Miami Art Deco Hotel Gem Gets Ritzy Revamp
The Balfour Hotel South Beach is ready to roll into a new era of elegance.
Following a $4 million renovation in recent years, Miami Beach’s The Balfour Hotel is now even more the serene oasis and hidden gem is has been since 1940. The makeover of this estimable South Beach retreat includes upgrades to the historic Art Deco-style space’s lobby restaurant, public areas, and 82 guest rooms.
The configuration of the landmark boutique refuge, designed by influential, aeronautics-obsessed architect Anton Skislewicz, is a U-shaped open-air courtyard that links its two classic pastel-and-stucco structures, all nestled, steps from the beach, in an affluent southern corridor that borders the high-octane side of Ocean Drive.
The space today is both timeless and modern. “Our impeccably renovated, classic art deco property is ideally situated near South Beach’s world-famous attractions but quietly nestled in the affluent South of Fifth neighborhood, an enclave that offers guests a vibe of relaxation and comfortable luxury,” said former general manager James Moore.
Despite the recent upgrades, the hotel’s original moniker “Lord Balfour” remains illuminated in cerulean lights, highlighting its ties to the past. (What is Miami Beach if not for those noir-evocative vintage neon signs?) The Balfour too is known for its in-room spa treatments, geometrical palm-fronded swimming pool, and world-class restaurant, the latter of which features Floridian Coastal and Latin fare and both classic and tropical libations.
Depart its doors, and hop on a house-provided touring bicycle to bars, boutiques, eats, nightclubs, the nearby art district, and the Atlantic Ocean’s golden sands. The hotel provides complimentary beach umbrellas and chairs for its guests on the famous oceanfront stretch a mere block-and-a-half away, convenient for a day’s lounging in paradise. For guests who want to walk it off, the Balfour features weekly beach walks each Saturday morning.
Guest rooms include 55 standard kings, ten double queens, 16 superior kings, and three suites featuring newly renovated bathrooms and furnishings. The window treatments alone are an Art Deco dream. All the rooms have an old-school glamour, and more so a warmth in tones and character not characteristic of many of the more minimalistic of Art Deco hotels further north in the deejay-rumbling Ocean Drive hub.
It is a transporting place as soon as guests enters the lobby, with its design motifs and art installations nodding to the hotel’s namesake Lord Balfour who died about a decade before the hotel was built. The streamlined modernist design of the hotel is mirrored in bedroom appointments right down to the linens. White with effervescent wall murals that evoke Pop Art.
While there many notable restaurants in the area, the Balfour’s own Dining Room, holds its own and then some. The food and beverage program is helmed by award-winning chefs. Featuring a wraparound terrace—much of it facing the Ocean Drive scene—the open-air dining space serves cuisine from morning breakfast and brunch to lunch and dinner.
The kitchen excels in brunch favorites such as eggs Benedict and steak and eggs, as well as fresh samplers such as avocado toast. Appetizer favorites have included local ceviche and truffle fries. There is no sense in not taking in at dinner the Florida snapper fillet with handmade chimichurri. Not to mention tacos, burgers and more.
The dining room’s centerpiece is the hotel’s original marble fireplace, often pointed out on architectural tours. Floors are the original terrazzo. Besides the dining rooms and lobby, the hotel curates a rotating collection of art, from tropical-inspired to contemporary modern. It is noted for showcasing both established and incoming artists, in a partnership with the renowned Lina Cerrone Gallery. A vibrant-hued exhibit entitled “Polychrome” by artist Nathalie Moulinet is currently on exhibit through August 1.
The swimming pool area is a work of art unto itself. Grab a towel from the room or the front desk. The elevated plunge pool has a nifty detail: an underwater window that provides the “ultimate Instagram shots,” says the property, of swimmers behind the glass wall. Terracotta mosaic tiles, rattan furnishings, and chaise lounges create a timeless aura. The hotel provides rotating seasonal refreshers and homemade fruit smoothies.
A standout dining option in the general vicinity is Issabella’s, a modern Mediterranean restaurant serving handcrafted cocktails and delicious dishes on nearby Lincoln Road. With several tasty options on the menu, including fan favorites Spicy Rigatoni , made with Calabrian chili, cream and parmesan, and Crab Pasta, linguine served with lump crab, cherry tomatoes, olive oil and garlic breadcrumbs, guests can’t go wrong with dinner here.
The dining room has a stylish Mediterranean vibe, while outdoor terrace seating on the pedestrian mall makes for the ideal perch to people-watch. The wine and cocktail list is impeccably curated, and the restaurant is a favorite with those looking to celebrate special occasions or just be transported to Europe for a night. One one recent evening there was a live flamenco performance.
It remains a mystery as to why the Balfour Hotel was originally named after Lord Arthur James Balfour, an early 20th century prime minister, politician, and notable wit of England. There is no mystery however as to why to check out and in to this important oasis of timeless beauty, glamour, and tranquil bliss, or detour to Issabella’s while you enjoy your stay.