You’ve seen the photos. That crisp, white Nautical Deco facade standing tall on the corner of 20th and Collins. It’s a vibe that basically defines what people think of when they picture South Beach. But honestly, if you’re looking for Sixty Hotel Miami Beach right now, you might be a little confused by what you find on the ground.
Things move fast in Florida.
The building at 1901 Collins Avenue has lived a dozen lives. It was the Nautilus back in the 1950s, designed by the legendary Morris Lapidus—the guy who basically invented the "Miami Modern" aesthetic. Then it spent a high-profile stint as part of the SIXTY Collective. Now? It’s transitioned again. Staying on top of which brand owns which keycard is a full-time job in this town. If you’re trying to book a stay, you need to know that the soul of the Sixty era—that gritty-but-glamorous, mid-century-meets-modern-luxury feel—has evolved into the Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach.
It’s the same bones. Same stunning pool. But the energy has shifted from a boutique, "if you know, you know" hideaway to something a bit more expansive.
Why the Sixty Hotel Miami Beach Vibe Still Dictates the Scene
People still talk about the Sixty years because they nailed a specific type of cool. While the nearby South Beach hotels were leaning into neon and loud bass, the Sixty approach was about "low-key luxury." Think dark woods, vintage leather, and an art collection that didn't feel like it was bought from a "Hotel Decor" catalog.
The location is basically unbeatable. You’re tucked right behind the Shelborne and just a short walk from the Bass Museum. It’s that sweet spot. Far enough north to escape the absolute madness of Ocean Drive’s tourist traps, but close enough to the Lincoln Road Mall that you can grab a decent espresso without a twenty-minute hike.
The pool is the heartbeat. Seriously.
When people search for Sixty Hotel Miami Beach, they’re usually looking for that specific 1,890-square-foot salt-water pool. It features an underwater sound system—which sounds like a gimmick until you’re actually drifting there listening to lo-fi beats while looking up at the palms. It’s one of those "only in Miami" moments that actually lives up to the hype.
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The Lapidus Legacy and the Room Situation
Morris Lapidus was a polarizing figure in architecture. Critics at the time thought his work was too "extra," but today, we recognize it as pure genius. At the former Sixty Hotel Miami Beach site, you see his fingerprints in the curved lines and the way the lobby feels like a stage set.
The rooms are interesting.
Unlike the massive, sprawling suites you find at the newer mega-resorts in Mid-Beach, these rooms have that original 1950s footprint. They’re clever. Designers used "jet-set" inspired built-ins to save space. You get SFERRA linens and C.O. Bigelow bath products, which are nice touches, but the real draw is the balcony. If you don't have an ocean view, you're doing it wrong. Watching the sunrise over the Atlantic from a 1950s-era balcony with a Nespresso in hand is a core South Beach experience.
The Shift to Sonesta: What’s Actually Different?
When a hotel changes hands from a boutique group like SIXTY to a larger entity like Sonesta, regulars get nervous. You worry the personality will be bleached out.
Honestly? Most of the hardware stayed. The "Cabana Club" vibe is still very much alive. The transition was less about stripping away the history and more about plugging the property into a larger service network. The Nautilus Cabana Club restaurant still leans heavily into that Floridian-French fusion. You’re still getting local mahi-mahi and ceviche, but the service feels a bit more "big hotel" than "indie boutique" now.
Is it better?
Depends on what you want. If you liked the slightly moody, exclusive feel of the Sixty brand, you might find the current iteration a bit more "family-friendly." It’s busier. The lobby has more movement. But the physical space remains one of the most beautiful examples of historic preservation on the beach.
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Eating and Drinking Around 20th and Collins
If you're staying at the former Sixty Hotel Miami Beach location, don't just eat at the hotel. You're in a prime spot.
Walk two blocks. Hit up Orange Blossom for brunch. It’s rustic, it’s crowded, and the shakshuka is legitimately great. If you want something more upscale, The Setai is right next door. Their "Jaya" restaurant offers a courtyard dining experience that is, frankly, spectacular—though your credit card will feel it the next morning.
For a real local vibe, walk over to Sweet Liberty on 20th St. It’s frequently voted one of the best bars in the world. It’s not a "club." It’s a bar. Great cocktails, world-class fried chicken, and a "Pursue Happiness" sign that isn't nearly as cheesy as it sounds after two martinis.
The "Hidden" Beach Club Experience
One thing people often miss about this property is the beach access.
Miami Beach is a public beach, but the hotels "claim" their little slices with loungers and umbrellas. The setup here is through a narrow path between the properties. Once you hit the sand, the service is surprisingly attentive. You aren't just handed a towel; they actually set you up.
There’s a specific kind of peace you get on this stretch of sand. Because it's a bit further north, the crowd is thinner. You aren't fighting for space with thousands of day-trippers. It’s mostly hotel guests and locals who live in the high-rises nearby.
A Few Realities You Should Know
Look, no hotel is perfect.
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The elevators in these historic buildings are tiny. They’re slow. If you’re there during a peak weekend like Art Basel or Boat Show, be prepared to wait. Also, the "resort fees." They are a thing. They’re a thing everywhere in Miami, but it still stings to see that $40+ per night charge added on for "amenities" you might not use.
Valet parking? Don't even bother if you can avoid it. It’s expensive and, given the traffic on Collins, it can take 20 minutes to get your car. Use rideshares or just walk. This is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in the city.
The Best Time to Visit (and Why)
Most people flock here in March for Spring Break or December for Basel. Don't.
If you want the true Sixty Hotel Miami Beach experience—the one where you actually get a poolside cabana without a $500 minimum spend—aim for late October or early November. The humidity has finally broken, the water is still warm enough to swim in, and the staff isn't burnt out from the winter rush yet.
You get the best version of the city then.
Moving Forward with Your Miami Plans
If you’re dead-set on that Sixty aesthetic, you should check out their other properties in New York, but for Miami, you have to embrace the evolution. The building at 1901 Collins remains a cornerstone of South Beach history regardless of the sign on the door.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Brand: When booking, search for Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach to get the most current rates and availability for the former Sixty property.
- Request a High Floor: The lower floors can get some street noise from Collins Avenue. The higher you go, the better the acoustic and the view.
- Join the Rewards Program: Since it's now under the Sonesta umbrella, use their "Travel Pass" program. You can often get a better rate or a late checkout just for signing up.
- Verify the Pool Schedule: Occasionally, the pool area is rented out for private events during major weeks. Call ahead if your heart is set on that underwater music experience.
- Explore the Neighborhood: Don't spend all your time on the property. The Bass Museum is literally three minutes away and is one of the best contemporary art spaces in the country.