattoria-style Italian restaurant also from chef Tourondel, will offer lofty renditions of brick-oven pizzas with unique, locally inspired toppings.
The arts and culture
The Betsy has long held a deep commitment to its Philanthropy, Arts, Culture and Education (PACE) programming. With 15,000 additional square feet of space, the expansion will significantly increase the program. This, of course, will translate to even more curated events, author visits, exhibitions and performances. You can get a taste of what’s in store during September and October when The Betsy hosts Escribe Aquí (now through October 15), a festival celebrating diversity in arts and culture with live music, dance, theatrical performance, readings and literary discussions. Speaking of the arts, if you’re planning to attend Art Basel in December, we highly suggest you call to book a room now.
