Miami Beach has long been synonymous with excess. Its towers glitter with neon, its clubs pulse into dawn, its resorts stretch for blocks along Collins Avenue. But beneath the surface of spectacle, a quieter transformation is taking shape. It is one that places intimacy, design, and culture above sheer scale. At the centre of this movement is The Shelborne by Proper, a member of Design Hotels, a 251-room hotel that proves boutique luxury can thrive on one of the most famous beachfronts in the world.
For decades, the city’s hospitality scene was dominated by large resorts and party-driven hotels. Visitors came for the energy, the nightlife, the endless sense of performance. But tastes are shifting. Discerning guests now seek places with identity and depth, where design feels personal and culinary programmes reflect place rather than formula. The Shelborne by Proper embodies this evolution.
Originally opened in 1940 by architects Igor Polevitzky and Thomas Triplett Russell, the hotel quickly became known for its Art Deco elegance. In the 1950s, famed architect Morris Lapidus added his signature Miami Modernism touch, creating the now-iconic pool deck and cabanas that drew guests like Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and The Beatles. Following a meticulous restoration in 2024, the property reopened under the Proper Hospitality brand.
The redesign by ADC & Tuneu respects the hotel’s original character while introducing a fresh, contemporary warmth. Historic elements, including the 18th Street façade and the diving platform, have been lovingly preserved. Inside, natural materials such as travertine, Perlino marble, and oak create a tactile elegance, enhanced by a palette of moss green, terracotta, and powder blue. Each corner reveals a piece of artistry, from Kenny Nguyen’s hand-dyed silk installations to Regina Jestrow’s dynamic wall pieces and Lauren Shapiro’s sculptural works, ensuring the property feels as much an art gallery as it does a hotel.
Guestrooms and suites reflect Miami’s light and rhythm, with large windows, vintage glass panels, and tranquil tones that echo the surrounding sea and sky. The 251 accommodations include 32 suites and villas, many with terraces overlooking the Atlantic. Highlights include the 1,700-square-foot Two-Bedroom Penthouse Suite with panoramic views and the Two-Bedroom Terrace Suite with curated vintage and sculptural furnishings. Bathrooms feature travertine floors, bespoke vanities, and Aesop amenities, while local art, ceramics, and handwoven works add a personal, tactile feel.
Culinary experiences are central to the hotel’s ethos. Developed by chef Abram Bissell, known for his work at Eleven Madison Park and The Modern, and mixologist Christopher Lowder, the five dining destinations showcase Latin American and Caribbean influences. Pauline, the signature restaurant, presents a seafood-forward menu that reflects Miami’s coastal heritage. Little Torch serves as an intimate cocktail lounge, while The Café pairs Cuban and Caribbean pastries with espresso.
The Lobby Bar transforms from a daytime coffee spot into a lively evening venue. Outside guests can enjoy the Pool Bar and Beach Club, where all-day dining, cabanas, and paletas complete the quintessential Miami experience.
Located on 18th Street, The Shelborne By Proper sits in the heart of Miami Beach, moments from the Bass Museum of Art and the city’s vibrant nightlife on Collins Avenue. The Wynwood and Design District neighbourhoods, with their galleries and high-end boutiques, are within easy reach, positioning the hotel as both an escape and a gateway to Miami’s cultural scene.
As Proper Hospitality continues its expansion beyond its Californian base, its arrival in Miami feels particularly apt. The Shelborne by Proper is part of a wave of boutique-driven projects that are reframing what Miami luxury means. No longer is it only about maximalism and endless square footage, it’s now about a more meaningful way to experience a destination.
