The Balfour Hotel Opens in Miami Beach's South of Fifth Neighborhood
Located in a landmark building, The Balfour Hotel celebrates its official opening with a story to tell just steps from the sparkling Atlantic Ocean on the corner of world-famous Ocean Drive and 4th Street in South Beach. The historic property, formerly known as The Lord Balfour Hotel, has acquired new ownership, and undergone a $4 million dollar renovation upgrading the hotel’s public spaces, lobby restaurant and 82 guest rooms and suites spread out over two, Art-Deco style buildings connected by an enchanting courtyard.
Designed in 1940 by Anton Skislewicz, an important architect behind Miami Beach’s Art Deco history, The Balfour Hotel caters to design-conscious visitors with a unique style that has an undeniably timeless appeal. The hotel’s original outdoor moniker “Lord Balfour” remains illuminated in cerulean lights evocative of the ocean waves just steps away. The historic charm of its architectural pedigree has been preserved amidst essential renovations delivering the modern-day comforts and technology travelers have become accustomed to. Miami’s Latin influence is also celebrated through subtle and thoughtful design details such as Colombian-style fedora hats and equestrian photography evoking the gaucho spirit.
Guests are welcomed by a wrap-around porch with ample outdoor seating and a spacious lobby anchored by the original marble fireplace and terrazzo flooring featuring a confetti of colorful marble, quartz, granite, and glass leading to the lobby bar which beckons guests to sip from a well-crafted, classic cocktail menu. Serving as the hotel’s social hub, the lobby features both restaurant seating and communal lounge seating fostering both a sense of community and intimacy, in addition to a rotating gallery exhibit of emerging talent from local art schools. Steeped in signature mid-century modern style, the lobby is defined by clean lines, organic forms, rattan furniture with plush seating and pops of tropical prints sure to elicit vacation vibes all year round.
Connecting The Balfour Hotel’s two buildings is an open courtyard offering an al fresco space for guests to lounge and socialize under the palm trees in the Miami sunshine. An elevated, plunge pool with an underwater window provides the perfect Instagram shot of swimmers behind the glass wall. Terracotta mosaic tiles, chaise lounges and ratan lounge seating invite guests to sunbathe and enjoy the seasonal rotations of refreshers including frozen grapes and fruit smoothies.
"Our vision for The Balfour Hotel was to create a relaxing oasis and hidden gem among the buzzing energy synonymous with Miami Beach," explains James Moore, general manager of The Balfour Hotel. "Our impeccably renovated, classic Art Deco property just steps from the beach is ideally situated near South Beach’s world-famous attractions but quietly nestled in the affluent South of Fifth neighborhood, an enclave that offers guests a serene vibe of relaxation and comfortable luxury.”
The hotel features 55 standard King rooms, 10 double queen rooms, 16 superior King rooms, and 3 suites, including newly renovated bathrooms, and updated furnishings. Each guest room features walnut furniture, including fluted armoire closets and wooden desks. Each room includes Italian coffee brand Lavazza single-serve pods for Americanos and espressos as well as teas, plush bathrobes, slippers, a clothes steamer, hair dryer, and PURE brand bath amenities. There is complimentary WiFi access for guests throughout the property.
On the Top floor, guests can watch the sunset from the hotel’s East and West Sundecks with a total of 1,479 sq. ft. combined. Ideal for group events and small gatherings, the sun deck offers lounge seating with 360-degree views of Miami Beach including the nearby Atlantic Ocean.
The restaurant is open from 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. daily for breakfast. The lobby bar is open from 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m from Sunday - Thursday, and 4:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The restaurant provides service to the pool, rooftop and beach; the hotel provides two beach chairs to all guests in partnership with Esteban Beach Management, known for exceptional oceanfront service for over 15 years.
The Balfour Hotel is now accepting reservations with rates starting at $209.00. Opening offers include the Ocean Sandy Paws and Stay 3 and save 20% off best available rates. Visit thebalfourmiamibeach.com for more information.