Aloft South Beach emerges as a new destination on Miami Beach’s dynamic landscape, blending historic charm with contemporary design at 2360 Collins Avenue. This waterfront property draws inspiration from the 1954 Ankara Motel, preserving its Art Deco elements while infusing a modern aesthetic into its 235 loft-style rooms. The hotel aims to provide a welcoming and stylish environment for a range of global travelers, whether visiting for leisure or business.
New Design Hotel South Beach
This recently opened hotel offers a playful and engaging atmosphere, designed to suit a variety of travelers. Its location places it across from the Atlantic Ocean and a short walk from South Beach’s nightlife, Lincoln Road for shopping, and the iconic Ocean Drive. The property boasts a boutique-style setting with an open-air layout that invites guests to relax and enjoy modern comforts.
Historic Preservation Meets Modern Style
The hotel is built upon the foundation of the historic 1954 Ankara Motel. Significant effort has been made to retain the exterior’s Art Deco-inspired architecture. Inside, a newly constructed interior features contemporary elements. Design choices aim to balance the hotel’s relaxed spirit with its Miami Beach location and the historic significance of its structure.
Original components preserved include the classic brick walls in the Historic Wing, refurbished signage from the Ankara Motel, and the shape of the pool. Inside, a translucent staircase leads guests into a two-story atrium. This central space is enhanced by custom leather accents and a striking light fixture. The bar and lounge area features a custom chandelier composed of 1,000 colored acrylic lighting rods.
The re:mix℠ lounge serves as a social hub on the main floor. This area hosts the brand’s ongoing live music series, Live at Aloft Hotels, and offers creative craft cocktails. Guests and locals can mingle here, enjoying drinks or playing a game of pool. It connects directly to the W XYZ℠ Bar. An onsite herb garden supplies ingredients for the bar’s garden-to-glass cocktail creations.
The W XYZ℠ Bar opens onto an outside deck through a 36-foot sliding glass wall. This deck features a splash pool, providing a refreshing spot to cool down. Private cabanas are situated between the pool and the lake. For added convenience, solar-powered charging stations are available outdoors for electronic devices.
Poolside and Rooftop Retreats
Looking up from the pool area to the third level reveals the hotel’s Plunge deck. This area is furnished with daybeds under the shade of Strawberry Guava trees. A four-sided infinity edge water feature adds a unique design element. The Plunge Deck Bar offers various games, including bocce, oversized tic-tac-toe, and beanbag toss, providing entertainment for guests.
Adjacent to the deck are generously sized guestrooms, including 22 suites that offer views of Lake Pancoast. Many of these suites come with private terraces overlooking the lake and the pool deck’s activity below. Guestrooms on the third floor of the Historic Wing provide private balconies with lake views. The fourth floor features Breezy Suites with expansive private terraces.
In the main tower, rooms are a spacious 350 square feet and offer city views. Corner suites feature full-height windows and private balconies with views of Miami Beach. All 235 guest rooms are equipped with Aloft Hotels’ signature features, such as nine-foot ceilings, streamlined design, Bluetooth-enabled door locks, and Bliss Spa® bath amenities.
The Dip hot tub is situated at the water’s edge, featuring an art wall that displays rotating street art from Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood. This art program extends throughout the hotel with various photographic prints and murals. The lobby showcases a series of black-and-white photographs depicting 1970s beach scenes. Near the entrance, a large-scale aerial photograph displays models in vintage swimsuits. Each guest room features a colorful photograph by a notable fashion photographer. The corridors continue the art theme with images inspired by summer activities.
Continental Miami, located on Collins Avenue, aims to continue the culinary reputation established by its restaurateur. The restaurant’s menu includes continental classics and Asian specialties, prepared with fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. A waterfront deck adjacent to the pool deck and lake offers outdoor dining. Continental Miami opens early at 7 a.m. and closes late at 2 a.m. For quick bites, the re:fuel℠ café offers Nespresso coffee, pressed juices, and grab-and-go options. The W XYZ℠ Bar also serves small plates.
The Re:charge gym, a 24/7 fitness center, is located on the second floor. It is equipped with state-of-the-art resistance and aerobic equipment. The hotel also provides 1,500 square feet of adaptable indoor meeting areas and 5,000 square feet of outdoor event space. Meeting groups can utilize a “playroom area” with amenities designed for team-building activities.
This hotel focuses on a youthful, social atmosphere, which could be great for families with older teens or young adults. The beach access, pool, and nearby attractions like Lincoln Road offer plenty for various ages, but younger children might find some of the social areas less engaging. It’s worth checking room configurations for family needs.
As an Aloft Hotel, guests can access Starwood’s Preferred Guest loyalty program for rewards. The hotel aims to evoke an adventure-like feeling for younger travelers with “Goodie Bags” for children aged 2-12. Special bedding, sleeping bags, and kid-friendly options are available at re:fuel℠. The arf℠ program caters to four-legged companions, providing toys, treats, and branded beds and bowls.
Additional amenities and activities include beach access. Guests can also enjoy paddle-board yoga and kayaking from the hotel’s private dock. Custom raspberry-hued beach cruiser bicycles are available for exploring the boardwalk or nearby shopping on Lincoln Road.
Socializers
Art Lovers
Opening rates for Aloft South Beach start at approximately $229 per night. For more information, guests can visit the hotel’s website or contact them via email or phone.
Key Takeaways
- Aloft South Beach offers a contemporary stay in a historic building, located near key South Beach attractions.
- The hotel features a variety of social spaces, including live music lounges, bars, and a rooftop pool deck.
- Family-friendly amenities are available for children and pets, alongside active pursuits like cycling and watersports.
