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11 JULY 2025
Balfour Miami Beach unveils a new chapter with Morgans Originals
The art deco landmark joins the Morgans Original Collection with reimagined guest rooms, amenities and a new neighbourhood café.
Balfour, an iconic art deco gem in Miami Beach’s upscale South of Fifth enclave, debuts a new chapter as part of Morgans Originals, a collection of one-of-a-kind, independent hotels with an iconic cultural story.
The 82-room boutique property has been refreshed by Miami based Bigtime Design Studios, in collaboration with Ennismore, to blend historic charm with modern comforts, and commands a coveted position on Miami Beach’s illustrious Ocean Drive within two art deco-style buildings connected by a lush tropical courtyard. Originally designed by celebrated Miami Beach architect Anton Skislewicz, the property first opened in 1940 as The Lord Balfour Hotel and has long stood as a mirror to Miami, a city known for its constant reinvention. Historical nods, such as carefully preserved original terrazzo flooring and gleaming brass elevator doors, combined with modern comforts and contemporary luxuries have transformed this hidden treasure into a destination where timeless design, local culture and social connections collide.
Each room is outfitted with rich hardwood or herringbone flooring, mid-century design elements and romantic art deco artwork commissioned by Mike Willcox, balancing historic sophistication with authentic local character. Reinforcing the hotel’s commitment to sustainable, wellness-driven hospitality, all bathrooms feature branded waffle-textured embroidered robes and refillable vegan bath products from The Botanist & The Chemist for a refined sense of ritual.
Newly appointed, fully stocked in-room bar carts are equipped with Lavazza coffee machines, cocktail shakers, wine buckets and a premium selection of snacks and refreshments. Designed for pre-evening indulgences or quiet nights in, the bar carts offer guests the opportunity to explore Miami’s world-class cocktail scene at their leisure, crafting personalized drinks inspired by local flavours.
Hotel amenities include a refreshing plunge pool accented with original terracotta mosaic tiles, an open-air rooftop deck offering sweeping views of the city, complimentary bicycles, and more than 2,000 square feet of versatile event space to accommodate everything from intimate gatherings to larger celebrations.
A buzzing social hub, Cleo transforms the ground floor, extending outside to Balfour’s lush courtyard and wraparound terrace. Helmed by award-winning Executive Chef Camila Olarte, previously sous chef at Thomas Keller’s The Surf Club, the restaurant invites guests to gather around wholesome, family-style dishes that celebrate the bold, diverse flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean. Blending art deco charm with the chic, inviting warmth of the Mediterranean, the restaurant captivates diners with a unique blend of Old World cooking techniques and a warm, homey atmosphere.
Embracing its role as a neighbourhood destination, Cleo has a lineup of weekly programming launching this month, designed to bring locals together. Beyond weekly happenings, Cleo will also host monthly and bi-monthly events including interactive masterclasses and workshops, curated shopping pop-ups and a collaborative dinner series spotlighting talented female chefs alongside Executive Chef Camila Olarte.
SoFi Coffee will bring a hyperlocal layer to the South of Fifth neighbourhood, embodying Balfour’s continued evolution as a cultural living room. Situated steps from the famous Miami Beach Boardwalk, a scenic 7-mile pathway stretch along the southernmost point of South Beach, its a refined haven that encourages conversation and connection.
Featuring hand-poured brews from Imperial Moto, including ethically grown, locally roasted blends from Colombia, Brazil and Guatemala, the café will bring a thoughtful balance of classic favourites, including espresso, Americanos, cappuccinos, iced matcha lattes and more. A curated selection of teas are available, from Silver Needle white tea to oolong and Earl Grey, as well as energizing wellness shots such as ginger and turmeric. A rotating array of showstopping artisanal pastries from Butter Moon will combine Latin tradition and French techniques to create treats such as matcha and raspberry New York rolls, alfajores and pistachio-walnut croissants. The menu is rounded out by fresh juices, kombuchas and bottled beverages.
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