I love the historic Art Deco hotels that began appearing in the 1930s, and I greatly appreciate the preservation movement that kept the wrecking ball at bay so we can continue to enjoy these architectural treasures... a wonderful celebration of our past. Originally built in 1939, this hotel had fallen into disrepair before undergoing a meticulous restoration and reopening as a boutique hotel in 2021. This was my first visit since its rebirth, and I'm happy to report that the place looks fantastic. Equally impressive were the employees we encountered throughout the property, all of whom were accommodating, personable, and genuinely welcoming. My first stop was Cafe KoBo, a small, almost secret spot tucked away in the back of the hotel with a lovely patio. They offer breakfast and lunch items, coffee drinks, and more. This is exactly the type of place where I could see myself relaxing with a morning coffee before starting the day. The espresso they use is excellent. In addition to making us a terrific smoothie, Fred answered all of our questions about the hotel, which gave us a better appreciation of it's history. Cafe KoBo is truly a hidden gem that locals should know about. Only later did I learn that Fred is one of the hotel's senior leaders, which made his hands-on approach even more impressive. It's the kind of personal touch that tells you a lot about the culture they're creating here. Next, we made our way up to the rooftop pool for cocktails... after all, it was happy hour! Jose G., who tends bar there, is engaging and makes a great Margarita. Between the music, sunshine, and relaxed atmosphere, it's a wonderful place to sit back and enjoy life for a while. Before leaving, we stopped at the Greystone Bar, just off the lobby. It's a classy, comfortable space that perfectly complements the hotel's vintage charm. I also had a chance to peek into their adjacent signature restaurant, Serevene. Really nice room, the menu looks fantastic... it's definitely on my list for a future visit. What impressed me most was the people. Every employee we encountered was warm, engaging, and eager to help. They make you feel less like a guest and more like a welcomed friend. I especially appreciated the hotel's unpretentious atmosphere... something that can be difficult to find these days. This hotel beautifully honors its past while delivering the comfort and hospitality today's travelers expect. My next Miami Beach stay will be here.
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