South Beach’s newest hotel concept has arrived, brimming with style and a striking bohemian-chic vibe that harkens back to the area’s 1950s glamour. Thompson Miami Beach is a 380-room, upscale beachfront property at 4041 Collins Avenue whose design luxuriously blends international appeal with a South Beach mindset.
The hotel, housed inside a historic Art Deco tower restored by Kobi Karp Architects, is the brainchild of an extensive dream team: British designer Martin Brudnizki created the interiors; James Beard Award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein opened Seagrape restaurant; nightlife impresarios Karim Masri and Nicola Siervo of KNR Hospitality Group developed the hotel’s experience-driven cocktail venue, the 1930’s House and Crown Room; renown landscape architect Raymond Jungles designed its lush tropical landscaping; Miami designer Ashley Leimar of Dress Noble created the staff uniforms; and homegrown Junior & Hatter salon out of the edgy Wynwood District offers guest services.
The Thompson Miami Beach guest journey begins at the hotel’s sweeping wave-shaped porte cochere. An architectural statement faithful to the mid-century style of the property, the entrance leads to an open reception space that flaunts tropical glamour. The most striking element in the lobby is a stunning chandelier that boldly showcases thousands of sparkling pieces of crystal.
Guests follow a patterned pathway in the lobby’s terrazzo flooring into Seagrape, a 267-seat Floridian brasserie featuring mid-century modern design with light oak tables displaying geometric patterns. The restaurant’s horseshoe-shaped, green marble-clad bar is the heart of the space. Furnishings in the cocktail lounge include a mix of vintage pieces from the 1920’s through the 1960’s.
Thompson Miami Beach’s ocean front, ocean view and city view guest rooms and its 30 suites, are a blend of beach appointments and mid-century international resort style. All rooms offer sitting areas, 1950’s-inspired beds, retro bathrooms crafted with nautical accents, and a vanity space with an oversized mirror and terrazzo top. Included in the hotel’s collection of suites, the signature Thompson Suites have private living rooms, dining areas, and terraces, all furnished with an eclectic assortment of vintage furniture that allows each room to feel distinct.
The Spa at Thompson Miami Beach and its fitness center are designed to maximize sunshine and serene ocean views in a colorful 1950’s aesthetic, while the Junior & Hatter salon has a casually glamorous motif and appointments reminiscent of a 1950’s barbershop.
Outside, the property’s two pools are enhanced by The Garden, which provides guests with complete privacy within a walled forest of native plants. Stone paving of varying heights offers built-in seating and a textured contrast to the colorful fabrics of the space. The design continues to the hotel’s beach area, where bright retro-inspired sun loungers and umbrellas are part of the experience.
When you visit, don’t miss the property’s 1930’s House. Originally located across the street from Thompson Miami Beach, this historic, freestanding venue was moved to the hotel property in the early 2000’s. The Mediterranean-inspired, indoor-outdoor space is a unique hybrid offering the best of both a bar and restaurant. Upon entering, guests will find influences from Spain – orange clay floors, an original limestone fireplace and a hacienda-style bar with early 20th century Havana-style furnishings in a palette of rich reds, blacks, browns and other deep tones. ?
