You’ve probably seen the photos. The reclaimed wood, the white linens, and that massive rooftop pool that seems to melt right into the Atlantic. But honestly, Miami is full of pretty hotels that cost way too much. People usually walk into 1 Hotel South Beach Miami expecting just another "eco-chic" gimmick where they charge you $20 for avocado toast and call it sustainability.
It’s different.
I’ve spent enough time in South Beach to know that most "luxury" spots are just loud, gold-plated boxes where the service is as cold as the AC. But the 1 Hotel manages to feel like a giant, expensive hug. It occupies an entire city block on Collins Avenue—specifically at 2341 Collins Ave—taking over what used to be the old Gansevoort. It’s huge. We're talking 425 rooms and a footprint that makes other beachfront properties look like boutiques.
The sustainability thing isn't just for show
Most hotels "go green" by putting a tiny card on your pillow asking you to reuse your towels. It’s lazy. At 1 Hotel South Beach Miami, they went all in. The first thing you notice when you walk into the lobby isn't a crystal chandelier; it's a massive wall of living moss. It smells like a forest, not bleach.
They used beetle-killed pine for the headboards. They replaced plastic key cards with little rounds of recycled wood. Even the hangers in the closet are made from molded paper. It sounds like it might feel cheap, but it actually feels sophisticated.
There's a specific logic here. Barry Sternlicht, the guy who started Starwood and then launched 1 Hotels, basically bet that people wanted luxury without the guilt. He was right. The triple-clear water filters in every room mean you aren't burning through plastic bottles, and the "Seedlings" program for kids actually teaches them about nature instead of just sticking them in front of a Disney movie.
What the rooms are actually like
Space is a premium in Miami. If you stay at some of the historic Art Deco spots on Ocean Drive, you’re basically sleeping in a closet. At the 1, even the "standard" rooms feel airy.
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The design is heavy on neutral tones. Think sands, driftwood, and crisp whites. It’s very "organic modern." You get hemp-blend mattresses and organic cotton sheets. Is it comfortable? Yes. Is it better than a standard Marriott mattress? Absolutely. You actually wake up feeling like you’re on vacation rather than just recovering from a flight.
The bathrooms are massive. They use Carrera marble and walk-in showers that could fit a small family. They provide full-sized Bamford Hayhay products—no tiny bottles here—which is a nice touch that feels more like a spa than a hotel room.
The rooftop situation and the "Cool" factor
Let's talk about the rooftop. It’s on the 18th floor and it’s adults-only. This is the crown jewel of the property. While the main pool downstairs is great for families and has those big, comfy cabanas, the rooftop is where you go to actually see Miami.
The views of the ocean are unobstructed. It’s one of the few places in South Beach where you can see the sunset over the city and the sunrise over the water if you're dedicated enough. The bar up there, Watr, does Japanese-influenced seafood. The spicy tuna crunch roll is legitimately good, which is rare for pool food.
But here is the catch: it gets crowded. If you aren't a guest, getting up there is a mission. Even if you are a guest, on a Saturday afternoon in March, you better be down there early if you want a chair.
Eating your way through the property
You don't really have to leave the hotel to eat well, which is both a blessing and a curse for your wallet.
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- Habitat: This is the main restaurant. It’s open and bright. The breakfast buffet is legendary but pricey. They do a lot of wood-fired stuff.
- The Sandbox: Casual poolside tacos and burgers.
- Plnthouse: This is near the gym. It’s the "I just worked out and now I need a green juice" spot. It’s remarkably good for being so healthy.
- STK: If you want that classic, loud, Miami steakhouse vibe, it’s right there on the ground floor.
One thing people get wrong is thinking they have to eat every meal on-site. You’re on 23rd and Collins. You can walk three blocks and find a dozen different spots that won't cost you $150 for lunch.
The Bamford Wellness Spa and fitness
The gym here is not a "hotel gym." It’s an Anatomy gym. For those who don't know, Anatomy is a big deal in the fitness world. It’s 14,000 square feet of high-end equipment, personal trainers who look like Greek gods, and enough squat racks to satisfy a pro athlete.
The Bamford Wellness Spa is the other side of that coin. It’s the first one in the US from Carole Bamford. They do these "holistic" treatments that focus on the connection between the mind and the body. Does it work? Who knows. But getting a massage with organic oils in a room that smells like geranium and lavender is a top-tier experience regardless of the science.
Dealing with the Miami "Tax"
Let's be real: this place is expensive. Between the room rate, the resort fee (which covers things like the Tesla house car service and beach chairs), and the inevitable 20% service charge added to every drink, you are going to spend money.
The house car is a perk people often overlook. They have a fleet of electric Teslas that will drop you off anywhere within a 2-mile radius. In a city where Ubers are a nightmare and parking is $50 a day, this is a massive value add. Use it.
Why people keep coming back
Despite the price tag, the 1 Hotel South Beach Miami has one of the highest repeat-guest rates in the city. Why? Because it’s consistent. Miami service is notoriously hit-or-miss. You can pay $1,000 a night at some places and still get ignored by the concierge.
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At the 1, the staff generally seems like they actually want to be there. They call it "the 1 Way." It’s a culture of being "mindful." Whether you buy into the philosophy or not, it results in a staff that is attentive without being stuffy.
How to actually do 1 Hotel South Beach right
If you’re planning a trip, don't just book the first room you see on a travel site.
First, look at the "Homes." These are the condo-style units. If you’re traveling with a group or family, they have full kitchens and way more living space. Often, the price difference isn't that much when you split it between four people.
Second, time your visit. Miami in February is perfect weather, but you’ll pay triple. If you can handle the humidity, October and early November offer a sweet spot where the hotel is quieter, the rates drop, and you can actually get a front-row cabana without fighting for it.
Third, don't ignore the "Field Guide." It’s an app they have that lets you control the room, order food, and see what's happening at the hotel. It’s actually functional, unlike most hotel apps.
The verdict on the "Eco" claims
Is it 100% sustainable? No. It’s a massive luxury hotel that uses a lot of electricity and water. But compared to its neighbors, it’s lightyears ahead. They divert a huge amount of waste from landfills, they don't use single-use plastics, and they partner with local organizations like the Everglades Foundation.
It’s about making a better choice, not a perfect one.
Actionable steps for your stay
- Skip the rental car. Between the Tesla house car and the fact that the hotel is walkable to Lincoln Road and the Bass Museum, a car is just a $50-a-night liability.
- Request a room on a higher floor. The lower-level rooms facing the street can get some noise from Collins Avenue. The higher you go, the better the ocean breeze and the quieter the night.
- Book spa treatments in advance. The Bamford Spa is small for a hotel this size and fills up weeks before peak dates.
- Use the "1 Guide" for beach setup. You can let them know you’re heading down to the sand before you even leave your room, and they’ll try to have your chairs ready.
- Explore the "Seedlings" program if you have kids. It’s located on the lobby level and is genuinely one of the better-curated kids' clubs in Florida, focusing on nature walks and shell hunting rather than just iPads.
You go to the 1 Hotel South Beach Miami because you want the energy of South Beach without the neon-soaked chaos of Ocean Drive. It’s a sanctuary that happens to be in the middle of a party. Just bring your sunscreen and a healthy credit card limit.