An Art Deco Icon Reimagined: Balfour’s Next Chapter in South Beach
An Art Deco Icon Reimagined: Balfour’s Next Chapter in South Beach
An Art Deco Icon Reimagined: Balfour’s Next Chapter in South Beach
Balfour, an art deco icon in Miami Beach’s South of Fifth neighborhood, has entered a new chapter as part of Morgans Originals, blending historic charm with modern comforts and local culture. Originally designed by celebrated architect Anton Skislewicz, the property opened in 1940 as The Lord Balfour Hotel and has long stood as a mirror to Miami, a city known for its constant reinvention. Now refreshed by Bigtime Design Studios, in collaboration with Ennismore, Balfour offers a destination where timeless design and social connections collide.
The 82-room boutique hotel, located along Ocean Drive, is spread across two art deco-style buildings connected by a lush tropical courtyard. Carefully preserved details like terrazzo flooring and gleaming brass elevator doors pay tribute to its history, while midcentury design elements, hardwood and herringbone flooring, and romantic art deco artwork commissioned by Mike Willcox add contemporary sophistication. Guests can choose from serene Classic Rooms, bright Superior Rooms bathed in natural light, or spacious Suites crafted with families in mind. In the bathrooms, plush embroidered robes and refillable vegan bath amenities from The Botanist & The Chemist underscore the property’s commitment to sustainable, wellness-focused hospitality.
In each guest room, a newly appointed in-room bar cart adds a dash of indulgence. Stocked with a Lavazza coffee machine, a cocktail shaker, a wine bucket and a curated selection of premium refreshments, it’s perfectly suited for crafting a pre-dinner cocktail or savoring a quiet night in. Additional hotel amenities include a plunge pool accented with original terracotta mosaic tiles, an open-air rooftop deck with city views, complimentary bicycles and more than 2,000 square feet of versatile event space.
Balfour’s evolution also includes two new dining destinations: Cleo and SoFi Coffee.
Cleo transforms the hotel’s ground floor into a buzzing social hub, extending outdoors to the courtyard and wraparound terrace. Led by award-winning Executive Chef Camila Olarte, previously sous chef at Thomas Keller’s The Surf Club, Cleo invites guests to gather around wholesome, family-style dishes inspired by the bold, diverse flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean. Art deco charm blends with Mediterranean warmth, creating a homey atmosphere where weekly programming brings locals together. Cleo’s offerings include Wine Wednesdays with 50% off select bottles of wine and Sunday brunches featuring coastal-inspired flavors. Monthly and bimonthly events include interactive masterclasses, curated shopping pop-ups, and a collaborative dinner series spotlighting talented female chefs.
Set to open later this summer, SoFi Coffee will bring a hyperlocal layer to the South of Fifth neighborhood, embodying Balfour’s continued evolution as a cultural living room. Located steps from the Miami Beach Boardwalk, this community-driven neighborhood café will offer hand-poured brews from Imperial Moto alongside ethically grown, locally roasted blends from Colombia, Brazil and Guatemala. The menu will feature espresso, Americanos, iced matcha lattes, teas, wellness shots and artisanal pastries from Butter Moon, combining Latin tradition and French technique. The SoFi space is layered in design, with a soft, sun-washed palette and seating that encourages connection. The coffee counter, wrapped in sea green tiling, anchors the space with its open display of state-of-the-art espresso machines and curated product offerings.
For more information or to book accommodations, visit balfourmiamibeach.com, or follow the property’s socials at @balfourmiamibeach, @cleomiamibeach and @soficoffeesouthbeach.
