A guide to South Beach’s Art Deco hotels

Park Central Hotel
640 Ocean Dr
The rectangular structure is elongated by vertical-blue “streamline-moderne” accents at the center of the building. Six rows of windows with silver window eyebrows wrap around the corners of the hotel like glass band-aides to create symmetry. Inside, antique black and white photographic prints fill the hallways and guest rooms, each featuring deco style furniture and mahogany ceiling fans. The National Trust recently selected the hotel for historic preservation as one of the “Historic Hotels of America.” It is one of 125 hotels in the US recognized for quality facilities and preservation of their historic architecture

Avalon Hotel
700 Ocean Dr.
The white building features, yellow, lilac, and teal “streamline” detailing that highlight symmetry and define contours. Restored in 1997, the hotel has 104 rooms.

Beacon Hotel
720 Ocean Dr
Parallel tubes of neon pink frame the blue-lit bubble around the Beacon’s marquee. The theater-like, double-door entryway--covered by a cloth canopy-- ushers you into a world of “Deco-Moderne” style furnishings and rooms enhanced with marble floors. The landmark hotel recently under went a renovation to preserve the integrity and character of its original 1937 design.

Colony Hotel
736 Ocean Dr
One of the most photographed hotels in the world, the Colony Hotel is famous for its classic 1939 style, designed by Henry Hohauser. It features banded teal stripes that separate three floors of large glass windows. The center of the hotel boasts baby blue and navy blue detailing that frame the hotel’s large black-on-lilac neon sign. Glass double doors usher you into a deco interior, which includes a mural by Paul Simone.

Clevelander Hotel
826 Ocean Dr
This 54-room egg-white boutique hotel features classic baby blue window brows. The center column of windows boasts beige square and diamond accents. Its large pink neon marquee sits over the porch of the hotel’s cafÃ�©. Outside, a deco style swimming pool and four-poolside glass-block neon bars serve as an attraction.

Waldorf Towers Hotel
860 Ocean Dr
This corner hotel, designed by world-renowned architect Albert Anis in 1937, features a white exterior with modest beige detailing. Inside, it conserves its original light fixtures, accentuated by a molded ceiling and terrazzo floors. .At night, blue neon lights encircle the looking tower and illuminate the signage. In 2001, the 40-room hotel underwent a multimillion dollar renovation

Breakwater Hotel
940 Ocean Dr
Built in 1939, this deco beauty boasts a geometrical fa�§ade with horizontal cobalt blue and yellow detailing. Two rows of wrap around buildings and the large neon signs that adorn the exterior give the hotel symmetry. Its large covered porch area features a street side caf�©. The hotel was designed by Anton Skislewicz.

Edison Hotel
960 Ocean Dr
Sitting quietly on a corner, the hotel looks like a giant peach jukebox with teal trim. Its first floor is lined with arched entryways and windows. Deco style permeates the 60 guest rooms and pool. All rooms contain tile flooring and old-fashioned bathtubs.

Ocean Front Auditorium and Beach Patrol Headquarters
1001 Ocean Dr.
The Beach Patrol Headquarters (the ocean side of the building) is an Art Deco building designed in 1934 by Robert A. Taylor. This building is also home to the Miami Design Preservation League’s Art Deco Welcome Center, where you can get maps, books and tours.

Essex Hotel
1001 Collins Ave
The Essex Hotel has nautical rounded corners, porthole windows and a smokestack-like neon tower. These are highlighted by its warm beige hues, window accents and horizontal stripes. Designed in 1938 by architect Henry Hohauser this hotel was restored to its original style in 1998.Note: The Essex is on Collins, not Ocean Drive, as are most of the other hotels here..

Victor Hotel
1144 Ocean Dr.
The Victor Hotel, designed in 1937 by Art Deco architect L. Murray Dixon, sits adjacent to the famous Versace Mansion. Streamline detailing accentuates rows of two-panel glass windows. Inside, the work of internationally renowned French interior designer, Jacque Garcia steals the show. Mint green and lilac purple d�©cor highlight the plush and curvy deco- moderne furniture. The hotel also features a jellyfish aquarium and long, flowing drapes to separate areas and ensure privacy. The interior features a mural by Earl LaPan that preservationists consider significant.

Tides Hotel
1220 Ocean Dr.
Also built in 1937 and designed by L. Murray Dixon.

Cardozo Hotel
1300 Ocean Dr
Blue florescent lights beam out of the “streamline-moderne” detailing that wraps around the hotel, framing rows of vertical, two-panel, French windows. Remodeled in 1999, the European-style boutique condo-hotel still has its original Art Deco fixtures. In 2000, the American Resort and Development Association presented the hotel with an interior design award. The hotel was designed in 1939 by Henry Hohauser.

Winterhaven Hotel
1400 Ocean Dr
Designed in 1937 by Albert Anis and opened in 1939, the Winterhaven Hotel is located directly in front of the beach. It boasts a two-story lobby with golden etched mirrors and unique terrazzo floors. The lobby still has its original winding staircase with glass ball railings, and a stylish multi-level mezzanine overlooking the lobby. The hotel’s complete renovation, completed in January 2000, restored to its original Deco form.

Crescent Hotel
1420 Ocean Dr.
Another Henry Hohauser design, this one was built in 1938.

McAlpin Hotel
1424 Ocean Dr.
Built in 1940 and designed by L. Murray Dixon.

Delano Hotel
1685 Collins Ave
Sharp vertical lines accentuate the beaming center tower that proudly holds up the Delano’s florescent marquee. Built in 1947 and designed by Robert Swartburg, the hotel boasts a sophisticated European village atmosphere and a unique indoor-outdoor lobby. Famed French designer Philippe Starck created a “flowing white” interior theme with unique touches, such as white floor planks lined with cork. The Delano is a favorite among the rich and famous.