For anyone with a love of Art Deco (both visually and architecturally), Ocean Drive in Miami’s South Beach is the perfect place to spend a day. Streamlined, sleek, symmetrical, the hotels that line the streets were built in the glamorous 1930’s and 40s and their striking features — “eyebrow” windows, bevelled-edge facades, neon lights — can’t fail to catch the eye.
Just as lovely are their pastel hues (think sea green foam baby pink, and lemon yellow). It’s such a lovely sight that, honestly, It’s hard not to want to get our your credit card and check in straight away. Unfortunately, Art Deco beauty comes at a cost…and naturally, as a home swapping site, we’re advocates of homestays. Still, we won’t deny you the chance to look at such stunning architecture, so why not just sit in one of their bars and order a cocktail, whilst admiring the view?
Here are 5 South beach hotels, designed Art Deco style, that we think will take your breath away…
1. The Raleigh
In 1947, LIFE magazine named this hotel’s iconic and glamorous curvy pool “the most beautiful in America.” The Raleigh, arguably, is the most well-preserved example of ‘Streamline Moderne’ architecture in South Beach and, at the weekends, there’s still no better place than on a lounger by their pool bar! A perfect blend of style and comfort, this chic hotel (with 105 rooms, all possessing Art Deco features) this ‘Grande Dame’ of has a glamour all of its own.
2. The Carlyle
Built in 1939, this art art deco gem has a facade that remains virtually unchanged, even today. Designed by the German architect Richard Kiehnel, and used in the movies “Scarface’ and ‘Birdcage’, the building obeys the Art Deco ‘rule of thirds — three dividing sections, topped with curved edges. With its elegant proportions, it is a true landmark of a bygone era.
3. The Betsy
This elegant, boutique hotel was built in 1942 by L. Murray Dixon, and today is the last surviving example of Florida Georgian architecture on Ocean Drive. Brimming with ‘colonial chic’ the Betsy has signature shuttered windows and a four-column portico, and its facelift in 2009 means its Art Deco features now look more wonderful than ever. Vintage glamour indeed.
4. The Delano
Opened in 1947, at the time this was Miami Beach’s tallest building.
Designed by Robert Swartburg, it’s a true centerpiece of South Beach Art Deco district — restrained, sleek and with a large crown atop the entrance. The brilliant white frontage is bevelled and the lobby is highly stylised, with spaces separated by giant white curtains. After its 1994 renovation, the American Institute of Architects subsequently added it to their list of “America’s Favourite Architecture.” Sigh with joy.
5. The National
This Art Deco treasure evokes charm, particularly inside with its original furnishings (chrome light fixtures, ‘barrel’ chairs and the terrazzo flooring in the ‘Martini Room’ cigar bar. Gaze at the original chandelier (lovingly restored) in the hotel ballroom and sigh at the atrium ceiling and specially designed railings along the mezzanine. And if you’re a guest, take a dip in their palm-lined infinity pool. The National isn’t just a landmark — it’s a classic icon of South Beach style.
