You’ve seen the photos. That classic 1940s Art Deco facade, the vibrant pool scene, and that unmistakable "Tropical Deco" vibe. But if you’re looking for The Hall Miami Beach hotel today, you might find yourself a little confused.
Honestly, the story of 1500 Collins Avenue is basically a masterclass in South Beach reinvention. It’s been a million things. First, it was the Haddon Hall. Then it was a Joie de Vivre property. For a minute, it was the AxelBeach Miami. Now? It’s in the middle of yet another massive transformation.
South Beach moves fast. If you aren't keeping up, you're literally looking at a ghost of a hotel that doesn't exist in its old form anymore.
The Hall Miami Beach Hotel: A History of Changing Identities
Most people still search for "The Hall" because of that brief, glorious window in the mid-2010s when it was the cool, bohemian kid on the block. Under the Joie de Vivre brand, it was all about ping-pong tables, a massive banyan tree, and a "no-rules" backyard beer garden. It felt accessible. In a neighborhood where a cocktail can cost as much as a steak dinner, The Hall felt like a place where you could actually hang out in flip-flops.
But here is the thing: that specific era of the hotel is over.
The property was originally built in 1941 by L. Murray Dixon. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because he basically designed the "look" of Miami Beach. We’re talking about the same guy behind the Gale and the Ritz Plaza. The building is a 1.4-acre playground that has spent the last eighty years trying to figure out what it wants to be when it grows up.
Why the Joie de Vivre Era Stuck in Our Heads
It was the "Sunny's" lobster rolls. It was the "Holiday's" lounge. The Hall managed to capture a specific type of nostalgia that wasn't just "old people in suits." It was colorful. It was loud. It had that super-sized pool that felt more like a social club than a sterile hotel amenity.
What’s Actually Happening at 1500 Collins Avenue Now?
If you walk by 1500 Collins today, don't expect to see the old signage. The property has transitioned through several hands. Most recently, it operated as AxelBeach Miami, an adults-only, LGBTQ-friendly hotel that leaned heavily into the "heterofriendly" concept pioneered by the Axel brand.
But even that chapter is shifting.
In early 2025, news broke that Keyah Real Estate Group and Grup Peralada (a family office from Barcelona) secured unanimous approvals to transform the site yet again. This isn't just a fresh coat of paint. They are planning a 262-key boutique hotel that will merge the historic Haddon Hall (the original name of The Hall) with new construction on Washington Avenue.
The 2026-2028 Outlook
- The Construction: Expect a lot of scaffolding. They are preserving the historic facade (thank god) but gutting the interiors to meet modern luxury standards.
- The Expansion: The project now includes 1509-1515 Washington Avenue.
- The Vibe: We don't know the new "flag" or operator yet, but the developers are aiming for "state-of-the-art architecture" mixed with sustainability.
Basically, the "bohemian playground" is evolving into something much more upscale.
Common Misconceptions About Staying at The Hall
People still try to book rooms at The Hall Miami Beach hotel through old travel blogs. Don't do that. You’ll likely end up redirected to a booking site for AxelBeach or, more likely, a "temporarily closed" notice as the new development moves forward.
Another big mistake? Thinking it’s right on the beach.
It’s not. It’s on Collins Avenue. You have to cross the street and walk past the beachfront hotels to get your toes in the sand. This was always the trade-off: you stayed at The Hall because the pool was better than the beach anyway, and the price point was way more reasonable than the 1-Hotel or the Setai.
Why This Specific Spot Matters
South Beach is full of "facadism." That’s the practice of keeping the front of a historic building and building a giant glass tower behind it. Preservationists hate it. Developers love it.
The Hall/Haddon Hall is one of the few spots that still feels like a sprawling campus. Most hotels in this area are skinny towers or narrow buildings. Having 1.4 acres in the heart of the Art Deco District is like owning a park in the middle of Manhattan. It’s rare.
That’s why every few years, a new investment group buys it and tries to "unlock the potential."
The L. Murray Dixon Legacy
Dixon’s design for this property wasn't just about looks. He focused on "Tropical Art Deco," which meant using natural ventilation, porthole windows, and smooth stucco to handle the Florida heat before central AC was a thing. Even as the interiors change, those bones remain.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Miami Trip
If you were a fan of the old Hall vibe and are bummed it’s currently a construction-evolution-zone, you’ve got options. You just have to know where to look.
1. Check the Current Status Before You Book
Before putting money down on any "1500 Collins" listing, verify the current operator. As of early 2026, the property is in a major transition phase. If a site is offering you a room for $150, read the fine print—you might be booking a room in a building that is undergoing heavy renovation.
2. Find the "Hall" Vibe Elsewhere
If you loved the Joie de Vivre style—vibrant, mid-range, and social—check out The Goodtime Hotel on Washington Ave. It’s got that same "adult playground" energy. Alternatively, the Freehand Miami offers that backyard-garden, social-heavy atmosphere that made the original Hall so popular.
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3. Respect the History
If you’re an architecture nerd, walk the perimeter. You can still see the original 1941 lines of the Haddon Hall. Even if you can't get a lobster roll at Sunny’s anymore, the building itself is a piece of Miami history that has survived hurricanes, the 80s crime wave, and the rise of the mega-resorts.
4. Watch for the New Flag
Keep an eye out for the announcement of the new hotel operator in late 2026. The developers have promised a "world-class" flag. Given the Barcelona connection (Grup Peralada), expect something with a European flair that might finally bring some stability to this legendary address.
The Hall is gone, but the spirit of the Haddon Hall is just getting started on its next life.