1 Hotel South Beach Miami Review

HOTEL: 1 Hotel South Beach opened in March 2015, after a complete 200-million-dollar renovation of the former Perry South Beach and Gansevoort Miami Beach prior to that. Occupying an entire city block on Collins Avenue, this luxurious eco-conscious hotel is inspired by nature as it sits on 600 feet of private beachfront on the Atlantic, with views of downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay. 

BRAND MISSION: The philosophy around 1 Hotel is that those who travel the world also care about its well being. All materials used in this property are regional, reclaimed or repurposed. You can experience their brand mission tangibly when you enter the property with all the lush greenery, coral, reclaimed woods, organic fabrics and materials used to create the luxe but livable spaces. Designed by Meyer Davis, the property is clearly inspired by the beach, surfers and nature. There is a strong undertone of wellness and sustainability in every aspect of the property. 

COMMON SPACES: The lobby is grand and breathtaking, but completely approachable with it’s cozy white couches and beige drapery, accented by driftwood tables and a large living green wall. I could literally stay for hours in this lobby drinking coffee, working and having cocktails in the evening. There’s a beautiful bar, Driftwood, at the far end of the lobby followed by one of their restaurants, Habitat, which has warm wood tones and Mexican inspired fare. There’s also a farm-stand in the lobby near the concierge for guests and neighbors to grab some imperfect fresh fruit on their way through. This is a large property but it somehow manages to maintain a boutique feel. Room hallways are lined with light driftwood and soft lights, which makes it feels like you're floating beachside. 

ROOMS: The property has 425 guest rooms, including 168 suites and one Oceanfront Presidential Suite. 

Standard King guest rooms start at 700 sq ft, so they are super spacious and incredibly soothing with neutral tones and driftwood accents. They have separate rain showers and tubs in standard King rooms, which is great for all the bath tub lovers. All rooms have Keetsa mattresses, sustainably sourced bedding, soft cotton robes and slippers, filtered water taps, HEPA Air filters, Bamford bath products, Yoga mats, Nespresso machines and in room greenery.  

If you want to go all out, reserve the Oceanfront Presidential Suite, which spans 3500 sq ft of indoor/outdoor space with oceanfront views, 2 king bedrooms, a full kitchen, living and dining room with plenty of space to entertain. 

If you want even more space, reserve the Sky Penthouse. This two-story suite has 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, a massive living room, kitchen, dining area, pool table, den and a 5,300 sq ft rooftop terrace with ocean and Miami skyline views.

POOLS: This property has 4 pools for guests to choose from — the Center Pool on the main deck with cabanas, daybeds and ocean views; the Cabana Pool on the 3rd floor, with 10 cabanas and 2 ultra cabanas; the Rooftop Pool with sweeping ocean views (age 18 and up only) and the South Pool, situated along the beachfront with pool service from Plnthouse (currently closed for renovations). Notably, the is the only South Beach oceanfront hotel with a rooftop pool and a Beach Club. Each pool has a different vibe and personality of its own, so you’re sure to find one that suits your style whether restful or upbeat. 

BEACH: The hotel has direct access to a 600-foot stretch of beach with lounge chairs and umbrellas, as well as food and drink service from the hotel’s food truck. 

WELLNESS: The hotel has a massive fitness and wellness center. Anatomy at 1 Hotel South Beach is exclusive for guests and members and offers proprietary programming influenced by sports performance and the science of strength conditioning. Bamford Wellness Spa (the first in the US) has a wide selection of holistic treatments, services and classes meant to nurture your mind, body and spirit. 

FOOD & BEVERAGE: This property has 7 unique options for food and beverage. 

Habitat: Modern-day Mexican restaurant offering light options, as well as classic Mexican dishes using the freshest ingredients. Located on the first floor with indoor, outdoor and private mezzanine seating. They have a great breakfast buffet for hotel guests. Open for Breakfast and Dinner daily. 

Watr: Peruvian-influenced Japanese cuisine located on the rooftop with stunning ocean views and a super vibe atmosphere. Lunch, Dinner & Bar daily. Reservations are required for non-hotel guests.

1 Beach Club: Al fresco dining in the sand in a laid-back luxurious atmosphere. Open Thursday to Sunday the beach club features fresh, organic, local, Mediterranean fare in effortless comfort. 

Plnthouse: Located on the first floor next to the gym, they serve super healthy dishes with many plant-base options as well as locally-sourced organic fare. Hotel guests only. Open daily. 

Neighbors: Another grab and go fresh food option next to the gym and spa. Open daily. 

The Sand Box: Located at the Center Pool they serve American Coastal dishes, crafted with local produce and the finest ingredients. Open daily. 

Drift: A cozy lobby bar with seasonal cocktails and small bites. Located in the gorgeous lobby so you can sit at the bar or cozy up on one of the big white couches. 

TRANSPORTATION: The hotel has a fully electric Audi e-tron house car, which is available from 9am-9pm on a first come first served basis, and will take you within 3-mile radius.

KIDS: Seedlings day camp is for kids to enjoy during their stay making it a family friendly property (additional cost.)

PARKING: Valet Service is offered for all vehicles. Parking is $30 per vehicle up to 3 hours, if the vehicle is parked for 3 hours or more it will be $55 per vehicle (plus tax).

Non hotel guests dining at any of the restaurants will receive valet parking validation: $18 for 3 hours, $30 for 4-8 hours, $55 after 8 hours. Complimentary valet is extended to those dining at 1 Beach Club for brunch.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS: 24-hour room service, Connecting rooms, Babysitting services, Meeting rooms, Pet friendly, Complementary bikes.

CLIENT TYPE: This property is a complete mix of clientele including solo travelers, couples, groups, families and business travelers.

TIME TO VISIT: There’s really no wrong time to visit 1 Hotel South Beach, except for in the heat of the summer when it’s crazy hot and humid. Prices are slightly more affordable during the warmer months but still command a large price tag regardless. 

NEIGHBORHOOD: This property is located at the north end of lively of South Beach, and is walking distance to the shops at Lincoln Road.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Miami, Florida. In need of further inspiration? Check out Sharon Iannone’s guide, 10 Things to Do in Miami After a Cruise.