The Betsy South Beach

The Scene

The Betsy sits on the northern end of Ocean drive between Art Deco hotels and the resorts of Collins Avenue. Lummus Park and the beach can be seen from its beautiful colonial front porch. The bustle of South Beach can be experienced through a stroll down Ocean Drive or by walking along nearby Lincoln Road and Washington Avenue.

The Concept

Unlike its more glitzy Ocean Drive neighbors, The Betsy's raison d'être is centered on providing its guests with a home-away-from-home experience. And not just of any kind: while its perfect blend of casual and elegance is remarkable, its commitment to the arts is what really sets it apart. The Betsy offers a year-long programming focused on community arts and culture, and partners with several local and national creative entities. Its B Bar, a speakeasy-style private gathering space, hosts several year-round events, including the "O, Miami" (a biennial poetry festival held in the city), and The Writer's Room, a program which gives writers and other creative artists a place on South Beach they can find the tranquility and inspiration to work. Also worthy of mention is the hotel's knack for putting on live concerts, and its overall appreciation of music. On our most recent visit, the walls were being adorned with a collection of never-before-seen photos of The Rolling Stones. This love affair with the arts, interestingly, didn't develop out of ulterior motives, but rather in honor of the late Hyam Plutzik, the poet, Pulitzer Prize finalist and father of one of the owners.

The Look

The Betsy's commitment to the arts also reaches the bedroom. All rooms have a small library of books (often signed by their authors) and a poetry bookmark is placed on pillows every night. To match such an elegant and intellectual persona, designers from Ralph Lauren homes were commissioned for the interior design, mixing in elegance and warmth in a relaxed environment. In the lobby, plantation-style shutters and fans share space with dark wooden pieces, large palm planters, African-inspired accents and large inviting sofas. Likewise, rooms are inviting and full of comfort: sleeping areas blend rich, dark walnut flooring with bespoke white lacquered cabinetry, interesting raffia accents and soft textiles, while bathrooms inject a bit of luxury with Thassos and Carrera marble and mirrors with built-in LCD screens.

In Short

Between its prime location (with a rooftop lounge and spa), a Laurent Tourondel steak house, an eager-to-please staff and its commitment to the arts (including a year-round arts calendar), The Betsy spells out the perfect recipe for a one-of-a-kind stay in South Beach.