Upon entering the “Lord Balfour Hotel” in Miami’s South Beach, the doors immediately swing open as if held by a dashing invisible butler. This little touch immediately sets the tone. This place is cool, really cool. And everything from the moment you enter until the doors sweep out for you when you exit is meant to entertain you, letting you enjoy being away in Miami Beach, one of the most beautiful places in the world.
The lobby could be considered small by some standards, but they certainly make a great use of the space. This is a landmark building after all and the contemporary furnishings look make it look modern and refreshing. At reception you spot the long lobby bar with a great cocktail menu. Hmmm, maybe a cocktail after check-in? The front desk sits below a cascading scroll embossed with illuminated quotes from Lord Balfour himself, an interesting choice for decoration. One quickly learns that all of the design flourishes at the property mimic this same individualistic and modernist spirit. A closer inspection beside the bar reveals tons of plaster hands jutting out from the wall in varying positions, some holding things, others simply reaching out, palm up. What does it all mean?
Located on trendy Ocean Drive, there’s a plethora of things to do close by. But perhaps one of the most attractive things about the hotel is that its location is close to the action but not in it. Who really wants to spend their time surrounded by the spring break crowd sipping giant drinks? Being able to remove oneself from the madness and find a haven is far more ideal.
A vibrant carpet leads me like a yellow brick road down the hall to my room. Clearly, the hotel has taken the importance of design into every aspect of the interior. Even the hallways are inviting and calming, the room numbers etched on mirrors, another interesting touch. Accommodations are minimal and chic with a large portrait of a tattooed woman decorating one wall, a bold statement by photographer Justice Howard. Her face fills the room with color and gives the space a vibrancy that pulsates with the rhythm of Miami Beach.
In the shower another plaster hand offers a wash cloth and soap. I stare at it then imagine it waving at me and burst into laughter. I can hardly remember the last time I had so much fun exploring a hotel room. Why should a hotel be boring anyway? More hotels should have plaster hands and tattooed ladies watching you sleep.
In the morning grab your complimentary breakfast and sit outside in the lush interior courtyard enlivened by a large colorful mural. Then grab a beach towel at the front desk and head across the street to the beach. You can be a beach bum all day just lounging in the sun; Miami has that affect on people. Down the shoreline in the distance, watch raucous groups in the water near Ocean Drive playing water tag. A short walk puts you right in the center of the action. Or maybe just sit and watch today. In the evening the hotel’s exterior light show is a fabulous backdrop for photo opps but definitely stop for a handcrafted cocktail on your way out for the night.
The Lord Balfour goes above and beyond to make sure everything about your stay is comfortable and pleasant and it’s unlike most South Beach hotels. It’s cool but not calculated, more organic. Its sense of humor and naive charm will make you want to stay longer and who knows? Maybe you’ll even consider installing a plaster hand in your own shower. Why not?
Lord Balfour
350 Ocean Drive|
Miami Beach, Fl. 33139
800-949-4075