BACKGROUND
This charming Spanish Colonial mansion first arrived in 1928, in the form of the El Paraiso Apartments. The building was designed by Martin L Hampton, an American architect who settled in Miami in 1914. He joined forces with real-estate mogul John Collins (after whom Collins Avenue, the street the hotel is located on, is named) to later turn the residential property into a chic beach resort.
In more recent times, Casa Claridge’s was bought by Argentinian developer Alan Faena, who took it upon himself to revamp it. After closing for six months, it reopened in 2014 as an elegant guesthouse in what has now become the six-block Faena District.
As I wrote in my cover story on Miami for the March edition of Business Traveller, the US$1 billion Faena District Miami Beach also comprises luxurious sister property the Faena hotel, which opened in December and was designed in partnership with film director Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge, The Great Gatsby).
Add to this the Faena House condos, designed by Foster and Partners and unveiled last autumn; and a Rem Koolhaas cultural centre, the Faena Forum, which will open this spring for large-scale events. Arriving by the end of the year will be Faena Bazaar mall and two residential towers dubbed Faena Versailles.
WHAT’S IT LIKE?
Casa Claridge’s is a characterful boutique hotel with a bohemian, arty vibe. It’s luxurious, though, so provides a good alternative to the high-profile five-stars lined up along Miami Beach (there’s the Edition, the Thompson, the SLS and the W, among others).
The hotel will particularly appeal to people working in the creative industry – as well as having a retreat-like feel to it that would be conducive to writing or drawing, guests will come across design books and artwork throughout. The lift, for example, is an “ascending art gallery” with rotating installations that change seasonally.
WHERE IS IT?
On Collins Avenue, the long north-south road that runs all the way down Miami Beach, by the sea. It is located on the other side of the road from the actual beach, but take a short walk across the road and you will find yourself on the boardwalk. It is about 20 minutes’ drive from Miami International airport.
ROOM FACILITIES
The 50 bedrooms are available in six categories – Casa Queen, King, Double Double, Oceanfront California King, Queen Suite and King Studio. The interior design has a warm Mediterranean look to it with terracotta tiled floors, coral curtains, hand-carved furniture and white walls. There are also attractive details in the form of embroidered Argentine bead spreads and woven antique rugs.
Amenities that come as standard include smooth Frette linens, air conditioning and ceiling fans, writing desks with data ports, free wifi, HD flatscreen TVs with satellite channels, iPod docks, safes, minibars, baths and showers, and CO Bigelow bathing products.
I was staying in a Queen Suite on the ground floor, which also had a comfortable living room with a sofa and additional television. King Studio rooms are on the top floor and offer direct access to the roof terrace. Room service is available 7am to 10pm.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS
Located just off of reception is quaint Café Claridge’s. With hand-painted murals on the walls and rattan chairs, it is a relaxed place to grab a bite to eat. I found the service to be very slow in the morning but fast and friendly after dark (it wasn’t busy on either occasion).
In the morning the restaurant serves an à la carte breakfast featuring dishes such as house-cured salmon and avocado toast (US$13); wild mushroom frittata (US$11); and Irish steel-cut oatmeal with fresh berries and banana (US$9). I went for the Casa breakfast sandwich with a fried egg, smoked tomato jam, sliced avocado and roast potatoes (US$11). The quality of the food and presentation was great.
In the evening I stopped for a nightcap – the bar has a nice selection of craft beers including Florida’s Hotter than Helles and Pennsylvania’s Dirt Wolf Double. If you’re peckish, you can nibble on some spinach and cheese empanadas (Miami has a big Cuban community) or some yellowtail snapper ceviche. Happy hour is 4pm to 7pm.
BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES
The homely Atrium lobby space features a beautiful free-hanging, hand-cut, pink tissue paper art installation by Argentinian artist Manuel Amestoy. At 85 sqm the room can seat 44 people, while the Library can host eight for a small meeting.
Café Claridge’s can be taken over by a group of 40 delegates for a buffet, while a private dining room can seat an additional 12. Upstairs is a 200 sqm roof terrace facing the sea – it can be used for al fresco receptions of up to 50 guests.
LEISURE FACILITIES
There is no on-site gym or pool but the beach, sea and boardwalk, which is great for jogging, are just a minute away.
VERDICT
An intimate, historic boutique hotel not far from the beach, with peaceful, light-filled bedrooms and warm staff. If you find Miami over-the-top, this could be the perfect place to hide out. You will also be close to the new Faena Forum, which is going to be an important events venue when it opens.
FACT FILE
- HOW MANY ROOMS? 50 rooms and suites.
- HIGHLIGHTS The architecture and interior design, arty vibe, excellent breakfast menu and roof terrace for private parties.
- PRICE Internet rates for a midweek stay in April started from US$332 for a Casa Queen room.
- CONTACT Casa Claridge’s, 3,500 Collins Avenue, Faena District Miami Beach; tel +1 305 604 8485; faena.com/casa-claridges
Jenny Southan
