Art Deco is one of Miami’s most emblematic architectural styles. Its symmetrical buildings, dominated by cubes, spheres, and straight lines, evoke the aesthetic of the 1920s and 1930s. White facades are combined with bright and pastel tones, while characteristic neon signs illuminate the streets at night.
The coastal city boasts numerous buildings in this style: theaters, residential buildings, and even iconic lifeguard stations. It also maintains a significant collection of hotels that remain true to the movement, including the Congress Hotel (1936), the Park Central Hotel (1937), the Hotel Nacional (1940), the Ritz Plaza Hotel (1940), and the Delano (1947).
The latter, located on Collins Avenue in the heart of South Beach, has become one of Miami’s great Art Deco symbols. For decades, it was a meeting place for high society and international celebrities. Madonna even co-owned a restaurant within the hotel, and Lenny Kravitz had a nightclub in the basement.
Throughout its history, the Delano underwent several renovations to preserve its architectural identity. The first major transformation came in 1995, under the direction of hotelier Ian Schrager and renowned designer Philippe Starck.
In 2020, the hotel began its second renovation, which lasted six years. Finally, the hotel reopened after a renovation that required an investment of nearly US$100 million.
Currently, the hotel has 171 rooms and suites. During August, rates start at US$594.31 per night for a 33 m² double room and reach US$15,075 for the Ocean View Penthouse, a 262 m² unit that can accommodate up to six guests.
According to the hotel, one of the main objectives of the renovation was to preserve the essence and history of the establishment. “The original façade, terrazzo floors, and iconic hotel logo were restored,” they stated, adding that the original hexagonal columns, skylights, and mezzanine walkway that crosses the lobby, as well as the pool and gardens, were also recovered.
Among the most emblematic elements that were preserved is the gilded “Leda” chair, a work by Salvador Dalí, valued at approximately US$20,000, according to a 2019 Miami Herald report. The art collection also includes Antoni Gaudí’s Calvet chair, Lenny Kravitz’s acrylic piano, and Murano glass Narcisso lamps.
The cultural offerings are complemented by temporary exhibitions of emerging artists—curated by artist and social historian Nicola Green—which are displayed in various spaces throughout the property.
The hotel’s reopening coincides with the debut of Paris Society—a global hospitality group headquartered in Paris—which opened Mimi Kakushi (Dubai’s leading contemporary Japanese bar and mixology spot, ranked 36th on The World’s 50 Best Bars list and Best Bar in the Middle East for the third consecutive year) and Gigi Rigolatto (Italian cuisine), two of the company’s renowned restaurants, making their US debut within the hotel.
The offerings are complemented by the iconic Rose Bar del Delano, dedicated to cocktails; the beachfront Bellini Bar; and Café Delano.
In addition, the hotel plans to open The Source, a spa center with activities such as “sound meditation at sunrise, a skating session, or a social experience in the sauna—which can accommodate up to 22 people,” according to the hotel.
The offering will be complemented by the Delano Members Club, a membership program for prominent figures in the arts, film, fashion, music, business, and technology. Members will have access to some of the hotel’s attractions and cultural events.
