Delano South Beach Miami is STILL the coolest hotel in Miami.
There are Faena, Edition or One hotel, but even with flashier signs, it still can’t beat Delano hotel, and let me tell you why.Â
What Hotel Is The Best Location to Stay in Miami?
There are plenty of hotels on Collins ave, but Delano hotel is located on the best block.
So basically Collins ave is like the Soho (Meatpacking) of Miami with all the hip and luxury hotels.
It is like if you are looking for a hotel in Soho, Crosby hotel is probably located on the best block. Delano South Beach Miami is that hotel.Â
The reason Delano hotel is on the best block is cause you can literally walk to Lincoln road or Ocean Drive in 5 to 10 minutes.Â
If you are looking to not take an Uber / LYFT and just walk everywhere, Delano South beach Miami is the place to go.Â
PRICE
Delano hotel is a high end hotel with a price tag that isn’t friendly. BUT, you can always look out for the promotions. I recently booked Delano hotel City View King for $200 (which was 50% off). Comparing to how it usually cost, it was a bargain. So, don’t be sad or discouraged, cause you will have plenty of chances to book it even you have a tight budget. Just subscribe to their mailing list, and they will let you know when there is a sale.
LOBBY
As you enter the drive through, you immerse with these big white columns and a huge door that reminds us of “Alice in Wonderland” fairy tale. It’s uniqueness definitely separates from other hotels. The theme continues with oversized furnitures everywhere in the lobby. Some people say it hasn’t been changed or renovated since they opened, and it’s becoming very old. But I love it. I just love it. It makes you feel like you are at an old fabulous cocaine fueled sexy hotel party. I mean it still maintains that sexiness. And honestly it is modern classic rather than trendy.
Delano hotel is ALICE IN WONDERLAND
Lobby continues with two big columns on each side symmetrically all the way through the pool entrance. In the middle, you will find a sushi bar and the famous rose bar, but let’s talk about the food later. The uniqueness of this hotel makes Delano hotel a boutique hotel. Not only the décor but the whole vibe brings a personality and life to it. I will never forget entering Delano hotel the first time cause it made me feel special and brought me comfort.
ROOMS
YES, now let’s talk about the room. Some guests said the rooms were small & dated on the yelp reviews. I will be honest. It is true that the room is small for what you pay. There are definitely better sized room hotels with better price range (i.e. Edition Hotel or Standard hotel -> and you can read the reviews about the Edition here, and the Standard Spa here). So, if you prioritize spacious room over other amenities, you should consider other options.
I booked the city view king but upgraded us to the partial ocean view king. To be honest, the partial ocean view king is really partial. It is not like the view from One hotel or Edition hotel. So if you are planning on booking partial ocean view king, I would just go for the others and save some money for champaign at the pool.
Alternative Options:
Delano hotel rooms are not 5 stars but it does its work
If you want a detailed look of the hotel, you can check out my youtube videos about the room. I did a honest review about the rooms in Delano Miami beach hotel.Â
The rooms however are very well decorated. From the furniture to the wall to the bed, everything is white. You will literally see a small hair rolling around cause it is like shiny white. The bathroom is all marble and Malin and Goetz products are there for you to shower and moisturize. Malin and Goetz is probably one of the best company for body lotion (which I use everyday), and you can also buy it at Barneys.
If you are staying at the Delano, it is more about staying at the pool or using the beach. Or even walking down Lincoln road. Delano hotel reserves the sun-beds for only the guests and it is not crowed like other hotels (i.e. W hotel or National hotel). I have stayed for 6 times over the past three years and I barely stayed in the room but at the pool.
POOL
Even though the room is small, the reason I say that Delano still is the best hotel is because of the pool. I don’t even need to explain and the pictures speaks 1000 words. As you pass through the restaurant and walk down the stairs, you see these huge trees in front of you. You walk down this “Alice in Wonderland” vibe alley way, and you are at the pool. On the weekends, they bring the best DJs and play tropical house music. The servers are the best and always attentive. It is so relaxing that you say “HEAVEN!!” No words needed, and just look through the pictures.
Even though the room is small, the reason I say that Delano still is the best hotel is because of the pool. I don’t even need to explain and the pictures speaks 1000 words. As you pass through the restaurant and walk down the stairs, you see these huge trees in front of you. It
BARS
There are two Delano hotel bars you can enjoy your cocktails. If you are dressed up nice and smart, you can go to the rose bar where I once saw George Clooney drinking. And if you are dressed down, you can go to the bar next to the pool. I really like the pool bar at night because you can bring your cocktail and drink in the pool with just your feet in the water. It is an experience that you can’t have at other hotels.
RESTAURANT
There are two Delano hotel Miami restaurants – the sushi bar and Bianca. I personally didn’t like Bianca as the food was just generic but the price was expensive (Especially the breakfast; it is a pity cause it used to be really good). There are many other choices if you go out of the hotel (e.g. Yard Bird, Betsy, Juvia, Blue Sushi, Villa Azur). Â And for breakfast you can go to Rosetta Bakery across the street or Miam Cafe in design district or even Maxine’s.
    Related: I wrote an extensive review about Juvia here
However, Delano Hotel Miami beach has Sunday Brunch for 70 dollars. It is worth the try if you are drinker because it is unlimited Vueve Clique, Mimosa and Bloody Mary. The food varies from lobsters to lamp chop and caviar. So if you are staying till Sunday book your spot and you won’t regret it!
On the other hand, Umi sushi bar is really delicious and the sushi is fresh. It is right in the middle of Delano’s lobby and has a long communal table. It is a relaxed and casual sushi bar. Also, at night there is a DJ playing in the lobby and the experience at the sushi bar is more fun.
