Art Deco Meets Andalusia

The Esmé Miami Beach Hotel Is Rich With History And Charm

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Stepping into the Esmé Miami Beach Hotel feels like entering the frame of a Wes Anderson film.

The property’s meticulous attention to detail, vibrant color palette and iconic design radiate the same quirky, nostalgic charm that defines Anderson’s work. Yet beyond its cinematic allure, this Spanish-Mediterranean Revival gem has a rich history dating back to 1927. The eight-building property on the cornerstone of the iconic pedestrian plaza Española Way was originally developed as a bohemian artists’ colony called the Spanish Village. It became a playground for celebrities like Lucille Ball and her husband, Desi Arnaz, who would regularly perform there. (Fun fact: After World War II, Española Way was known as the Rhumba Capital of the World.) Colorful characters like Al Capone are said to have run a gambling den out of what is now Esmé’s Casa Matanza building.

The Esmé Miami Beach Hotel, which opened its doors in November 2021, is a part of the $40 million, five-year renovation aimed at recreating the Spanish Village’s original flair by blending Spanish-Mediterranean architecture with South Beach style.

Enhancing the experience, each of the eight buildings is linked by Spanish-style paseos winding through narrow alleys that make you momentarily forget you are in South Florida and feel as if you’ve been transported to a quaint village in Spain.

Along the way you’ll find hotspots like the Bamboo Room by Trader Vic’s, Sushi Bar (for those craving an intimate omakase experience) and The Drexel for exceptional Mediterranean fare.

The hotel brims with personality, blending whimsy with modern and classic touches. Visitors are welcomed into a stylish lobby adorned with plush cranberry-colored carpets that complement murals of the same hue, each featuring astronomical themes. Dark mahogany ceilings and window frames add a touch of timeless elegance, while lush plants and bright ceramic-tiled benches with pinstriped cushions inject a playful vibe. An Art Deco aesthetic paying homage to the 1920s weaves through the property, with rooms dressed in deep green tones and pink and gold accents.

There are 145 guest rooms, and whether you opt for a Superior King room featuring a warm palette of rosy pink and emerald green; a Louise Suite with peach hues, a private balcony and a separate bedroom and living room or the Capone Suite offering a private balcony overlooking Española Way, all are outfitted with luxe amenities that include a plush robe, organic bath products from Grown Alchemist and an espresso machine. Adding a touch of nostalgia, the telephone in each room is designed to look like an old-style rotary phone.

The Roof at the Esmé Miami Beach Hotel spans four interconnected rooftops, creating the ultimate outdoor retreat. Guests can unwind on cabana chairs, take a refreshing dip in the plunge pool or enjoy a cocktail at the bar. Classic poolside fare is served for lunch and dinner adding to the laid-back mood. As the sun sets, the space transforms into a vibrant lounge with live DJs, making it a favorite gathering spot for those craving a sangria and a lively night out.

For those craving a nightcap, Bamboo Room by Trader Vic’s — the latest addition to the property — embraces tiki cocktail culture with exotic drinks like El Polinesio and Hinky Dinks, a twist on the original mai tai.

Staying true to the Spanish ambience, Tropezón is an Andalusian-style gin and tapas experience featuring house-infused gin cocktails and traditional Spanish bites such as 12-month aged Manchego cheese, gambas al ajillo (shrimp in garlic sauce) and paella.

For dinner, don’t miss the property’s signature restaurant, The Drexel. Created by the masterminds behind Mandolin Aegean Bistro ­— a longtime Miami favorite — The Drexel is a warm and inviting eatery led by talented Chef Nano Crespo. If the weather is cooperating, grab a spot outside and enjoy a creative menu of Mediterranean dishes. Tempting starters include Fried Cauliflower with tahini yogurt and preserved lemon; Gigande Bean Dip with house whole wheat pita and crudité and Crab Cakes Frisée with pea tendrils and remoulade. The menu also features pizzas and homemade pastas such as Smoked Guanciale Pizza with Castelvetrano olives, Pecorino and chile pepper; Margherita Pizza with fior di latte, tomato and basil; Gnocchi with Italian sausage and porcini mushroom and Spaghetti Limone cacio e pepe.

Be sure to ask for the daily specials — during my visit, they served a Zucchini White Pizza with basil and mint that was absolutely divine. Whether you stop there or indulge further with mains like Lamb Chops with tzatziki and cucumber salad or Wild Prawns with fresh herbs and lemon, one thing is certain: you must order the Chocolate Soufflé early. It takes about 25 minutes to prepare, but it’s the perfect decadent finale to an unforgettable meal.

The Esmé Miami Beach Hotel is a seamless blend of past and present. With its stunning architecture, stylish design and memorable food and beverage options, it’s no surprise that the hotel was awarded the prestigious Michelin Key last April by the makers of the Michelin Guide. To earn this distinction, a hotel must excel in five categories: architecture and interior design, quality and consistency of service, overall personality and character, value for the price and a significant contribution to the guest experience in a particular setting. After experiencing everything the Esmé Miami Beach Hotel has to offer, it’s easy to see how it earned such a rare distinction — and why it stands out as truly one of a kind. 

The Esmé Miami Beach Hotel is located at 1438 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. For more information, call 305-809-8050 or visit esmehotel.com.