Who's Going
Narciso Rodriguez, Ricky Martin, Dita Von Teese, Madonna
Reason to Stay
Lobby Party Scene, Hip Pool, Sexy Clientele
Hotel Type
Beach Resort
At the northern edge of South Beach directly on the ocean, where boozy walks home from area clubs is still an option, Delano is a self-contained party destination located within a period 1930's art deco landmark. The building's towering façade features a far more intimate courtyard and front porch flanked by clipboard-toting guard anytime after 9pm. <br /><br />The lobby is Phillipe Starck at his best, a heavenly vision of multi-story columns caressed by swaying white curtains blowing in a crisp ocean breeze. The indoor/outdoor lobby features wide-plank hardwood floors and long-exaggerated lounge seating leading to the hotel's rear resort area. They call it the Orchard, but really it's a show-off playground of bronzed bodies and string bikinis plunging into a long rectangular infinity pool surrounded by whimsical mattresses, oversize chessboard and row of be-seen townhouses. <br /><br />A well-guarded passage area leads directly to the beach, where guests enjoy complimentary oversize umbrella beach chairs and waiter service ala Ford models. Delano offers a wide variety of dining choices like The Blue Door, by restaurateur Jeffrey Chodorow, and The Brasserie with its mirrored bar and comfortable living room style furniture. In-house Aqua spa offers a modest-size rejuvenation center with outdoor sunning terrace and all-white theme salon area.
The Room
Surrounded by mammoth hotel properties, Delano’s 208 guestrooms, suites and lofts are still small enough to create a boutique hotel environment. Rooms are decorated in an all-white tribute to modern simplicity that incorporates classic touches of Phillipe Starck with a sobering dose of practical chairs and useable furniture. Painted-white wood floors offset period details like ‘30s windowpanes and husky moldings, while still offering modern amenities like an all-marble bathroom. Furnishings like slipcovered sofas and wing chairs show the wear of age and heavy use, perhaps this is why the lights are always kept at a low. Those looking to splurge can book into one of the poolside bungalows arranged like chic duplexes offering be-seen private patios with billowing white curtains that always seem occupied by those not-really-worth seeing. Soothing white interiors, custom Starck-designed furnishings, and luxurious bathrooms crafted entirely of imported Italian marble with enormous marble soaking tubs make the bungalows one of the most-popular room categories in the hotel. A private Apartment and Penthouse are located on Delano’s top two floors, popular for private events and magazine parties, equipped with an expansive private terrace complete with unparalleled ocean views.
Preferred Room
Bungalow Suite
Special Features
Resort Setting, Trendy Clientele, Beachfront
Amenities
Restaurant, Lounge, Swimming Pool, Bar, Tennis Courts, Beach Club, Spa
