Balfour, an Art Deco gem in Miami Beach’s South of Fifth enclave, has officially reopened as part of Morgans Originals.
Situated on Ocean Drive, the 82-room boutique property has been refreshed by Miami-based Bigtime Design Studios in collaboration with Ennismore, to blend historic charm with contemporary comforts.
Originally designed by Miami Beach architect Anton Skislewicz, the property first opened in 1940 as The Lord Balfour Hotel. As such, historical nods, such as carefully preserved original terrazzo flooring and brass elevator doors, combined with modern comforts and contemporary luxuries have transformed the property into a destination where timeless design, local culture and social connections collide.
Each room is outfitted with hardwood or herringbone flooring, Mid-Century design elements and romantic Art Deco artwork commissioned by Mike Willcox, balancing historic sophistication with authentic local character.
Accommodations range from classic rooms – with either one king or two queen beds – and superior rooms wrapped in green wainscoting, to spacious suites with white marble bathrooms and walk-in rain showers designed for longer stays or family travel, including a junior suite with built-in bunk beds.
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.
In addition, 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.
Hotel amenities also include a plunge pool accented with original terracotta mosaic tiles, an openair 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.
As part of its revival, Balfour also introduces two new dining destinations. Set to launch later this summer, SoFi Coffee will offer a relaxed, refined haven that encourages conversation and connection.
Two-top tables are tucked against a plush pink velvet banquette, while an elevated marble-topped bar faces a wall adorned with an art piece of a goddess-like figure, blending feminine energy with creative flair.
Mid-Century lighting with golden accents hang overhead, casting a warm glow, while tropical leaf-print wallpaper in tones of green, pink and sun-baked brown adds a playful yet polished touch.
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.
Meanwhile, Eastern Mediterranean dining concept Cleo occupies the entire first floor of the historic Balfour building with the exception of a small check-in area dedicated to hotel reception.
The restaurant transforms the space into a buzzing social hub that extends outside to Balfour’s lush courtyard and wraparound terrace, and blends Art Deco charm with the chic, inviting warmth of the Mediterranean.
