If you’ve ever walked down Collins Avenue, you know the vibe. It’s loud. It’s flashy. It’s a sensory overload of neon lights, expensive engines revving, and the faint scent of salt air mixed with high-end cologne. But right there, at the intersection of 17th Street and Collins, things change. 1700 Collins Ave Miami Beach isn't just a coordinate on a map; it's the home of the SLS South Beach, and honestly, it’s one of the few spots that actually lives up to the hype of the "Miami lifestyle" without feeling like a cheap tourist trap.
South Beach is a weird place. You have these massive, towering hotels that feel like cold glass boxes, and then you have the Art Deco classics that are beautiful but sometimes—let's be real—a little cramped. 1700 Collins Ave hits that sweet spot. It’s where the Philippe Starck design language meets the relentless energy of a pool party that never seems to end.
Most people see the address and think "luxury hotel." Sure. But it's more of a cultural landmark for the area. This specific block represents the shift of Miami Beach from a retired playground to a global nightlife powerhouse. When you stand in front of that white facade, you’re standing at the gateway to the "New South Beach."
The Architecture of 1700 Collins Ave Miami Beach
What most people get wrong about this building is assuming it’s just another modern renovation. It isn't. The site was originally the Sagamore and the Ritz Plaza, which was built back in 1939. That’s why it has those sleek, aerodynamic lines. It’s classic Art Deco. Architect L. Murray Dixon was the mind behind the original Ritz Plaza, and if you know anything about Miami history, Dixon is basically a god. He defined the skyline.
When the SLS took over 1700 Collins Ave Miami Beach, they didn't tear it down. They did something much weirder and cooler. They brought in Philippe Starck to handle the interiors and Lenny Kravitz—yes, that Lenny Kravitz—to design some of the suites. It’s a bizarre mix. You’ve got the 1930s bones of the building clashing with surrealist furniture, oversized lamps, and a giant silver duck by the pool.
It works though. It really works.
The lobby feels like a fever dream. It’s narrow and dark, which is a massive departure from the airy, bright lobbies you see at the 1 Hotels or the Edition further up the beach. It’s intentional. It feels exclusive. It feels like you’re entering a private club rather than a Marriott. This address has become synonymous with a specific brand of "disruptive luxury" that doesn't care about being traditional.
✨ Don't miss: Hotel Gigi San Diego: Why This New Gaslamp Spot Is Actually Different
The Pool Scene and the Infamous Duck
You can't talk about 1700 Collins Ave Miami Beach without talking about Hyde Beach. This is the pool club located at the back of the property. If you hate loud music and crowds, stay away. Seriously. But if you want to understand why people spend $5,000 on bottle service at 2:00 PM on a Tuesday, this is where you go.
The 10-foot tall silver rubber duck sitting by the pool has become a weirdly iconic landmark. People take more photos with that duck than they do with the actual ocean two hundred feet away. It’s ridiculous, but it captures the spirit of the place. It’s playful. It’s expensive. It’s totally unnecessary.
Dining at the Most Famous Corner in SoBe
If you’re not staying at the hotel, you’re probably at 1700 Collins Ave Miami Beach for the food. Specifically, The Bazaar by José Andrés.
Listen, Miami has a lot of "celebrity chef" restaurants that are frankly disappointing. They rely on the name and forget the flavor. But José Andrés is different. The Bazaar is a masterclass in Spanish-Japanese fusion. You’re eating things like "Dragon Fruit Ceviche" and "Liquid Olives." It sounds pretentious. It sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie. But the first time you try that liquid olive—which is essentially an explosion of pure olive essence using molecular gastronomy—you get it.
The dining room itself is divided into two vibes. One side is the "Blanca" room, which is all white, airy, and very "Old World Europe." The other side is the "Rojo" room—dark, red, and moody. It’s this constant duality. This address thrives on the tension between different styles.
Then there’s Katsuya. If you want sushi in South Beach, you have a hundred options. But Katsuya at 1700 Collins Ave is a staple for a reason. The Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna is legendary. People try to copy it everywhere, but the texture here is just different. It’s the kind of place where you might see a Heat player at the next table, but nobody makes a scene because everyone is too busy looking at the decor.
🔗 Read more: Wingate by Wyndham Columbia: What Most People Get Wrong
Why the Location Actually Matters
Location is everything in real estate, but at 1700 Collins Ave Miami Beach, it’s about more than just proximity to the sand. You are exactly at the pivot point of the city.
- Walkability: You can walk two blocks west and hit Lincoln Road for shopping.
- The Beach: You have direct beach access through the back of the property.
- Nightlife: You’re a short Uber from LIV or E11EVEN, but you’re also right next to the New World Center if you want something high-brow like the symphony.
It’s the "Goldilocks Zone." You aren't tucked away in the quiet residential North Beach, and you aren't stuck in the chaotic, slightly-too-touristy mess of Ocean Drive. 1700 Collins is the sophisticated older brother of the party scene.
The Kravitz Touch
A lot of people don't realize that Lenny Kravitz has a design firm, Kravitz Design Inc. He took over the penthouse and several villas at 1700 Collins Ave Miami Beach. The vibe is "rock star bungalow." Think warm woods, textured wallpapers, and a lot of soul. It’s a sharp contrast to the cold minimalism that was popular in Miami for so long. It makes the rooms feel lived-in, even though they cost a fortune per night.
The villas are particularly interesting. They sit separate from the main tower and feel like a private compound. In a city where privacy is a myth, these little pockets of space are the ultimate luxury.
The Reality of Staying Here
Let's be honest for a second. Staying at 1700 Collins Ave Miami Beach isn't for everyone. If you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing family vacation where you can read a book by the pool in peace, you will probably be annoyed here. The music is loud. The people are dressed to be seen. The elevators are small and sometimes slow because the building is historic.
But that’s the trade-off. You are paying for the energy. You are paying to be at the center of the world for a weekend.
💡 You might also like: Finding Your Way: The Sky Harbor Airport Map Terminal 3 Breakdown
The service is surprisingly sharp. Usually, at these "cool" hotels, the staff can be a bit dismissive if you aren't a TikTok star. But the team at the SLS generally keeps it professional. They know how to handle the chaos of a Saturday afternoon at Hyde Beach while still making sure the guest in room 402 gets their extra pillows.
Insights for Your Visit to 1700 Collins Ave
If you're planning to head to 1700 Collins Ave Miami Beach, there are a few "pro tips" that actually matter. Don't just show up and hope for the best.
First, if you want to eat at The Bazaar, book it weeks in advance. Seriously. Even on a Tuesday, it fills up. And don't just order a steak—go for the tapas. The whole point is to try 10 different things that sound like they shouldn't work together.
Second, if you’re a guest, use the beach club early. The chairs fill up by 11:00 AM. The beach service is great, and they’ll bring you a coconut with a straw, which is basically the mandatory photo-op for anyone visiting Miami.
Third, acknowledge the history. Take a second to look at the facade from across the street. Notice the symmetry. Look at the way the "Ritz Plaza" sign still echoes the building's past. It’s a piece of history that has been successfully modernized without losing its soul, which is a rare feat in a city that loves to tear things down and start over.
Actionable Steps for the Miami Traveler
To get the most out of this specific corner of South Beach, follow this logic:
- Check the Event Calendar: Before booking or visiting, check if there’s a major event at Hyde Beach. During Art Basel or Winter Music Conference, 1700 Collins Ave becomes the epicenter. If you want the party, go then. If you want to actually breathe, pick a different week.
- Valet is a Nightmare: Like everywhere in SoBe, parking is brutal. If you aren't staying there, use a ride-share. If you are staying there, prepare for the valet fee—it’s steep, usually around $50-$60 a night.
- Explore the "Hidden" Spots: The bar in the back of the lobby is one of the best places for a pre-dinner cocktail. It’s dark, moody, and feels worlds away from the bright sun outside.
- Walk the Boardwalk: Directly behind 1700 Collins Ave is the Miami Beach Boardwalk. It’s been recently renovated and is perfect for a morning run or a sunset walk. It connects you to the entire coastline without having to deal with the traffic on Collins.
1700 Collins Ave Miami Beach is more than just a luxury hotel. It’s a testament to how Miami can honor its Art Deco roots while embracing the neon-soaked, high-energy future. Whether you’re there for the sushi, the silver duck, or a bed designed by a rock star, you’re experiencing the quintessential South Beach. It’s chaotic, it’s expensive, and it’s absolutely worth it.