Hendra Ismail
The Delano hotel, a name synonymous with iconic design and trendsetting hospitality, is embarking on a significant new chapter. Originally conceived by architect Robert Swartburg and completed in 1947, the Art Deco landmark in Miami Beach was more than just a hotel; it was a catalyst for South Beach’s post-World War II resurgence. However, it was the transformative 1995 reinvention by hotelier Ian Schrager and French architect and designer Philippe Starck that cemented the Delano’s status as a pioneer of the burgeoning "lifestyle hospitality" concept, redefining the urban resort experience. After a period of extensive renovation, which commenced in 2020, the Delano, now a prominent part of Ennismore’s expansive portfolio under Accor, is poised to unveil its latest evolution this spring. This revitalization is underpinned by a strategic partnership established in 2024 between Ennismore and Cain International, with Cain acquiring a significant stake in the Delano brand, signaling a clear trajectory for its ambitious global expansion. While the rebirth of the Delano Miami Beach marks a pivotal moment, the brand’s narrative has already expanded significantly with thriving Delano properties in Paris and Dubai, underscoring a journey that extends far beyond its Miami origins.
The Genesis of an Icon: From Post-War Boom to Lifestyle Revolution
The mid-20th century saw Miami Beach emerge as a glamorous destination, and the Delano, named in honor of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, quickly became a beacon of this era. Its elegant Art Deco architecture embodied the optimism and sophistication of the post-war period. Yet, by the late 1980s and early 1990s, South Beach had undergone a significant transformation, grappling with urban decay and a perception of being a less-than-desirable locale. At this juncture, the notion of establishing a 5-Star luxury destination on Collins Avenue, a street now dotted with globally recognized brands like Rosewood and Bulgari, seemed audacious.
It was within this challenging landscape that Ian Schrager and Philippe Starck embarked on their “super bold and disruptive” mission to reimagine the Delano. As Mark Eacott, Ennismore’s global head of design, aptly stated, “It’s amazing how one iconic property can move a city.” Their vision was not merely to renovate a hotel but to curate an experience, a concept that would later define the lifestyle hospitality sector. Starck’s design, famously inspired by Lewis Carroll’s "Alice in Wonderland," injected an element of whimsical fantasy into the hotel’s DNA. This enchanting aesthetic, coupled with meticulously designed spaces for both daytime relaxation around the iconic pool and late-night revelry at the exclusive Rose Bar, created an irresistible allure.
The transformed Delano rapidly became a magnet for the elite – Hollywood stars, renowned musicians, and influential figures flocked to its exclusive enclaves. However, Schrager and Starck’s genius lay in their ability to imbue every guest with a sense of privilege. Eacott recalls, “Any visitor who slipped through the entrance, hidden away from the street behind tall hedges, ‘felt privileged to be inside.’ Schrager and Starck were breaking rules they didn’t know existed. The atmosphere was so electric.” This unique ambiance, a radical departure from the prevailing hotel offerings in Miami Beach, cultivated an intoxicating mood that Ennismore remains committed to preserving and propagating across the entire Delano brand. The emphasis, as Eacott clarifies, is not solely on aesthetics but on the profound emotional impact the environment has on its guests.
A Global Expansion: Contemporary Interpretations of a Timeless Brand
While the Delano Miami Beach underwent its significant renovation, Ennismore strategically expanded the brand’s global footprint. The year 2023 witnessed the unveiling of Maison Delano in Paris. Housed within an elegant 18th-century mansion situated off the prestigious Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, this 56-room boutique hotel, designed by Barcelona and Madrid-based Lázaro Rosa Violán, features interiors rich with marble fireplaces, dark wood furnishings, and plush green velvet accents, exuding a sophisticated Parisian charm.
Subsequently, in 2024, the 251-key Delano Dubai made its grand debut within the dynamic Bluewaters Dubai development. The architectural and interior design was a collaborative effort, involving the Athens, Greece-based firm Elastic Architects, alongside local entities La Bottega and SA Consultants, and Y Design. This property contrasts sun-drenched public spaces with guestrooms finished in warm white oak flooring and accented by expansive fluted headboards. A particular highlight is the opulent five-bedroom penthouse spanning the seventh floor, designed by the local studio La Bottega, which boasts a custom-carved Calacatta Borghini marble bathtub, a testament to the brand’s commitment to bespoke luxury.
Both the Paris and Dubai properties skillfully preserve the indelible legacy of the Delano Miami Beach. However, they artfully capture the distinct spirit of their respective locales, offering experiences that are both refreshingly contemporary and elegantly refined, tailored for a discerning, modern global traveler. Ben Pundole, chief brand officer of Delano Hotels, articulates this philosophy: “There are design parameters, but we want designers to interpret their version of Delano, too.” This approach ensures that each Delano property resonates with its unique setting while upholding the core brand values.
The Miami Flagship Reimagined: Honoring Heritage, Embracing Evolution
The comprehensive reboot of the 171-room Delano Miami Beach flagship represents a meticulous balancing act between preserving its historic essence and integrating modern sensibilities. Ennismore’s in-house design team, in conjunction with Elastic Architects, collaborated closely with the Miami Design Preservation League. This partnership was instrumental in ensuring the renovation remained deeply faithful to Robert Swartburg’s original vision, even as it acknowledged and respectfully integrated elements from Schrager and Starck’s iconic redesign.
Upon entering the reimagined lobby, guests are greeted by the restoration of the slender hexagonal columns and a mezzanine bridge that once again offers panoramic views of the pool and gardens. The architectural integrity of the original design is further celebrated through the elegant resurgence of vertical paint bands and the intricate geometric patterns of the terrazzo flooring.
Certain signature elements from Philippe Starck’s tenure have also been thoughtfully reinterpreted. The playful metal “an apple a day” holders have been replaced by more sculptural vessels shaped like the fruit, subtly referencing the original whimsy. While the guestrooms retain their minimalist aesthetic, they now exude a warmer, more inviting atmosphere, enhanced by soft, cocooning furnishings. The legendary shallow pool ledge, which once encouraged social interaction on submerged furniture, remains a cherished feature, a testament to the hotel’s enduring appeal. Eacott reflects on this continuity: “You could walk across the pool with a drink, and it wouldn’t spill. There was this idea that you could sit and socialize. It’s nice to know how these stories root back and that we’re pulling them forward today.”
The Delano’s audacious design DNA remains palpable, yet the integration of subtle pops of color and tactile materials signifies a graceful evolution. Eacott emphasizes the brand’s refined approach: “We spend a lot of time editing and perfecting. It isn’t about bells and whistles; it’s about having the confidence to strip it back. There’s a lot of delicacy coming through with patterns, but it still has to have that surreal, magical element.” This commitment to curated design ensures that the Delano continues to evoke its signature blend of the surreal and the magical.
Cultivating Community and Experience: The Modern Delano Ethos
Buzz and curated experiences have always been central to the Delano’s identity. The revived Rose Bar, now a distinct Delano sub-brand, continues to be a vibrant social hub. In Miami, this is further amplified by the arrival of Gigi Rigolatto, a high-end Italian restaurant conceptualized by Parisian designer Hugo Toro, and Mimi Kakushi, a celebrated Dubai hotspot reimagined by London studio Pirajean Lees as an ode to Osaka, located on the fourth-floor Delano Members Club. This club represents a new venture for the hotel, aiming to foster a more exclusive and integrated community for its patrons.
However, reflecting a significant cultural shift, the new Delano Miami Beach is also embracing the burgeoning wellness movement. As Pundole observes, “The wellness movement is not going anywhere as people choose to live differently.” In response, the hotel has introduced Source by Delano, a dedicated sanctuary featuring a spacious social sauna designed for sound healing and scent meditation. This wellness offering extends beyond passive relaxation, incorporating restorative and rejuvenating therapies, while also encouraging active engagement through activities like rollerblading clubs and beach boxing sessions, blending wellness with playful enjoyment.
Art is another foundational pillar of the contemporary Delano Miami experience. The hotel showcases an extensive and diverse collection of paintings, photographs, and sculptures by a wide array of artists. Pundole highlights the curation strategy: “Some are unrepresented, some are mid-career, some are well-known, but they all have a connection to Miami.” This commitment to local and relevant artistic expression is intended to be a hallmark of all future Delano properties, grounding each hotel in its unique sense of place. “This is what gives a hotel their soul,” Pundole asserts. “For me, it’s a given we have great design and food and beverage, but our membership program as well as our art and wellness are being pushed to the forefront of the Delano philosophy.”
Charting the Future: Delano’s Global Trajectory
The Delano brand is demonstrably on an ambitious growth trajectory. Later this year, the 67-room Delano London is set to open, taking over the former Baglioni Hotel in South Kensington. Designed by local practice Archer Humphryes Architects, this property retains a key Delano hallmark: a welcoming fireplace. However, Eacott notes a distinct atmospheric difference from its Miami counterpart: “It feels different from Miami. It’s cozy.” The interiors are further enhanced by rippled walls designed to mimic curtains, adding a layer of tactile sophistication.
The brand’s expansion continues with significant projects in the pipeline. Delano SoHo New York, a 390-key development, will see New York firm Stonehill Taylor lead the overhaul of The Dominick. Further international expansion includes planned properties in Puglia, Italy, Marrakech, and Istanbul, with designs contributed by Valari Studio (Lecce, Italy), Elastic Architects, and Arketipo Design (Istanbul), respectively.
In a significant move into the residential sector, Ennismore, in partnership with PMG, has also launched a 90-story, 421-unit development in downtown Miami. This supertall building, designed by Montevideo, Uruguay-based architect Carlos Ott, North Andover, Massachusetts-based CUBE 3, and New York design firm Meyer Davis, features resort-style amenities, including a cantilevered glass deck on its observation floor.
New additions to the Delano Miami Beach further enhance its vibrant atmosphere. The introduction of Café Delano, a Milanese-style coffee shop and another Delano sub-brand, alongside the Nothing Finer shop, which derives its name from a vintage sign that once adorned the hotel, injects a sense of new possibilities into the property. Yet, iconic elements such as the poolside bungalows, coveted cabanas, and flowing fabrics serve as potent reminders of a pivotal moment in hospitality history. As Eacott aptly concludes, “Everyone of a certain age has a memory of what it felt like walking into that lobby.” This enduring emotional resonance, coupled with a strategic global expansion and a commitment to evolving guest experiences, positions Delano to remain a preeminent force in the world of luxury hospitality for decades to come.
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