Review

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The Delano has appeared in more brochures than any other hotel on the Beach and is firmly established as a Miami landmark. However, the buzz in the cocktail lounges and beauty salons of South Beach is that the Delano has lost its touch. The reason why the Delano is not as cool as it used to be is because it is so spectacular.

If it weren’t for the Alice in Wonderland theme, if it didn’t have such a breathtaking lobby, if Ian Schrager didn’t have the reputation that he does today for making such inspired hotels, and if the pool didn’t have underwater music, then there would be no tourists walking around the premises taking photos, and that edge of exclusivity would still be talked about between cosmopolitans and botox injections. It sounds strange, but the Delano was just too good a hotel to remain cool for long. But that’s Miami.

On arrival, guests are escorted through the famous lobby, with its huge pillars and billowing curtains, up to one of the 208 crisp white rooms. After arrival, head to the Aqua Spa for a massage, have a drink at the lobby’s Rose Bar, check out the poolside bungalows and stick your head in the water to hear Beethoven’s Third Symphony.