The Delano Miami is back. After closing during the pandemic, the iconic Art Deco hotel on Miami Beach has reopened following a full makeover — one that nudges its theatrical past into a softer, more livable present.
A quick rewind: the Delano first opened in 1947 and got its bold, party-ready makeover in 1995 from Ian Schrager and Philippe Starck. That showy spirit is still part of the story, but the new team dialed down the theatrics in favor of calmer interiors and smarter layouts. The renovation worked with the Miami Design Preservation League to keep key Art Deco details while switching the color story from stark white to warm ivories and more tactile materials. Think “soft minimalism”: comfortable, usable, and still unmistakably Delano.
Rooms and layouts got real upgrades. Awkward fixtures were swapped, suites now have double basins and clearer circulation, and finishes feel more lived-in and less clinical. There are 171 rooms total, including reworked suites and two new ocean-view penthouses created from former rooftop spa space — both with private terraces.
Food, music and social spaces are central to the relaunch. On the oceanfront you’ll find an upscale-casual Italian spot anchoring the Bellini Bar with table service and live music. Upstairs, a fourth-floor concept blends izakaya and sushi in a hybrid members-only club/hotel venue focused on shareable plates and evening cocktails — designed to draw locals as well as guests. The reimagined Rose Bar returns, and a Milanese-style coffee counter greets you by the entrance. There’s even a small retail shop called Nothing Finer that nods to the hotel’s original 1947 sign, curated with help from a museum consultant.
Poolside life remains a major vibe: the bungalows have been refreshed and continue to be the go-to for daytime lounging and people-watching. The new F&B and retail choices are clearly meant to make the Delano feel like a neighborhood destination, not just a place to sleep.
Wellness got a rethink too. Instead of a rooftop spa, the hotel built a 7,500-square-foot subterranean wellness floor with treatment rooms, movement studios and a communal “social sauna” that seats about 22 people. The idea is a quieter, more cinematic wellness experience separate from the energy of the pool and beach above — guided sessions and curated programming aim to blend relaxation with a social element.
Practical note: preview room rates start around $395, with penthouses priced much higher.
Ownership and management have shifted over the years — Morgans Hotel Group to SBE, then private investors — and the hotel is now run by a London-based hospitality company that also handles other Delano properties. The current approach tries to protect the Delano’s historic personality while updating it for guests who want comfort, social spaces, and wellness-focused amenities.