Review: 1 Hotel South Beach
WHAT’S IT LIKE Pulling into this newly opened high-rise along one of the most famed stretches of sand in the United States gives guests a glimpse at Miami Beach glitterati. This hotel is the flagship property of the 1 Hotel brand, which is an offshoot from former Starwood executives looking to do something more eco-friendly.
Pay close attention when you first walk into the lobby. The large, living green moss wall commands attention on one side while the billowing fabrics lining the beige and sandy-hued seating areas are bespeckled with beautiful people from all over the world.
Toward the back of the lobby is the main reception desk where guests are greeted with a smile and presented with round wooden room keys containing a magnetic chip. These nondescript keys come in five different versions from five different kinds of recycled wood. Another unique feature of the lobby is the farmer’s market stand with fresh fruit from local producers, free for the taking.
On occasion, there is even a juicing station bringing some of that fresh produce to liquid form. The living wall behind the concierge area is similar to that in the foyer area and reinforces the hotel’s efforts to be kind and respectful to the environment.
DINING Chef Tom Colicchio heads up the impressive menu at Beachcraft where small tasting dishes form the basis of the menu, which encourages sharing and boosting conversation. Natural light streams in, but the large central bar and open kitchen often distract guest attention. Cushioned seating in corners is great for business get togethers (power breakfasts are not unheard of here by local business folk) or romantic dinners.
Three meals a day are served here utilizing local produce and ingredients as much as possible as well as fresh seafood from the region. A poolside menu is great for those that can hardly think of slipping out of their bathing suit to put more formal clothes on, and a rooftop café provides a similar modern menu with impeccable beach views. While Miami Beach is certainly a vacation destination, it is important to remember that this is a see-and-be-seen town, and unspoken dress codes are de rigueur, so pack your best.
AMENITIES What sets this hotel’s pools apart are their vantage points of the Atlantic Ocean since they are set on a perch. For those that want to hide, they can reserve one of the pricey cabanas, but others prefer to strut their stuff on the cushioned lounge chairs surrounding the pool. A spa is still in the works, but lest think you think it is all play and no work here, there is a subset of meeting rooms and function space to cater to the business crowd and occasional conference.
ROOMS Guest rooms are just as trendy, minimalist, and green-themed as the public areas. You’ll notice the attention to detail like filtered water fountains in place of bottled water, recycled coat hangers in the closets, and small terrariums in the rooms with fresh plants curated from the lobby shop.
Did you know that you can actually create your own terrarium to take home in the lobby flower shop? Beds are on raised platforms (watch your feet if you get up in the middle of the night) with sexy under-lighting and thick duvets. Plentiful power outlets and USB ports indicate the clientele here is young, hip, and connected.
Peek through sheer curtains and glass windows to the rainfall showers with pump toiletries crafted from cedar wood and aromatherapy scents in bathrooms. Most rooms have furnished balconies facing the beach or pool area. Pay attention to the smart elevators (that save energy) as you must push one button and then follow instructions on the screen as to which elevator to use.
CONCLUSION This is sure to be the greenest hotel in Miami Beach and is designed to draw a younger crowd looking for casual luxury. Staffers are proud of the eco-friendly focus here, which is sure to rub off on guests, too. This is the kind of place that makes you feel good even long after your travels have concluded.