W South Beach in Miami celebrates its USD 30 million renovation

The W South Be­ach in Mi­ami has completed a multi-month, approximately USD 30 million renovation and recently began welcoming guests again. New features include the design of the 408 suites and bungalows, an 800-square-foot spa, cozy plush cabanas on the pool deck, and a wickedly expensive art collection that includes four works by Andy Warhol.

Since it opened eleven years ago, the W South Beach on Collins Avenue has been considered one of Miami Beach’s most popular hotspots and an absolute favorite of celebrities. Leonardo DiCaprio, Justin Bieber, Bono, Tom Cruise, Mark Wahlberg and Pharrell were just a few of the many stars who have been seen here.

Murals in the restrooms

In the redesign, local boutique design firm Urban Robot Associates succeeded in creating a refined, lighter and brighter version of the original W South Beach. Bright white dominates the suites, broken only occasionally by colorful furniture. The result is a look that is distinctly different from the brand’s other properties around the globe.

The fact that the familiar spirit of the W Hotels is nevertheless retained is due to the details. For example, the wood-paneled walls are adorned with paintings by French photographer Jean-Phillipe Piter and a collection of works by Vancouver-based art consulting group FarmBoy Fine Arts – and even the restrooms feature murals. They are by local artist Juan Manuel Rozas.

The hues of the sea

“The hotel had a cosmopolitan aesthetic with darker tones that worked well at launch,” explains Urban Robot’s Justine Velez, “Over the years, however, Miami Beach has changed a lot. The new design is a reflection of that evolution. We’ve kept some of the original moods and edges while introducing a nice, fresh mix of natural light, warm wood tones and different hues of the sea.”

The new “Away Spa” includes seven treatment rooms, a couples’ suite, a spa lounge and an outdoor terrace. Limestone eucalyptus steam showers and Chanel-inspired vanities are among the highlights. The spa menu offers detoxifying relaxation massages, and treatments for body healing and skin care. Unchanged are the popular restaurants – the Asian “Mr Chow” as well as the American “The Restaurant at W South Beach” and “Irma’s” with its wonderful terrace.

Click here to visit the website of the W South Beach