The Architecture of Florida's Most Lavish Hotels

Few states in the US are as known for their entertainment industry as Florida, and at the center of the action are some of the world's most architecturally striking hotels and casino resorts that a couple of decades ago would have been considered sci-fi. Beyond lavish lodging, these buildings are also instant landmarks that attract visitors from across the world just to see them.

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (image by Ainbinder / Pexels)

So let’s check out the most significant hotel designs in Florida, and learn a little bit about them.

1. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood

Probably the most iconic on the list, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, is the world's first guitar-shaped hotel, one that was imagined by Steve Peck of Klai Juba Wald Architecture, and well-worthy of a postcard.

This 450-foot-tall marvel was built in 2019 after nearly a decade of planning and development. Its eccentric shape is meant to recall the iconic instrument, reflecting the Hard Rock brand's deep relationship affair with music.

The hotel features an awe-inspiring LED light installation on its front, making it a living visual spectacle to behold during the night.Speaking of Hollywood, for those who do not want to travel all the way to Florida to have the experience can also enjoy the games from the confort of their homes, with the Hollywood Casino Promo Code, offering cashback to the new users.

2. The Casino @ Dania Beach

Located in Dania Beach, with its creative name, The Casino @ Dania Beach is a modern casino development by F3 Architecture.

While not a traditional hotel, it offers a blend of gaming and entertainment in a rehabilitated Jai Alai court building. The structure features a unified modern exterior facade with an emphasis on efficiency and aesthetics.

This project also represents the excellent compromise between historic preservation and innovative design, becoming an example for the region.

Image by Elizabeth Ferreira / Pexels

3. Hotel Alcazar, St. Augustine

Carrère and Hastings' Hotel Alcazar was constructed in 1888 as a component of Henry Flagler's St. Augustine dream, still retaining the design it did from the beginning, to this day.

The Alcazar, like its parent, began as a recreational adjunct to the Hotel Ponce de Leon but took on a life of its own as an independent luxury resort. The Alcazar was distinguished by its experimental use of poured concrete and highly ornamented terracotta detail.

Though it closed as a hotel in 1931, its architectural influence continues to be notable.

4. Fontainebleau Miami Beach

Not strictly a casino hotel, the Fontainebleau Miami Beach is a legendary resort that features high-roller gaming tournaments with regularity.

Opened in 1954 and designed by Morris Lapidus, it is renowned for its lavish interior design that weds modernism and theatrics. Lapidus's strategy in crafting an "architecture of emotion" has rendered the Fontainebleau an iconic spot for luxury and entertainment.

Image by Mohamed HAKIM / Pexels

5. The Diplomat Beach Resort, Hollywood

Not a casino hotel by definition, The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida, is an upscale resort with quite a modern flair.

Even though lacking a casino, it's still often included in the conversation of Florida's best resorts because it's near the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and has entertainment spaces of its own.

Overall, the resorts we mentioned embody Florida's vibrant spirit of innovation and creativity in design, bringing in the most creative architects and pushing the designs and building technology further. These architectural marvels attract a significant portion of the millions of visitors who flock to Florida each year. In 2024, the state welcomed a record-breaking 142.9 million visitors, with a substantial number drawn to the unique experiences offered by these resorts.

By blending historical charm, luxurious amenities, and cutting-edge entertainment, these hotels cater to diverse interests, ensuring that every guest finds something special, contributing to Florida's status as a premier destination for travelers seeking both rest and excitement.