If you’re thinking about heading to Florida for a little fun in the sun, a weekend stay at Delano South Beach might be exactly what you need. The boutique Miami hotel’s prime Collins Avenue and 16th Street location puts it in the center of all the action (the renowned Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater and the New World Center are just a couple blocks away from the property). But when you’re at the historic Art Deco hotel that was named after Franklin Delano Roosevelt, you’ll find it hard to leave. We found five reasons for you to stay and play at this Morgans Hotel Group gem.
1. Eclectic décor. From the minute you step inside the lobby of Delano South Beach, you’ll notice fantastic furnishings everywhere. Keep an eye out for key pieces such as an original oversized banquette-like chair with three padded walls and pink plush seating designed by Forbes Travel Guide Tastemaker Philippe Starck (who was tapped to renovate the property in 1994), a translucent piano gifted to the hotel by rocker Lenny Kravitz and a brass Salvador Dalí “Leda” chair that’s shaped like a woman with an exposed delicate hand and three heels.
2. Sunday brunch. For years, brunch at Delano South Beach has been a must-do. And with a buffet spread of tasty dishes at Italian-inspired Bianca, you’ll be excusing yourself from the table several times to fill up plates with items such as omelets from the fresh egg station, waffles, sushi, salads, pastas, Italian sausage and more. The alfresco meal comes with a glass of red sangria and a delightful vista of the pool area — all for $65.
3. In-room shop. Forget to pack some essentials for your trip? No worries. Each room comes with its own Shop Box. Find items such as the Big Dot Sock ($12), Supergoop City Sunscreen ($25), Extreme Yumaki Toothbrush ($10) and the MiniMergency Kit for Him and Her, which includes lip balm, dental floss, a deodorant towelette and much more ($15 each). You’ll be billed for anything you use at checkout, so feel free to grab and go.
4. Splash around. One of the hotel’s most popular assets is its pool scene (aka Delano Beach Club). On your way to set up shop in a poolside cabana (or comfy chaise lounge chair), you’ll notice the life-size chess set with black and brown pieces situated in the grass. Challenge a friend to a game before working on your tan in the sunny 80-something-degree weather. While you’re out relaxing, be on the lookout for cabana girls handing out shots of strawberry piña coladas. But if you’d rather get your feet wet while enjoying a specialty cocktail such as the Beach Club Passion (Malibu passion fruit rum, blood orange and X-Rated liqueur), grab a seat at the ornate silver table for two submerged in the shallow end of the pool. And to make the most out of your time, stay in one of the eight bungalows. Outfitted in all-white everything (couches, Connemara marble bathrooms, quilted leather accent chairs, and more), the bungalows offer a view of the crowd down below from the second-floor balcony — and when you wake up in the morning, you’re already at the pool.
5. Rose Bar. To be in the center of the action, snag a seat and relish a cocktail at Rose Bar because this is where most guests and hotel visitors go to see and be seen. Or, order a drink and people-watch in one of Delano’s sitting areas (a server will come to you and take your Rose Bar order). Be sure to try signature cocktails such as the double-infused Old Fashioned with bacon fat. And should you crave a snack, the menu includes spicy eggplant olives, popcorn with white truffle butter and shaved seasonal truffles, and more. (Bonus: If you decide to grab a libation in the middle of the week, pencil in Whiskey Wednesdays at Rose Bar, when the hot spot is transformed into a speakeasy. Should you be privileged enough to have the password, you’ll be served moonshine cocktails and craft beers — a savory way to pay tribute to the Prohibition era.)
Photos Courtesy of Morgans Group LLC
