Balfour Miami Beach Reimagined: A Stylish Revival on Ocean Drive

Source: Balfour 

Reported By: Caroline Dalal

In a city where architectural heritage and modern luxury often cross paths, few places capture that balance quite like Balfour. Located along the southern curve of Ocean Drive in Miami Beach’s coveted South of Fifth neighborhood, this storied 82-room hotel—once known as The Lord Balfour—has reopened its doors with a new identity, a fresh point of view, and a purposefully local spirit. Now a member of Morgans Originals, a portfolio of culturally resonant independent hotels under the Ennismore umbrella, Balfour reenters Miami’s hospitality scene as both a design-driven retreat and a social anchor for its surrounding community.

Originally designed by famed Miami Beach architect Anton Skislewicz in 1940, the property has long stood as a hallmark of art deco design. That legacy remains intact, but the space now enjoys a thoughtful restoration led by Miami-based Bigtime Design Studios in partnership with Ennismore. Two adjoining art deco buildings are linked by a verdant courtyard, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor flow that feels at once intimate and expansive.

Original terrazzo flooring and brass elevator doors offer nostalgic nods to the past, while new materials and modern textures introduce a more curated sense of comfort. The interiors feel richly layered—sunlight cuts through rooms that mix midcentury finishes with site-specific artwork commissioned by Mike Willcox, and hues of green wainscoting bring softness to the sharp edges of classic design.

Balfour’s guest rooms are designed to offer more than just a place to sleep. From the Classic and Superior Rooms to expansive Suites ideal for longer stays, every accommodation is outfitted with hardwood or herringbone floors, bespoke furnishings, and white marble bathrooms featuring walk-in rain showers. One Junior Suite even includes bunk beds, reimagining family travel through a luxe lens.

In keeping with the brand’s sustainable ethos, bathrooms are stocked with refillable, vegan products by The Botanist & The Chemist and finished with waffle-textured robes that invite lingering. Each room also includes a fully stocked in-room bar cart—a refreshingly analog luxury in today’s digital-first age—complete with a Lavazza coffee machine, cocktail shaker, wine bucket, and locally inspired snacks. It’s the kind of amenity that encourages a leisurely afternoon spent crafting your own version of Miami’s mixology culture.

On-property offerings elevate the guest experience without overwhelming it. A plunge pool trimmed with terracotta mosaics offers a breezy escape just steps from the bar, while the rooftop deck delivers panoramic views of Miami Beach’s signature skyline. Complimentary bicycles invite guests to explore the boardwalk and beyond, and over 2,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor event space accommodates everything from cocktail parties to curated pop-ups.

Occupying nearly the entire ground floor of the hotel, Cleo is Balfour’s culinary centerpiece. Helmed by Executive Chef Camila Olarte—whose experience includes time at Thomas Keller’s The Surf Club—the restaurant brings the convivial essence of the Eastern Mediterranean to South Beach. Dishes are served family-style, but this isn’t your average dinner table. The space radiates with Mediterranean warmth, filtered through the clean lines of art deco architecture and accented by the lush courtyard and wraparound terrace.

Cleo isn’t just for hotel guests. Its weekly lineup of events, including Wine Wednesdays and Sunday brunches, is designed with locals in mind. Even more noteworthy are its upcoming workshops and collaborative dinners, with a special spotlight on female chefs—a fitting extension of Chef Olarte’s own narrative.

Later this summer, Balfour will deepen its community roots with the debut of SoFi Coffee. Located just off the Miami Beach Boardwalk, the café offers a slower-paced counterpoint to the buzz of Ocean Drive. With ethically sourced beans roasted by Imperial Moto, a tea selection that ranges from Silver Needle white to Earl Grey, and wellness-forward shots like turmeric and ginger, SoFi Coffee caters to both locals and visitors with elevated everyday rituals.

Butter Moon pastries round out the offerings with items like pistachio-walnut croissants and matcha raspberry New York rolls—each visually striking and flavor-driven. The design of the café speaks just as loudly, featuring a palette of pinks and greens, a marble-topped counter, and velvet banquettes beneath golden midcentury lighting. It’s a space where form and function blend easily, with a soft femininity that’s intentional, not ornamental.

With this relaunch, Balfour doesn’t just revive a building—it reclaims a role in the cultural fabric of Miami Beach. It’s a hotel built for people who appreciate thoughtful design, authentic connection, and meaningful luxury. Through its layered accommodations, neighborhood-forward amenities, and immersive dining, Balfour offers a fresh take on what a heritage hotel can be in 2025.