Dating back to 1947, the Delano has long stood as a hotel synonymous with Miami glamour, South Florida celebrity culture, and striking art deco architecture. Long before its recent closure, the original property served as a glamorous playground for the rich and famous, hosting presidents and international dignitaries through the decades. In the 1990s, the landmark hotel underwent a massive cultural rebirth under the groundbreaking guidance of hoteliers Ian Schrager and Philippe Starck, transforming it into an epicenter of international style. At the height of its fame, the Delano famously housed a restaurant co-owned by pop icon Madonna and a high-profile nightclub operated by musician Lenny Kravitz, cementing its status as an absolute legend of the American hospitality scene.
However, when the COVID-19 pandemic severely crippled the global hospitality industry in 2020, the famed Delano was forced to shutter its doors, leaving a notable void on Collins Avenue and breaking the hearts of travelers and locals who cherished its unique history.
Now, the iconic hotel is back. Dubbed simply Delano Miami Beach, the property has returned to South Florida’s competitive luxury market, looking just as gorgeous and glamorous as ever following its high-profile reopening this summer. Touted by developers and hospitality experts as a masterclass in honoring the legacy of its predecessor while redefining it for a new era, it was clear from the very beginning that this newest iteration of the legendary hotel had exceptionally big shoes to fill.
To see how the resurrected icon compares to its glamorous past, a stay at the property offers a firsthand look at what it is like checking into the revitalized Delano Miami Beach.
Know Before You Go
For travelers planning a trip to the newly reopened property, understanding the foundational details of the hotel helps set the proper expectations. The overall vibe of the modern Delano is chic, airy, and flat-out cool, functioning simultaneously as a living art gallery and a premier place to see and be seen in South Florida. Situated directly on the iconic Collins Avenue in Miami Beach, the hotel sits right in the beating heart of all the local action, dining, and nightlife.
Getting to the property from Miami International Airport is relatively straightforward, as the hotel is located about 12 miles away. Visitors can typically expect to pay between $25 and $45 for a standard taxi or rideshare service. For those arriving with a vehicle, overnight valet parking is available at a rate of $65 per night.
In terms of scale, the boutique-feeling property features 171 rooms and suites, multiple swimming pools, direct beach access, a modern fitness center, and a soon-to-open luxury spa designed to cater to wellness enthusiasts. The culinary and beverage program is robust, boasting two prominent restaurants, a buzzy lobby-adjacent bar, comprehensive pool and beach service, and an Italian-style cafe. Additionally, the hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, welcoming dogs and cats weighing up to 50 pounds to stay on the property for a fee of $250.
The Rooms and Accommodations
Delano Miami Beach offers a diverse array of accommodations, ranging from traditional guest rooms and spacious suites to striking two-story bungalows that offer direct access to the pool area. During a recent two-night stay, a partial ocean-view king suite served as home base, featuring a separate living room area, a functional hallway with ample closet space, a beautifully appointed bathroom, and a large, serene bedroom.
The chic living room immediately impresses with a massive television equipped with full streaming capabilities, a meticulously stocked minibar featuring high-end snacks, top-shelf liquors, and Noam Beer—a German brew served in a distinctively gorgeous bottle—alongside a modern coffee maker. Comfort is a priority here, highlighted by a lounge-style couch, an armchair, and a small table flanked by two chairs. While a small sliver of the window offered a glimpse of the ocean, the view certainly put the primary emphasis on the word "partial." Travelers who prioritize waking up to expansive, direct views of the Atlantic Ocean should ensure they specifically book a dedicated ocean-view room.
The connecting hallway serves a dual purpose, acting both as a corridor between rooms and a concealed closet area. A curtained-off section provides plush bathrobes, plenty of hangers, a dedicated luggage rack, and ample space to organize clothing and travel gear out of sight.
For a suite, the bathroom is relatively compact, but the interior design choices make up for any space limitations. Illuminated, abstract mirrors blend seamlessly with a bold white dual vanity and a large soaking tub. The space is stocked with luxury Byredo Gypsy Water bath products and soft, absorbent towels, while the walk-in shower delivers impressive water pressure.
Moving into the bedroom, the head-to-toe white and beige color palette creates an ethereal atmosphere that feels remarkably like sleeping on a cloud. A built-in switch integrated directly into the headboard allows guests to control the lighting and motorized blinds with ease, though keeping the blinds raised offers wonderful views of Collins Avenue’s classic art deco architecture. The bedroom also includes another large television with streaming capabilities, reading lights built directly into the headboard, and a comfortable armchair accompanied by a small table. The suite’s sleek design language, particularly evident in the lighting fixtures and minimalist furniture, successfully establishes a comfortable, stylish home-away-from-home environment.
Dining and Drinking Scene
Long before the hotel officially swung open its heavy doors, the food and beverage program at Delano Miami Beach was already generating immense buzz across the hospitality industry, largely due to the introduction of the first U.S. outposts for two internationally renowned culinary brands: Gigi Rigolatto and Mimi Kakushi.
Gigi Rigolatto Miami immediately establishes itself as a vibrant social scene in the best possible way. During a bustling Friday night dinner service, the dining room hummed with palpable energy and life. Originally hailing from Paris, the restaurant specializes in elevated Italian cuisine packed with rich flavors. A starter of fiori di zucchine—lightly and beautifully fried zucchini flowers stuffed with ricotta and truffle priced at $38—proved substantial enough to serve as a meal on its own. However, following the recommendation of numerous culinary insiders, the undeniable centerpiece of the evening was the spaghetti limone e caviale, a decadent pasta dish tossed in a bright lemon sauce and topped with 30 grams of Oscietra caviar for $135. Rich, citrusy-sweet, and balanced perfectly by the briny pop of the caviar, the generous portion easily could have satisfied a small group, though dining solo allowed for unreserved indulgence.
Meanwhile, Mimi Kakushi brings its acclaimed Dubai dining concept to the American market, having established itself as a trendy staple of the Middle Eastern culinary scene since 2021. The Miami location offers an extensive menu spanning fresh nigiri, handmade gyoza, premium Wagyu steaks, and miso black cod. A sampling of favorites begins with an earthy, bold miso soup infused with truffle at $12, followed by impeccably crafted freshwater eel nigiri and tuna nigiri priced at $17 for a pair of pieces. The umami-heavy miso soup set an exceptionally high standard for the meal, while the nigiri proved as light and fresh as any found in the city. A concluding dessert of Hokkaido cheesecake served with fresh strawberries and an earthy matcha sauce offered a subtle sweetness that balanced the rich green tea flavor, providing a sweet finale to an impressive meal.
For cocktail enthusiasts, Mimi Kakushi serves what many describe as the world’s coldest martini. Dubbed the Nara Nara and priced at $38, the drink features Botanist Gin that is chiseled tableside from a giant, crystal-clear block of ice maintained at a freezing minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit, creating a visual spectacle as cool as the beverage itself.
Back inside the hotel, the iconic Rose Bar sits adjacent to the lobby, welcoming guests nightly for sophisticated drinks. The cocktail menu features creative offerings such as the Rose old fashioned, crafted with Macallan 12, banana, salted caramel, and chocolate for $35, alongside the chamomile penicillin, made using Johnnie Walker Black Label, chamomile, ginger, carrot, honey, and Campari for $23.
Additional culinary outlets include an Italian-style coffee shop serving classic espresso drinks alongside upscale creations like an iced pistachio milk shakerato for $15, fresh juices, house-baked pastries, breakfast items, and vibrant fruit bowls. For those lounging under the South Florida sun, comprehensive food menus from the property’s signature restaurants are also readily available for order directly at the pool and beach.
Amenities, Service, and Booking
Service throughout the broader property leans toward the exceptional, with frontline staff members across the Rose Bar, Gigi’s outdoor terrace, and the pool area projecting genuine enthusiasm and a deep commitment to hospitality. While a minor operational hiccup involving management occurred near the bar during one evening, the exemplary dedication of the pool staff quickly restored confidence, delivering warm and attentive service throughout the stay.
For travelers planning a visit, cash rates at Delano Miami Beach generally start around $600 per night. As an official Accor property, members of the brand’s loyalty program have the option to redeem multiples of 2,000 points for a 40-euro discount—approximately $44—applied toward their stay. Furthermore, the hotel participates in The Edit by Chase Travel, allowing eligible credit cardholders to access elite-like benefits, including daily breakfast for two and valuable property credits upon arrival.
Travelers with specific mobility requirements will find that Delano Miami Beach meets standard American accessibility expectations, featuring dedicated accessible guest rooms, thoughtfully adapted public spaces, and a swimming pool equipped with a hydraulic lift. As always, industry experts recommend contacting the property directly prior to finalizing reservations to confirm that specific accommodations can be fully met.
Ultimately, Miami Beach remains a destination with no shortage of incredible luxury hotels, but few possess the deep historical narrative and cultural weight of the Delano. Successfully bridging its glamorous past with a sophisticated modern identity, the revived property proves that its legendary status was well worth the wait.
