In many respects Miami is like many other cities in the US; it has all the trappings of a big city. Except for one difference – the Art Deco National Historic District. Although it’s only a small part of the town (comprising just a few dozen buildings), their architectural merit marks this out as a big draw for the city.
What many people do not realise about this district is that between the 1930s and 1980s, it was in fact pretty unfashionable. The area became run down and was a frequent haunt for drug dealers and gamblers. Not until the late 80s (and perhaps it had something to do with Miami Vice), did the area become gentrified.
It’s now possible to stay in any number of art-deco miami hotels in the area and below are a few options in case you’re interested.
Colony Hotel
Budget : $70-120 (weekends tend to be the most expensive dates)
With is soaring frontispiece, the Colony is instantly recognizable from the large, neon-lit lettering that illuminates the rest of the building.
Although it’s something of a local landmark, the rates in this place are pretty reasonable. We found weeknights in December for $70 per room. At the weekend prices can be double that, and
Expect dark wood floors in your room, flatscreen TVs and full-tiled bathrooms. Although the interior of the Colony does not reflect Art Deco in every aspect, it does not scrimp on detail and the hotel feels modern and welcoming.
Like the other art deco hotels, it’s a hop, skip and a jump from the ocean front and Flamingo Park.
The Chelsea Hotel
Budget: $90-120
This smaller, boutique hotel has a fabulous interior and – in common with other hotels in this group – pays very close attention to detail. Although the initeriors are not authentically art deco, they do lend something to the glamour and spirit of the era.
Expect crisp white linen, querky furniture and individually designed rooms. Each room features a stereo, TV, and spa-style slate bathrooms. The Chelsea is pretty small, but does feature a lovely little outdoor area – perfect for a gin sling in the balmy Miami evening.
Location-wise this one is very close to the action, and only a few minutes’ walk to nightclubs. The hotel also claims to be able to provide VIP passes for most of these, although we can’t vouch for that!
25% off for stays of 7 nights or longer. A shuttle bus to the airport is also available, and runs throughout the day.
Chesterfield Hotel, Suites and Day Spa
Budget: $100/night – $400/night for the penthouse
I couldn’t resist including this one, if only for the amazing ‘Safari’ bar. Don’t be fooled – this isn’t some kind of ghastly hunting-lodge. It’s a chic (if rather small) bar with authentic art deco furniture, and ocean liner styling.
Another neat feature of this place is the ability to confirm, cancel or re-book flights from their lobby. Useful if you decide to make your stay in Miami a little longer.
Feeling flush? There’s a 1000sq.ft penthouse available for around $400 a night which includes a private jaccuzzi, roof access and other trimmings you’d expect (pictured above). Other guests have included Justin Timerlake, Billy Bob Thornton, Tiffany Pollard and Kimora Lee Simmons.
Essex House
Budget: $120 – $250/night
My final choice is the Essex Hotel which is the kind of building I imagine when somebody says Art-Deco. The entrance is on the corner of the building, which sweeps around suggestively and ejects an enormous neon spire into the Miami night. The top floor is lined with porthole windows reflecting the ocean liners that would have docked here in days gone by.
Inside, rooms are luxurious and purposely made to be soundproof. The hotel lounge boasts a rather handsome marble floor which opens out onto a garden terrace.
The whole place oozes a sophisticated style that’s perfectly in keeping with this beautiful building. If it weren’t for the flatscreens and dataports in the room, you might think you were back in that golden age.
