From the rooftop pool of yellow wonder The Leslie, to The Shepley’s chic verandah, find out more about my stays at these iconic Art Deco hotels!
During my trip to Miami I developed a new found appreciation for Art Deco architecture. Other than the famous Hoover Building in West London (which I wouldn’t describe as attractive) I can’t say I’ve been exposed to the style much before.
Miami Beach’s Art Deco Historic District is made up of over 800 buildings built between 1923 and 1943. While I’d thought of Art Deco buildings as being predominantly white, the Miami Beach area shows off a style called Tropical Deco. Pastel pinks sit next to pale greens and baby blues. It’s super cute and the kind of place it’s lovely to wander around taking pictures.
If you’re planning a trip to South Beach and want to stay somewhere with a bit more personality than a modern chain hotel, an Art Deco property is a great choice. I stayed at two of Miami Beach’s colourful boutique hotels, The Shepley and The Leslie, during my trip, and both gave me a very different experience of South Beach.
A note on this guide: I personally stayed at both hotels, but it was a little while ago! I’ve refreshed this article with current practical information, but my comments about the rooms, service and my experience are based on my original stays. Hotel facilities, prices and policies can change, so I’d recommend checking the latest details before booking.
While The Leslie and The Shepley are two of the coolest hotels in Miami, there are plenty more amazing places to stay in Florida. I’ve popped together a guide featuring the most unique hotels in Florida, for when you want to plan a really memorable trip!
Why stay in an Art Deco hotel in Miami Beach?
Miami Beach’s Art Deco Historic District is one of the city’s most distinctive areas, with hundreds of historic buildings dating from the 1920s through to the 1940s. The architecture is famous for its pastel colours, geometric details, rounded corners and playful Tropical Deco style.
Staying in one of these buildings means you’re not just booking somewhere to sleep, you’re enjoying a little piece of Miami’s history on your holiday!
For me, that was a huge part of the appeal. I loved being able to step outside the hotel and immediately be surrounded by the colourful architecture that makes South Beach so iconic.
If you’re choosing between the two hotels below, I’d say The Shepley is the better choice if you want a quieter boutique stay just off Ocean Drive, while The Leslie is the one to pick if you want to be right in the middle of the South Beach action. Time to dive into my reviews.
2 Best Art Deco Hotels In South Beach, Miami
The Shepley Hotel – Best for a quieter Art Deco stay
If you love the look of Miami’s Art Deco architecture but don’t necessarily want to sleep right in the middle of the Ocean Drive buzz, The Shepley is a great option.
I really enjoyed our stay. The white building has the hotel name lit up in green above the entrance and outside, there’s a pretty verandah with comfortable seating – a lovely spot for people watching!
Built in 1938, The Shepley was designed by renowned New York architect Henry Hohauser. More recently it was transformed into the chic boutique hotel you see today.
The lobby and lounge area inside have a vintage vibe, with fun design accents around the room, including a stack of suitcases and ornaments on the huge floor to ceiling bookcases.
A basic buffet breakfast was laid out in the kitchen area, and guests were encouraged to load up a plate and find a spot in the lounge or on the verandah.
There are 29 rooms in total – ours was on the first floor and featured two queen size beds, plenty of storage and a small bathroom with a powerful shower and mosaic tiles. The view wasn’t anything particularly special, but I didn’t mind because the location was the real selling point.
The Shepley is on Collins Avenue, just a short walk from the beach, Ocean Drive, restaurants and shops. I also liked that it felt a little calmer than being directly on Ocean Drive. It’s also just 20 minutes drive from the airport
I’d choose The Shepley if: you want an intimate boutique hotel with historic character, close to the beach and South Beach’s restaurants and nightlife, but slightly removed from the busiest stretch of Ocean Drive.
Address: The Shepley, 1340 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach Fl 33139.
The Leslie Hotel – Best for an iconic Ocean Drive stay South Beach
Right on Ocean Drive with views of South Beach is The Leslie. Compared to The Shepley, this hotel is livelier and right in the hustle and bustle of Miami’s South Beach. I loved how colourful it was – a vision in yellow! It’s got tropical deco written all over it!
The hotel dates back to 1936 and has a wonderfully retro feel. It’s a relatively small hotel with just 35 rooms spread across a few floors. During my stay, our room was spacious, with two double beds and plenty of storage, while the bathroom had a quirky theatrical curtain around the bath.
Plus, the best bit? This Art Deco wonder has its own rooftop pool! Hidden away above the busy streets of South Beach, the pool area had sun loungers, little booths and a Jacuzzi. It felt surprisingly peaceful considering how lively Ocean Drive was just below. For me, it was the perfect place to escape the heat and crowds for a while.
A basic buffet breakfast was laid out on the large verandah area at the front, which also doubles as a café/restaurant/bar throughout the day. It was a great spot to start the day, and plan out my next Miami adventure!
The hotel is also in an unbeatable location if you’re visiting Miami Beach for the first time. You’re right opposite the beach and within easy walking distance of Ocean Drive’s restaurants, bars and Art Deco architecture.
I’d choose The Leslie if: you want to be right in the heart of South Beach, love colourful Art Deco architecture and would make good use of a rooftop pool.
Address: The Leslie Hotel, 1244 Ocean Drive Miami Beach fl 33139.
| The Shepley | The Leslie | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Quieter boutique stay | Classic South Beach experience |
| Location | Collins Avenue | Ocean Drive |
| Beach | Short walk | Directly opposite |
| Atmosphere | Relaxed | Lively |
| Art Deco | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Pool | — | Rooftop pool |
| My pick for couples | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| My pick for first visit | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| My pick for peace & quiet | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Which hotel would I pick?
Of this is your first trip to Miami Beach and you want to soak up the atmosphere, I’d choose The Leslie. If you’d rather be close to everything but have a slightly calmer base, The Shepley is the better option.
While The Leslie and The Shepley are two of the coolest hotels in Miami, there are plenty more amazing places to stay in Florida. I’ve popped together a guide featuring the most unique hotels in Florida, for when you want to plan a really memorable trip!
Thank you for your reviews! Warm regards from Leslie and The Shepley Hotels
Thanks so much! I loved my stays there!