The Balfour, a storied Art Deco gem along Miami Beach’s Ocean Drive, has entered a new era as part of Morgans Originals, the lifestyle collection by Ennismore.
The reintroduction of the 82-room property includes a thoughtful design refresh, new culinary concepts, and a renewed connection to the surrounding South of Fifth neighborhood.
A revival that honors heritage
Opened in 1940 as the Lord Balfour Hotel and designed by Miami architect Anton Skislewicz, the hotel has long reflected the rhythm and soul of the city. Now reimagined by locally based Bigtime Design Studios in collaboration with Ennismore, the Balfour’s two Art Deco-style buildings—linked by a lush tropical courtyard—have been updated to honor their architectural roots while embracing modern luxury.
Preserved terrazzo floors, original brass elevator doors, and subtle Art Deco details provide historical texture throughout, balanced by updated materials and design elements that evoke a relaxed, residential feel.
The Balfour’s interiors
Guestrooms feature a blend of rich hardwood or herringbone flooring, midcentury-inspired furnishings, and custom artwork by Mike Willcox that nods to Miami’s romanticism and edge.
Room types range from serene classics to suites outfitted with marble-clad bathrooms, rain showers, and even built-in bunk beds in the junior suite.
The Balfour’s amenities comprise a plunge pool lined with original terracotta mosaics, a rooftop deck with panoramic city views, complimentary bicycles, and 2,000 square feet of flexible event space.
Culinary delights
F&B is central to the Balfour’s reinvention. Cleo, an Eastern Mediterranean concept, now spans nearly the entire ground floor, flowing from the building’s interiors to a wraparound terrace and lush courtyard. Balancing Deco details with warm, inviting textures, the space creates a social, transportive dining experience.
Set to open later this summer, SoFi Coffee will add a hyperlocal heartbeat to the mix. Crafted as a neighborhood gathering spot, the café features a matcha-hued palette, pink velvet banquettes, tropical wallpaper, and a sea green-tiled coffee counter, all anchored by a central community table beneath midcentury gold-accented lighting.
SoFi Coffee
Cleo terrace
Cleo main dining room
Rooftop terrace
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