The Balfour Hotel, which is located in a landmark building, is officially opening just steps from the Atlantic Ocean on the corner of Ocean Drive and 4th Street in South Beach after completing a renovation. 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 guestrooms and suites spread out over two, Art-Deco style buildings connected by a courtyard.
Designed in 1940 by Anton Skislewicz, an important architect behind Miami Beach’s Art Deco history. The hotel’s original outdoor moniker “Lord Balfour” remains illuminated in cerulean lights. The historic charm of the property 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 colorful marble, quartz, granite, and glass leading to the lobby bar, where guests can enjoy a cocktail. Serving as the hotel’s social hub, the lobby features both restaurant seating and communal lounge seating, plus showcases a rotating gallery exhibit of emerging talent from local art schools. The lobby, which is decorated in mid-century modern style, features rattan furniture with plush seating and pops of tropical prints.
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. An elevated, plunge pool with an underwater window provides the perfect Instagram shot of swimmers behind the glass wall. Guests can lounge poolside on chaise lounges and ratan lounge seating where they can enjoy 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 three suites, including newly renovated bathrooms, and updated furnishings. Each guestroom 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 offering a total of 1,479 sq. ft. combined. The sun deck offers lounge seating with 360-degree views of Miami Beach including the nearby Atlantic Ocean.
The onsite restaurant is open from daily for breakfast, while the lobby bar is open from 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m from Sunday – Thursday, and til 11:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The restaurant provides service to the pool, rooftop and beach; plus 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—offering dog-friendly accommodations and amenities such as a goodie bag for the pet with a portable water bowl, dog dreats, a dog toy, doggy bags and a clip-on doggy bag dispenser, plus a waived pet fee of $150—and the Stay 3 and save 20 percent off best available rates.
For more information, visit thebalfourmiamibeach.com.
