You’ve probably seen the photos. Those white-oak interiors, the massive "living wall" of moss in the lobby, and the kind of rooftop pool that makes you feel like you’ve accidentally stumbled into a high-end fashion shoot. It’s easy to dismiss 1 Hotel South Beach as just another playground for the ultra-wealthy or a haven for influencers looking for the perfect backdrop. But honestly? There’s more going on under the surface than just clever branding and expensive linens.
Miami is loud. It’s neon, it’s traffic on Collins Avenue, and it’s a constant hum of bass from oceanfront clubs. Stepping into this hotel feels like someone finally hit the mute button. It’s weirdly quiet. The air smells like sandalwood and cedar—a scent they actually sell in the lobby shop because everyone asks about it—and the aesthetic is less "South Beach Glitz" and more "Sophisticated Driftwood."
What most people get wrong is thinking this place is just about "greenwashing." We’ve all been to hotels where they put a little card on the pillow asking you to reuse your towel to "save the planet" while they simultaneously pump toxic chemicals into the pool. 1 Hotel South Beach actually tries. They replaced the plastic room keys with recycled wood discs. There are no plastic water bottles; instead, you get a Triple Clear water filtration system in your room with real glassware. It sounds small. It’s not. When you scale that across 425 rooms, you’re talking about a massive reduction in landfill waste.
The Reality of Staying at 1 Hotel South Beach
Let’s talk about the space. This isn't some boutique hotel squeezed into a narrow Art Deco footprint. It’s massive. Occupying an entire city block at 23rd and Collins, the property sits on the site of the old Gansevoort and Perry hotels. Because it was a renovation of an existing structure rather than a ground-up build, the rooms are surprisingly large for Miami. Even the entry-level "King" rooms feel like suites compared to the cramped quarters you’ll find further south in the historic district.
The design was spearheaded by Meyer Davis, and they leaned hard into the "biophilic" concept. This isn't just a buzzword. Biophilic design is about connecting humans to nature to reduce stress. You see it in the reclaimed wood headboards made from trees felled during hurricanes and the organic cotton sheets. You feel it in the lack of harsh lighting. It’s moody in a way that actually makes you want to go to bed before 2 AM, which is a rare feat in this city.
The Pool Situation (And Why It Matters)
If you’re staying here, you’re likely here for the water. You have options. Most people gravitate toward the rooftop pool. It’s 18 stories up. It’s adults-only. The views of the Atlantic are unobstructed because, at this end of the beach, the buildings aren't tall enough to block the horizon.
But here’s a pro tip: the Center Pool is actually better for lounging. It’s bigger, more social, and closer to the actual beach. If you have kids, they’ll be at the Bamboo Pool. It’s separate enough that you don't feel like you’re trapped in a water park, which is a blessing.
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The beach club is another animal entirely. It’s called 1 Beach Club. They’ve got these massive daybeds and a Tulum-inspired outdoor restaurant called Wave. It’s expensive. A salad might run you $30, and a cocktail is pushing $25 after the mandatory 18% service charge that most Miami hotels tack on. Is it "fair"? Probably not. But the service is polished. You aren't waving your arms for twenty minutes trying to get a bottle of sparkling water.
Eating and Drinking Without Leaving the Property
Miami has a world-class food scene, but the 1 Hotel South Beach holds its own. Habitat is their main signature restaurant. It’s fine, but the real star is Watr at the 1 Rooftop. It’s Japanese-Peruvian fusion—think high-end sushi and ceviche. Eating a miso-marinated sea bass while looking out over the ocean at night is one of those "okay, I get why I paid for this" moments.
Then there’s the lobby bar, Drift. It’s built out of a massive piece of reclaimed wood. It’s the kind of place where you see tech founders having meetings or couples grabbing a quick drink before heading out to Joe’s Stone Crab.
- The Good: The food quality is consistently high. They source locally whenever possible.
- The Bad: It is eye-wateringly expensive. If you aren't prepared for a $150 breakfast for two, you’re going to have heart palpitations when the bill comes.
- The Alternative: Walk three blocks North. You’ll find local spots where a Cuban coffee and a sandwich cost a fraction of the price.
The Wellness Angle: Bamford and Anatomy
You can’t talk about this hotel without mentioning the gym. It’s not a "gym." It’s an Anatomy. This is a legendary Miami fitness brand founded by Marc Megna. It’s 14,000 square feet of state-of-the-art equipment. Most hotel gyms are a sad treadmill and a set of rusted dumbbells in a basement. This is a destination. People pay thousands for memberships just to use this facility.
The Bamford Wellness Spa is the counterpart. Carole Bamford is a pioneer in organic farming and luxury wellness in the UK. This was her first US spa. They use products that are actually clean—no parabens, no synthetic fragrances. If you’re into holistic health, this is the gold standard. Even if you aren't, a 60-minute massage here will ruin other hotel spas for you.
What People Don’t Tell You About the Location
The hotel is at 2341 Collins Avenue. This is technically "Mid-Beach" territory, or the very north end of South Beach.
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This matters for two reasons. First, the beach is wider and less crowded here than it is down by 5th Street. You have actual breathing room. Second, you are far enough away from the Ocean Drive madness that you don't have to deal with the noise and the tourist traps. However, you aren't so far that you can’t walk to Lincoln Road or the New World Center. It’s a sweet spot.
But be warned: traffic in Miami is a nightmare. If you’re trying to get to Wynwood or the Design District during rush hour, expect to sit in your Uber for 45 minutes. The hotel offers an electric Audi e-tron house car service for short drops (within a 3-mile radius), which is a massive perk if you can snag a time slot. It’s first-come, first-served.
The Controversy of "Sustainable Luxury"
Some critics argue that a luxury hotel can never truly be sustainable. They’re not entirely wrong. Running a massive air-conditioning system in the Florida humidity and laundering thousands of sheets daily uses a staggering amount of energy.
However, 1 Hotel South Beach is LEED Silver certified. They use a state-of-the-art HVAC system that adjusts based on occupancy. They compost food waste. They use low-flow plumbing. They even have a "Seedlings" program for kids that teaches them about nature instead of just sticking them in front of a movie. Is it a perfect ecological sanctuary? No. Is it lightyears ahead of the concrete towers next door? Absolutely.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
If you’re planning to book a stay, don't just click "reserve" on the first rate you see.
Timing is everything. If you go during Art Basel (December) or Winter Music Conference (March), you will pay triple the normal rate and the hotel will be at 100% capacity. It feels frantic. If you go in May or September, you can often find rates that are actually reasonable, and the staff has more time to actually look after you.
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Room selection matters. The "Oceanfront" rooms are spectacular, but the "City View" rooms still give you a glimpse of the Intracoastal and the Miami skyline. If you’re going to spend all your time at the pool anyway, save the $200 a night and go for the city view. Also, ask for a room on a higher floor. The lower floors can occasionally pick up noise from the beach clubs or the street.
The Valet situation. It’s expensive. Roughly $50-$70 a night depending on the season. If you don't need a car, don't bring one. Miami is very walkable, and Ubers are everywhere.
Sustainability in practice. Use the filtration system in the room. Don't buy plastic bottles outside and bring them in. Lean into the "Seedlings" program if you have kids—it’s actually educational and keeps them engaged with the environment.
Check the "Resort Fee." Like almost every major Miami resort, there is a daily fee (usually around $50). This covers the beach chairs, the gym access, and the house car. Factor this into your budget so you aren't surprised at checkout.
Staying at 1 Hotel South Beach is about choosing a specific vibe. It’s for people who want the Miami experience but have outgrown the neon-and-vodka-soda phase of their lives. It’s expensive, yes. It’s a bit "seen and be seen," yes. But the commitment to a more thoughtful way of traveling is real, and in a city built on artifice, that feels remarkably grounded.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Book Dining Early: Watr at the 1 Rooftop fills up weeks in advance for dinner. Secure a 7:30 PM slot to catch the sunset transition into city lights.
- Download the App: The hotel uses an app for everything from room service to requesting more towels. It’s faster than calling the front desk.
- Pack "Beach-Chic": The dress code is relaxed but expensive. Think linen sets, designer swimwear, and high-end sandals. You’ll feel out of place in a t-shirt and gym shorts at dinner.
- Visit the Fleet: Check the availability of the Audi e-tron house car the moment you know you want to head to Lincoln Road or a nearby restaurant to avoid the valet wait.