Art Deco Landmark Rediscovered: New Chapter Unveiled at the Iconic Balfour in Miami Beach

MIAMI BEACH, FL (July 9, 2025) – Balfour, an iconic art deco gem in Miami Beach’s upscale South of Fifth enclave, debuts a new chapter as part of Morgans Originals, a collection of one-of-a-kind, independent hotels with an iconic cultural story. As part of its revival, Balfour also introduces two new dining destinations: SoFi Coffee, a community-driven neighborhood café set to launch later this summer, and Cleo, an Eastern Mediterranean concept that occupies the entire first floor of the historic Balfour building, with the exception of a small check-in area dedicated to hotel reception.

BALFOUR’S NEW CHAPTER

The 82-room boutique property has been refreshed by Miami based Bigtime Design Studios, in collaboration with Ennismore, to blend historic charm with modern comforts, and commands a coveted position on Miami Beach’s illustrious Ocean Drive within two art deco-style buildings connected by a lush tropical courtyard. Originally designed by celebrated Miami Beach architect Anton Skislewicz, the property first opened in 1940 as The Lord Balfour Hotel and has long stood as a mirror to Miami, a city known for its constant reinvention. Historical nods, such as carefully preserved original terrazzo flooring and gleaming brass elevator doors, combined with modern comforts and contemporary luxuries have transformed this hidden treasure into a destination where timeless design, local culture and social connections collide.

Each room is outfitted with rich hardwood or herringbone flooring, midcentury design elements and romantic art deco artwork commissioned by Mike Willcox, balancing historic sophistication with authentic local character. Accommodations range from serene Classic Rooms (with either one king or two queen beds) and sun-drenched 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 for a refined sense of ritual.

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. Designed for pre-evening indulgences or quiet nights in, the bar carts offer guests the opportunity to explore Miami’s world-class cocktail scene at their leisure, crafting personalized drinks inspired by local flavors. 

Hotel amenities include a refreshing plunge pool accented with original terracotta mosaic tiles, an open-air 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. 

CLEO

Cleo transforms the ground floor into a buzzing social hub that extends outside to Balfour’s lush courtyard and wraparound terrace. Helmed by award-winning Executive Chef Camila Olarte, previously sous chef at Thomas Keller’s The Surf Club, the restaurant invites guests to gather around wholesome, family-style dishes that celebrate the bold, diverse flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean. Blending art deco charm with the chic, inviting warmth of the Mediterranean, the restaurant captivates diners with a unique blend of Old World cooking techniques and a warm, homey atmosphere.

Embracing its role as a neighborhood destination, Cleo has a lineup of weekly programming launching this month, designed to bring locals together. Key offerings include Wine Wednesdays with 50% off select bottles of wine, Sunday brunches featuring coastal-inspired flavors, and more. 

Beyond weekly happenings, Cleo will also host monthly and bi-monthly events including interactive masterclasses and workshops, curated shopping pop-ups and a collaborative dinner series spotlighting talented female chefs alongside Executive Chef Camila Olarte.

SOFI COFFEE

SoFi Coffee will bring a hyperlocal layer to the South of Fifth neighborhood, embodying Balfour’s continued evolution as a cultural living room. Situated steps from the famous Miami Beach Boardwalk, a scenic 7-mile pathway stretch along the southernmost point of South Beach, this Instagrammable café will offer a relaxed, refined haven that encourages conversation and connection.

Open daily from 8am - 5pm, SoFi Coffee will feature hand-poured brews from Imperial Moto, including ethically grown, locally roasted blends from Colombia, Brazil and Guatemala. The café will bring a thoughtful balance of classic favorites, including espresso, Americanos, cappuccinos, iced matcha lattes and more. A curated selection of teas are available, from Silver Needle white tea to oolong and Earl Grey, as well as energizing wellness shots such as ginger and turmeric. A rotating array of showstopping artisanal pastries from Butter Moon will combine Latin tradition and French techniques to create treats such as matcha and raspberry New York rolls, alfajores and pistachio-walnut croissants. The menu is rounded out by fresh juices, kombuchas and bottled beverages.

Artisanal in spirit and layered in design, a soft, sun-washed palette encapsulates the space, with matcha-colored chairs gathered around a central wooden community table. 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. Midcentury 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.

For more information or to book accommodations, please visit balfourmiamibeach.com or follow @balfourmiamibeach. 

Balfour is part of Dis-loyalty, Ennismore’s game changing food and travel membership, giving members 20% off their first stay at 100+ hotels within their Collective, 50% off just-opened hotels, a free barista-made drink every day of the year, and more. Find out more about all the membership perks at Dis-loyalty.com.