An Art Deco icon in Miami Beach’s South of Fifth neighborhood is stepping into a new chapter. The Balfour Miami Beach, once known as The Lord Balfour Hotel, has officially joined the Morgans Originals collection and unveiled a polished refresh that blends historic glamour with modern ease.
The 82-room boutique property, originally designed in 1940 by Anton Skislewicz, now sports rich hardwood and herringbone floors, midcentury accents, and commissioned art deco pieces. Suites feature white marble bathrooms and walk-in rain showers, while in-room bar carts stocked with Lavazza coffee machines, cocktail shakers, and premium snacks bring a touch of at-home indulgence. Guests can also unwind at the plunge pool lined with original mosaic tiles, sip on the rooftop deck, or grab a complimentary bike for a spin around South Beach.
Cleo
Taking over most of the ground floor, Cleo transforms the Balfour into a lively gathering place. Helmed by Executive Chef Camila Olarte (formerly at Thomas Keller’s The Surf Club), the restaurant highlights bold, family-style dishes from the Eastern Mediterranean, all served in a chic space that flows into the courtyard. Locals can look forward to weekly Wine Wednesdays, Tiny Tini Thursdays, and a rotating lineup of pop-ups, workshops, and collaborative dinners with guest chefs.
SoFi Coffee
Opening September 15, SoFi Coffee is Balfour’s new neighborhood café, just steps from the boardwalk. The space is Instagram-ready, with sun-washed tones, velvet seating, leafy wallpaper, and a central community table. Expect hand-poured brews from local roaster Imperial Moto, thoughtful teas, wellness shots, and a pastry lineup from Butter Moon that riffs on Latin and French traditions (think pistachio-walnut croissants and matcha-raspberry rolls).
The Balfour Miami Beach is more than a hotel revival; it’s a reintroduction of an Art Deco landmark as a cultural hub for locals and visitors alike.
The Balfour Miami Beach is located at 350 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL. More at balfourmiamibeach.com.
