You’ve seen the photos. Those massive, white-oak-clad elevators. The reclaimed driftwood headboards that look like they were plucked straight from a high-end Pinterest board. If you're looking into 1 Hotel South Beach, you probably already know it’s the poster child for "biophilic design" in Miami. But honestly, staying there is a bit different than just looking at the Instagram feed. It is a massive, sprawling ecosystem of a hotel that sits on a prime 600-foot stretch of Atlantic shoreline, and it’s arguably the most ambitious sustainable luxury project in Florida.
It's expensive. Very expensive.
But here is the thing: it’s not just a hotel. It’s a statement. When Barry Sternlicht, the founder of Starwood Capital Group, launched the 1 Hotels brand, he wasn't just trying to build another place for people to sleep. He wanted to prove that luxury doesn't have to be "gold leaf and marble." Instead, he went for "moss and hemp." At the South Beach location—which occupies the renovated shell of what was once the Gansevoort and the Perry—this philosophy is pushed to its absolute limit.
What 1 Hotel South Beach Gets Right (And Where It Might Bug You)
Most hotels in Miami Beach feel like they’re trying too hard. They’re loud. They smell like heavy perfume. They have neon lights that give you a headache by 10 PM. 1 Hotel South Beach is the literal opposite. The second you walk in, you’re hit with their signature scent—it’s cedarwood and cardamom, and frankly, it’s addictive. The lobby is filled with actual living plants. Not plastic. Real, breathing greenery that requires a full-time staff of horticulturists to maintain.
The rooms are huge. By Miami standards, they are massive. Even the entry-level "King" rooms feel like small apartments because the building was originally designed with a residential footprint. You get triple-filtered water from the taps, which means you aren't stuck buying $12 plastic bottles from a minibar. They even give you a little chalkboard instead of a notepad by the bed. It's cute. It's sustainable. It’s also a little bit of a flex.
But let’s be real for a second.
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Because the property is so big—occupying an entire city block—it can feel a bit like a labyrinth. If you’re staying in the South Tower but want to go to the 1 Rooftop pool, you’re going to be doing some walking. And during peak season (Art Basel, we’re looking at you), the wait for the elevators can be a genuine test of your patience. It’s a busy place. If you want a tiny, intimate boutique experience where the doorman knows your dog’s middle name, this isn't it. This is a high-volume, high-energy luxury machine.
The Pool Situation is Tiered
You have choices here. Four of them, actually.
- The Center Pool: This is the heart of the resort. It’s 30,000 square feet. It’s where the families go. It’s where the action is.
- The Cabana Pool: A bit more chill, tucked away.
- The South Pool: Good for laps, usually quieter.
- The 1 Rooftop: This is the crown jewel. It’s adults-only. The views of the ocean are unobstructed.
The rooftop is where you see the "Miami" of the movies. It’s where people go to be seen. If you want a daybed there, you better be prepared to drop a significant minimum spend. Is it worth it? If the weather is clear and you have a cocktail in hand while the sun sets over the city skyline to the west, yeah, it’s hard to argue with.
Eating and Drinking: More Than Just Avocado Toast
You aren't going to go hungry here. The flagship restaurant, Habitat, does a solid job with Mexican-inspired seafood, but the real star for many is Watr at the 1 Rooftop. They do sushi and Poke bowls. Eating raw fish while sitting 18 stories above the ocean feels right.
Then there’s Bamford Wellness Spa. This is Carole Bamford’s first outpost in the States. It’s focused on "holistic" treatments. We aren't just talking about a quick back rub. We’re talking about Himalayan salt stone massages and treatments that use geranium and lavender oils. It’s expensive, but if you’ve spent the day walking the boardwalk, it’s a lifesaver.
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Interestingly, the hotel also houses a Spartan Gym. This isn't your typical hotel fitness center with two broken treadmills and a rusty dumbbell. It’s a legitimate training facility. They have ropes, turf, and classes. It fits the "wellness" brand perfectly, though most guests seem more interested in the poolside margaritas than the obstacle course training.
The "Green" Factor: Is It Legit?
People often roll their eyes at "eco-friendly" luxury. They think it's just a way to save money on washing towels. At 1 Hotel South Beach, they actually put their money where their mouth is.
- They use a state-of-the-art HVAC system that significantly cuts energy consumption.
- The hangers in your closet are made from 100% recycled paper.
- The "do not disturb" signs are actually stones painted with the word "now" or "not now."
- They have a fleet of electric Audi e-tron vehicles to shuttle guests within a certain radius.
It’s about "luxury with a conscience." Does a LEED-certified building make your bed softer? No. But does it make you feel slightly better about the carbon footprint of your Miami vacation? Probably.
The hotel also avoids single-use plastics. You won't find plastic straws or tiny plastic shampoo bottles. Everything is refillable, high-quality, and thoughtfully sourced. They even use reclaimed wood from trees felled during hurricanes for some of the furniture. That’s a cool story to tell when someone asks about your trip.
Navigating the South Beach Scene
Location-wise, you are at 2341 Collins Avenue. This is "North" South Beach. It’s great because you’re away from the chaotic, neon-drenched madness of Ocean Drive and 5th Street, but you’re still close enough to walk to Lincoln Road or the Bass Museum.
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The beach club is called 1 Beach Club. It’s bohemian. Think Tulum vibes in the middle of Miami. They have these giant, overstuffed cushions and macramé accents. It’s very relaxed. The service on the sand is generally excellent, though the "resort fee" you pay daily covers your chairs and towels. Don't forget that the resort fee is a standard Miami annoyance—usually around $50 per night—so factor that into your budget.
Practical Advice for Your Stay
If you’re actually going to book a room at 1 Hotel South Beach, do yourself a favor and get a room with a balcony. The "City View" rooms are fine, but facing the ocean and hearing the waves at 2 AM is the whole reason you come here.
Also, download the 1 Guide app. You can use it to control the lights, order room service, and even chat with the concierge. It’s actually functional, unlike many hotel apps that just crash the moment you try to use them.
Traffic on Collins Avenue is a nightmare. Always. If you have a dinner reservation at 8 PM in the Design District, leave by 7:15 PM. The valet at the 1 is efficient, but they can't magically teleport your car through the gridlock of a Friday night in South Beach.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
To make the most of your time at this specific property, follow these steps:
- Request a room on a higher floor. The lower-level rooms near the pools can get noisy during the day if there’s a DJ set or a private event.
- Book your spa and dining reservations at least two weeks out. Even as a hotel guest, you aren't guaranteed a table at Watr on a Saturday night.
- Use the house car. The electric Audi service is complimentary within a 3-mile radius. It beats paying for an Uber to go to Joe's Stone Crab.
- Check the "Seedlings" program if you have kids. They have one of the better kids' clubs in the area, focusing on nature-based activities rather than just sticking them in front of a screen.
- Look for the "farm stand" in the lobby. They often have fresh, local fruit available for guests to grab on their way out. It’s a small touch, but it’s part of that "home" feel they strive for.
Staying at 1 Hotel South Beach is an experience in sensory overload—in a good way. It’s beautiful, it’s intentional, and it’s unapologetically high-end. It isn't perfect, and it isn't cheap, but it is undeniably one of the most unique hospitality experiences in North America right now.