Why book?
Miami Beach’s midcentury Art Deco scene may have cemented its place in design history, but today a new, grown-up iteration can be found in the form of The Shelborne By Proper. After a $100 million renovation, the hotel is leading the wave of change on Collins Avenue’s popular six-block strip of hotels and boutiques, an area that is set to fully transform by 2027.
Set the scene
Usually it’s easy to spot the tourists from the locals in Miami, but places like The Shelborne have blurred the lines. It’s like everyone knew the assignment when it comes to styling themselves for a stay here. The crowd here is, including the friendly front desk staff member dressed in a tan double-breasted jacket and coral-orange top. A mom and dad visiting with their young toddler are easily the coolest parents I’ve met, with their circular-rimmed sunglasses and designer sandals, and overall vibe that screams Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz. Despite the high-end, curated style that oozes from every corner, a warmth also exudes. Staff members walk by with an easy smile and greeting, and you are always made to feel like you belong.
The backstory
Originally opened in 1940 as simply The Shelborne, the property starred as one of Miami Beach’s primary spots for Art Deco glam and tropical modernism, regularly hosting legendary guests like Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and The Beatles. The hotel eventually began showing the marks of time, and was bought by California-based Proper Hospitality in an effort to reimagine the hotel to modern-day standards. After a $100 million renovation, The Shelborne By Proper emerged, making it one of several hotels on the famed Collins Avenue, including The Raleigh and Delano, that is getting a major face-lift.
The rooms
Guest rooms are reflective of the entire property’s mood: elevated yet easy. My room on the sixth floor featured a partial ocean view, just enough of a glimpse of that turquoise blue water to whet my palate. The room’s design feels calm and grounded, which I owe to the soft earthy tones and warm, natural textiles. It’s a nice counterbalance to the energetic vibe that Miami Beach naturally offers, a true retreat that feels intentionally devoid of flashy artwork and instead focuses on curved, architectural furnishings that are low-profile and slim. Also noteworthy is that the design is nowhere near that stereotypical Florida coastal-chic image with wooden floors and shiplapped walls. Instead, the rooms are elevated with marble flooring that are warmed up with a textured off-white rug.
Food and drink
Of the five food and beverage outlets, I frequented The Bar the most. (To be fair, the signature restaurant, Pauline, and the cocktail lounge, Little Torch, had not opened yet.) But if The Bar’s menu is any indication of the level of cuisine found in the yet-to-open places, then we’re in for delicious moments. The Bar is The Shelborne’s hub, a central location to grab a drink at the 32-foot-long bar and lounge. It has a fashion-forward atmosphere of vintage pink and soft beige furnishings and greenhouse-worth of potted flora. The small-plates menu was created by Florida Keys native Abram Bissell, whose background includes Michelin-starred kitchens, like Eleven Madison Park. I especially enjoyed the ceviche and Cuban sandwich, each with their own twist that veered slightly from the traditional. The coconut-aged Manhattan is not to be missed, as well as the late evening, vibey beats spun by a local DJ. Breakfast was at The Terrace, which faces the pool deck. There, I had my go-to meal—avocado toast—that included unexpected zatar flavors and nice jammy hard-boiled egg.
The spa
There is no dedicated spa here, though in-room amenities feature the luxurious bath and body brand Aesop.
The neighborhood/area
If I could live anywhere in Greater Miami, it would be Miami Beach. An energy exists in this neighborhood—be it from the nearby ocean and breathtaking sunrises, the artsy elements, or a nonstop series of events that take place year round—that is hard to extinguish. No two days are the same here, and there’s something to be said about that. It wraps Greater Miami up in a nutshell: swaying palm trees around every corner, a world-class contemporary art museum in the Bass as a major landmark, and the hum of a Lamborghini always in the background on Collins Avenue.
This area has no shortage of hotels, but The Shelborne by Proper seems to be a strong contender for bridging glamour with an intentionally slow vacation lifestyle. Yes, there’s a noticeable focus on swanky design elements that wow locals and visitors, but there is also a desire to take a step back and appreciate keeping things low-key and giving it a sense of place. Miami can be overwhelming, but it’s comforting to know that places like The Shelborne can help reset your day. Get a change of scenery by walking outside the hotel’s back doors, where the adjacent Miami Beach Boardwalk is full of runners, walkers, and bikers who are decompressing with an alfresco moment. Or, walk a few steps further to hit the actual beach, which is pretty much a remedy for most of life’s troubles.
The service
Genuine, familial, and heartfelt. Staff passing by the halls or at the pool deck would regularly smile hello or nod a non-intrusive greeting. Despite my years working as a travel journalist, I oftentimes forget to pack an essential item on any given trip. On this stay, it was toothpaste. Not a problem, though. A quick phone call to the front desk had a housekeeping staff discreetly bring me a dental kit, presently beautifully on a tray, in the late-night hours. As we were wrapping up a lunch, our family of four began to rush, nervous we would be late to catch a local soccer match. Seeing our haste, Food and Operations Manager Guido presented our kids with a thoughtful to-go box of fruit to munch while on the road. If that’s not enough, as we were waiting for our car to arrive at the outdoor valet stand after we checked out, the pool manager (with whom we had struck up several conversations) walked all the way outside to see us off. He mentioned that he hoped to see us again—and you know what? I believe he actually meant it.
For families
It’s always tricky arriving at a beautiful hotel with two elementary-aged kids in tow. You never know how fellow travelers and staff will react: Will it be with a “oh, how cute” or more of a “Yikes, kids are here”? Thankfully, it was more so the former. Early evening hours included a family a Family Sunset Hour at the pool cafe, where games like tic-tac-toe were laid out, and non-alcoholic, fruity beverages were accessible for the kids.
Accessibility
The front entrance includes a ramp, and there are elevators for the 16-story building. I also spotted a lift at the pool.
Anything left to mention?
The hotel has a long-term partnership with apparel and lifestyle brand Alo Yoga, which has outfitted the property’s yoga studio (located inside the 24-hour fitness room) with Alo mats and equipment. The hotel also hosts regular community events alongside Alo, like the Sunday beachside yoga class I attended, led by an Alo instructor.
Shop the hotel's interiors:
J'ai Soif carafe
Etcetera Easy chair
Travertine side table
Renzo Wall Art
1801 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139
United States
https://shelborne.com/