Shelborne Hotel

Class: Comfort

Style: Art deco

Rooms: 200

The Shelborne South Beach in Miami, originally designed in 1940 by renowned modernist Igor Polevitzky, recently completed a two-year, US$20 million renovation.

Miami-based design firm ADD Inc. aimed to give the vice and virtues of the 1940s and 1950s a modern interpretation in the hotel. Guests are greeted with an interpretation of a floating porte cochere —originally designed by Morris Lapidus, the architect known for Miami Modern hotels who added an extension to The Shelborne in the 1950s — and curved glass entry with a panoramic view of the lobby. The lobby design focuses on tuxedo tones with prominent white walls and black accent pieces. Maria Theresa crystal chandeliers glow in soft amber while walls dressed with flowing drapery compliment white terrazzo floors. Framed with white lacquered material, the reception desk contains rows of sparkling acrylic orbs illuminated from behind and a concierge desk wrapped in black stingray skin. Two black Marquina Negro marble columns with channels of white veining counteract the starkness of the reception desk.

The Shelborne’s lobby lounge features black terrazzo, black tufted lounges, a pool table and photo wall. The lounge walls are finished with black mirrors illuminated by glass sconces.

Refurbished guestrooms showcase black and gray wall-to-wall carpet and Art Deco-styled accents. A striped backdrop of gray and white frame the beds with tufted white headboards and bright, decorative pillows. Bathrooms feature custom wood and marble vanities and polished white marble flooring.

A walkway with white exterior walls and ceilings covered in live vines, banquettes with colorful pillows and glass guardrails leads guests to the new infinity pool. Poolside cabanas with private showers and a beach garden surround the pool area.

F&B outlets include Bar Tanaka by Chef Hiroyuki “Zama” Tanaka in addition to Vesper American Brasserie and the poolside taco stand Lucy’s Cantina Royale. Crème Design created the interiors for the three restaurants.