Dating back to 1947, the Delano has long been synonymous with Miami glamour, South Florida celebrity culture, and striking art deco architecture. Long before its recent multi-million dollar transformation, the landmark property served as a vibrant playground for the rich and famous, hosting presidents and international dignitaries during its early decades. In the 1990s, the hotel experienced a legendary rebirth under the groundbreaking guidance of Ian Schrager and Philippe Starck, cementing its status as an epicenter of cool. At the peak of that era, the property famously housed a restaurant co-owned by pop icon Madonna and a high-profile nightclub run by rock star Lenny Kravitz.

However, when the COVID-19 pandemic severely crippled the global hospitality industry in 2020, the iconic Delano was forced to close its doors, leaving a palpable void on the famous Collins Avenue strip.

Now, the historic hotel is back. Reopened this summer and simply dubbed the Delano Miami Beach, the property has returned as gorgeous and glamorous as ever. Touted by developers to honor the legacy of its illustrious predecessor while simultaneously redefining it for a modern era, it was clear from the get-go that this newest iteration of the legendary hotel had exceptionally big shoes to fill. Following its highly anticipated debut, a stay at the refreshed South Florida sanctuary reveals how the property manages to bridge its storied past with contemporary luxury.

Know Before You Go

For travelers planning a visit to the reimagined property, understanding the foundational details helps set expectations. The overarching vibe of the new Delano Miami Beach is chic, airy, and flat-out cool, functioning simultaneously as a living art gallery and a premier destination to see and be seen. Situated directly on the iconic Collins Avenue in Miami Beach, the hotel places guests right in the heart of all the local action, dining, and nightlife.

Getting to the property from Miami International Airport is relatively straightforward, as the hotel sits approximately 12 miles away. Visitors can typically expect to pay between $25 and $45 for a standard taxi or rideshare service, depending on traffic conditions. For those arriving with a personal or rental vehicle, overnight valet parking is available at a rate of $65 per night.

In terms of scale, the boutique-feel property features 171 meticulously designed rooms and suites, multiple swimming pools, direct beach access, a fully equipped 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 welcoming pet policy, allowing dogs and cats weighing up to 50 pounds to stay on the property for a one-time fee of $250.

The Rooms and Suites

Accommodations at the Delano Miami Beach span traditional rooms, expansive suites, and striking two-story bungalows that offer direct access to the pool area. During a recent two-night evaluation stay, a partial ocean-view king suite served as home base. The layout included a well-proportioned living room area, a functional hallway outfitted with generous closet space, a beautifully appointed bathroom, and a large, serene bedroom.

The chic living room immediately established a high design standard, featuring a massive television equipped with full streaming capabilities and a meticulously stocked minibar. The minibar selections ranged from upscale snacks and top-shelf liquors to Noam Beer, a specialty German brew housed in a distinctively striking bottle. A modern coffee maker was also provided for morning caffeine routines. Furnishings included a comfortable lounge-style couch, a statement armchair, and a small table flanked by two chairs. While a narrow sliver of ocean could be spotted from the edge of the window, the view leaned heavily into the "partial" description. Travelers seeking unobstructed vistas of the Atlantic should specifically request a dedicated ocean-view room at the time of booking.

The transitional hallway doubled as a clever storage corridor. A curtained-off area revealed plush bathrobes, sturdy hangers, a luggage rack, and ample organizational space to tuck away garments and travel bags out of sight.

The bathroom, while relatively compact for a suite, made a strong visual statement through its elevated design choices. Illuminated, abstract mirrors blended seamlessly with a bold white dual vanity and a deep, inviting soaking tub. The space was stocked generously with luxury Byredo Gypsy Water bath products, fluffy towels, and delivered exceptionally strong water pressure in the walk-in shower.

The bedroom offered a tranquil escape, wrapped entirely in soothing head-to-toe shades of white and beige that evoked the feeling of sleeping inside a cloud. The custom headboard featured integrated electronic switches to effortlessly control the room’s lighting and motorized blinds. Raising the blinds revealed vibrant street-level views of Collins Avenue’s historic art deco architecture. Additional amenities in the sleeping quarters included another large streaming-compatible television, built-in reading lamps, and a cozy armchair paired with a small side table. The sleek lamps and minimalist furniture selections elevated the space, creating an effortless home-away-from-home atmosphere.

Dining and Drinking

Long before the hotel officially welcomed its first overnight guests, the food and beverage program at the Delano Miami Beach generated intense industry buzz. This excitement was largely driven by the arrival of the first United States outposts for two internationally renowned dining concepts: Gigi Rigolatto and Mimi Kakushi.

Gigi Rigolatto brings a lively, see-and-be-seen energy straight from Paris to the shores of Miami. During a bustling Friday night dinner service, the dining room hummed with kinetic life and sophisticated flair. The menu celebrates elevated Italian classics infused with rich, complex flavors. An appetizer of fiori di zucchine—lightly and delicately fried zucchini flowers stuffed with fresh ricotta and truffle—was priced at $38 and delivered a portion size generous enough to act as a standalone meal. However, following the recommendation of numerous culinary insiders, the undeniable centerpiece of the evening was the spaghetti limone e caviale, a decadent plate of pasta tossed in a vibrant lemon sauce and topped with 30 grams of Oscietra caviar for $135. The pasta struck a brilliant balance, offering a rich, citrusy-sweet profile that harmonized perfectly with the salty pop of the caviar. While the dish was easily shareable for a small group, it proved equally satisfying for a solo diner indulging in a memorable evening.

Further diversifying the culinary footprint, Mimi Kakushi brings its acclaimed Dubai-inspired Japanese dining experience to South Florida. Known internationally as a trendy fixture of the dining scene since 2021, the Miami outpost features an extensive menu spanning fresh nigiri, handmade gyoza, premium Wagyu steaks, and miso black cod. A starter of truffle-infused miso soup priced at $12 delivered an earthy, umami-packed punch that set a high standard for the remainder of the meal. Expertly crafted pieces of freshwater eel nigiri and tuna nigiri, priced at $17 for a pair, proved exceptionally light and fresh. A subsequent order of black cod and tiger prawns gyoza served with a citrus miso reduction at $28 added a satisfying textural element to the table.

Dessert proved equally compelling, anchored by a slice of Hokkaido cheesecake served alongside fresh strawberries and an earthy matcha sauce for $18. The subtle, delicate sweetness of the cheesecake provided an ideal base for the rich matcha flavor, tempting even the most satisfied diner into taking "just one more bite."

No visit to Mimi Kakushi is complete without participating in a local ritual: ordering what is widely billed as the world’s coldest martini. Named the Nara Nara and priced at $38, the cocktail is crafted using Botanist Gin that is literally chiseled tableside from a massive block of ice maintained at a freezing negative four degrees Fahrenheit, offering a theatrical presentation as chilly as the glass itself.

For casual evening drinks, the historic Rose Bar sits adjacent to the lobby, welcoming guests nightly with an inventive cocktail menu. Highlights include the Rose old fashioned, featuring Macallan 12 whiskey blended with banana, salted caramel, and chocolate for $35, alongside a chamomile penicillin crafted from Johnnie Walker Black Label, chamomile, ginger, carrot, honey, and Campari priced at $23.

Complementing these major venues is an Italian-style coffee shop serving classic espresso drinks, upscale specialty pours like an iced pistachio milk shakerato for $15, fresh juices, house-baked pastries, and healthy breakfast bowls. Additionally, abridged food menus from the property’s signature restaurants are available for direct delivery to guests lounging by the pool or on the beach.

Amenities and Service

Service throughout the property generally maintained a high standard, with the majority of front-line staff members appearing genuinely enthusiastic about their work and eager to assist guests. This positive hospitality was particularly evident among the teams stationed at Rose Bar, the outdoor Gigi bar, and the pool deck. While an isolated operational hiccup involving a manager reprimanding a bartender in front of guests near the bar occurred during the stay, the attentive pool staff quickly redeemed the overall impression through their warmth and attentiveness, led by standout hospitality professionals Malou, Tania, and Arian.

Beyond the dining and room offerings, the hotel provides comprehensive guest amenities, including multiple swimming pools, direct access to the sands of Miami Beach, a modern fitness center, and the upcoming luxury spa facility.

How to Book and Practical Information

Cash rates for standard stays at the Delano Miami Beach generally begin around $600 per night. Because the hotel operates as part of the Accor hospitality portfolio, members of the Accor Live Limitless loyalty program have the option to redeem blocks of loyalty points—specifically in multiples of 2,000 points—to receive a 40-euro credit, equivalent to approximately $44, off their nightly folio.

Additionally, the property participates in programs like The Edit by Chase Travel, allowing eligible credit cardholders to secure elite-style perks such as daily complimentary breakfast for two guests, valuable property credits, and late check-out privileges.

For travelers with mobility requirements, the Delano Miami Beach is fully equipped with standard American accessibility features, including dedicated accessible guest rooms, modified public spaces, and a pool equipped with a mechanical lift. As standard practice, travel experts recommend contacting the hotel directly prior to finalizing reservations to confirm that specific accommodation needs can be fully met.

Miami Beach features an abundance of high-end luxury properties, but few carry the historic weight and cultural pedigree of the Delano. The refreshed hotel successfully revives a true South Florida legend, proving that its enduring appeal remains as potent as ever for a new generation of travelers.