Delano South Beach

The Scene

To be perfectly honest, you may not want to leave the Delano South Beach with everything it has going for it, but on the very good chance that you would actually like to see the rest of Miami Beach you’re in a fantastic location to do so. Head north on Collins Avenue for the contemporary-oriented Bass Museum of Art; a short walk from that, we highly recommend visiting the Miami Beach Botanical Garden. If shopping and delicious food at any hour is more your speed, the Lincoln Road Mall is a fantastic spot for all that and the best people-watching off the beach. Reserve a bike with the concierge and enjoy a ride down to SoFi (South of Fifth), an upscale hideaway for Miami Beach’s fashionable residents, and South Pointe Park, a perennial favorite of locals and tourists alike.

The Concept

The Delano South Beach let Philippe Starck loose throughout the entire property to craft its iconic atmosphere and look. “Wonderland” is perhaps an overused term, but even we use it because it simply fits. Where else can you saunter through a silky curtained lobby through to a perfectly manicured lawn (replete with overlarge chessboards, fanciful furniture, and warm lights at night), the world-famous pool that offers so much more than lounges and drinks, and onto the (in)famous South Beach? Where else can you indulge in a decadent brunch (Bianca), go rooftop for a spa treatment (Essentia), enjoy some post-dinner drinks (Rose Bar), grab a bite of sushi for dinner (Umi), and head out for an exclusive party in an underground lounge that’s a favorite of celebrities (FDR)? Just because you can find a hotel that (almost) ticks all these boxes doesn’t mean you’ve got anything as in-demand as the Delano.

The Look

If you don’t like white on white on white, walk away now. Still with us? Good, because we adore the dreamy white atmosphere. It really lets the details in the furniture and decor stand out---the quilted headboard, the lines of the chair, the minibar in the corner. The bathrooms are on the small(ish) side, but don’t write it off; the marble sink is positively to die for, the rainfall shower is wonderful, and of course the MALIN+GOETZ amenities are always appreciated. The (obscenely) well-stocked minibar is sure to keep your nights as fueled as you need and/or help your recovery the next morning. Don’t expect to fit anything else in there, though---but never fear, the Delano is happy to bring up a spare minifridge for anything you may need cooled (how nice is that?). City view versus ocean view rooms are simply a matter of preference (we find both equally wonderful for their differing views), but it should be noted that city views may come with some street noise. The ultimate splurge is unquestionably one of the two-story beach bungalows that line the pool which practically beg for you to order room service and dine on one of your two balconies.

In Short

If staying in Miami Beach is a dream, your hotel should be too. Live out your fantasies at the iconic party hotel in an enchanting wonderland created by Philippe Starck.