The Balfour Reopens in Miami Beach as Part of Morgans Originals, Blending Art Deco with Modern Flair
The Balfour Reopens in Miami Beach as Part of Morgans Originals, Blending Art Deco with Modern Flair
A South Beach icon returns with new energy. The historic Balfour Hotel has officially reopened on Ocean Drive’s South of Fifth as part of the Morgans Originals collection, following a thoughtful renovation by Bigtime Design Studios in collaboration with Ennismore.Originally opened in 1940 as The Lord Balfour Hotel and designed by architect Anton Skislewicz, the 82-room art deco gem has been revived for a new generation of Miami Beach travelers.
Historic Soul, Contemporary Style
The renovation celebrates the building’s original character with restored elements like terrazzo floors and brass elevator doors, while introducing herringbone hardwood flooring, midcentury-inspired furnishings, and custom artwork by Mike Willcox.Room categories range from Classic and Superior Rooms, featuring green wainscoting, to Suites with marble bathrooms. Families and groups will find a playful twist in the Junior Suite with bunk beds. All rooms include robes, refillable vegan bath products by The Botanist & The Chemist, and in-room bar carts with Lavazza coffee machines, cocktail shakers, and curated local snacks.
Cleo Brings Mediterranean Flavor to South Beach
Anchoring the property’s culinary scene is Cleo, an Eastern Mediterranean restaurant occupying the hotel’s ground floor and courtyard. Executive Chef Camila Olarte leads a menu of family-style dishes that embrace the vibrant spices and traditions of the region.Weekly programming includes Wine Wednesdays, Sunday brunch, and upcoming female chef dinner series, pop-up events, and culinary masterclasses. Whether dining indoors or al fresco, Cleo offers a warm, social experience centered on bold flavors and seasonal ingredients.
SoFi Coffee: A Neighborhood Spot with Global Beans
Launching later this summer, SoFi Coffee will operate as a stylish community café serving hand-poured brews from Imperial Moto using ethically sourced beans from Colombia, Brazil, and Guatemala. The drink menu includes matcha lattes, herbal teas like Silver Needle and Earl Grey, and wellness shots for beach-goers on the move.Accompanying the beverages are pastries from Butter Moon, including matcha and raspberry New York rolls, alfajores, and pistachio-walnut croissants. The café’s aesthetic features matcha-green chairs, plush pink velvet seating, and tropical wallpaper, all just steps from the Miami Beach Boardwalk.
A Lifestyle-Driven Boutique Stay
Beyond the rooms and dining, the Balfour offers a terracotta-tiled plunge pool, rooftop deck, 2,000 square feet of event space, and complimentary bicycles for guests eager to explore the surrounding South Beach neighborhood.As part of the Morgans Originals collection—known for blending boutique luxury with creative edge—the Balfour aims to deliver elevated hospitality rooted in community, culture, and design.
Whether you're visiting Miami Beach for the art, the nightlife, or simply the ocean breeze, the Balfour is once again a destination worth discovering.
