Inside the all-new Delano, Miami’s most storied party hotel

The Delano is finally back. One of Miami’s most iconic Art Deco hotels, it was shuttered during the pandemic. Now, it’s been reincarnated with impressive new restaurants, a wellness center and a retail store coming in March. 

Originally opened in 1947, it was completely reimagined by Ian Schrager and Philippe Starck in 1995, with a dramatic and theatrical presence that helped launch Miami as a trendy destination. White curtains billowed through the “Alice in Wonderland”-themed lobby and a giant chessboard enlivened the lawn. Madonna was a partner in the hotel’s restaurant, and David Barton ran the gym. 

In 2016, Morgans Hotel Group sold the Delano to the SBE Group, that held it for four years before passing it over to the real estate investment firm Cain. It’s now to be managed by Ennismore, a London-based hotel company, that also oversees the Delano hotels in Paris and Dubai.

The new owners have gut renovated the property, redoing all 171 rooms — including the famous poolside bungalows — lifting the wooden floors to reveal terrazzo tile, and replacing round wooden columns with replicas of the original octagonal structures.  

“We worked closely with people at the Miami Design Preservation League, who are very protective of Art Deco,’’ said Ben Pundole, chief brand officer of Delano Hotels, who was introduced to Schrager by Madonna in London in the late ’90s, and worked for him for 23 years.

“What Ian and Philippe did was magical and revolutionary, and straddled the line between hospitality and experience in a way nobody had ever done,’’ he said. “That hotel took guests out of their comfort zone, and we intend to do that as well.’’

Veteran visitors of the hotel will notice nods to the Delano’s past — like white flowing curtains. The hotel’s scent has been slightly updated.

The vibe will be beachy and comfortable, with less form over function than in its last incarnation. In this spirit, the goose neck wash basins that guests routinely hit their heads on when trying to cleanse have been replaced with elegant sinks and double basins in the suites. Chalk-white details have made way for a more muted ivory, and there is an emphasis on “soft minimalism.”

The main floor dining areas will be taken over by Gigi Rigolatto, the upscale-but-casual Italian spot that’s made a splash in Rome, Dubai, Paris and St. Tropez. While you might not hear the mellifluous tones of “Material Girl,” live music will emanate from its Bellini Bar oceanfront lounge.  

The fourth floor will house the gym, a membership club with a private pool and an outpost of the restaurant and bar, Mimi Kakushi. Available only to members and hotel guests, it focuses on izakaya, sushi and cocktails. 

The legendary Rose Bar, named for Rose Schwartz, wife of the original developer, Rob Schwartz, will return, and a Milanese-style coffee spot called Cafe Delano will be located near the entrance. A merchandising and retail shop, also at the front, will be named “Nothing Finer,” a reference to the hotel’s original 1947 sign that read “Delano, Air Conditioning — Nothing Finer.” It’s curated by Steven Giles, the consultant who worked with MoMA and the Frick Museum.

The former rooftop spa has been converted into two spectacular penthouses with terraces and jaw-dropping views, and the new wellness haven is now located in a 7,500-square-foot space below ground. There will be guided experiences with a “social sauna’’ that is coed and holds 22 people. 

There is a preview starting rate of $395, and penthouses go up to $15,000 per night.