Where Miami Modernism and Contemporary Design Collide: Inside The Shelborne By Proper
Miami Beach has always danced to its own rhythm. From the pastel hues of Ocean Drive to the Art Deco architecture that lines Collins Avenue, it’s a city that seamlessly merges nostalgia with innovation. Now, with the grand reopening of The Shelborne By Proper, that legacy takes on an entirely new dimension — one that speaks to discerning travellers, design enthusiasts, and lovers of authentic, luxurious hospitality.
After an extensive renovation, this iconic oceanfront hotel, first opened in 1940, has been reimagined with thoughtful elegance, becoming not just a place to stay but a landmark for design, culture, and contemporary luxury in the heart of Miami Beach. As a proud member of the prestigious Design Hotels™ collection, The Shelborne By Proper cements its place among a global community of independent, design-driven properties that celebrate creativity, craftsmanship, and a sense of place.
An Icon Reimagined for the Modern Traveller
There’s something inherently special about walking through the doors of a hotel that has seen decades of history unfold. You feel it at The Shelborne. Designed originally by celebrated architects Igor Polevitzky and Thomas Triplett Russell, the hotel quickly became a symbol of Miami’s glamorous heyday. In the 1950s, architect Morris Lapidus — the man behind much of Miami Beach’s flamboyant Miami Modernism — left his mark by introducing the now-iconic pool deck and blending the building’s Art Deco roots with MiMo influences.
The result? A hotel that once hosted the likes of Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and even The Beatles, cementing its status as a beacon of style and sophistication.
Fast forward to 2024, and The Shelborne By Proper embarks on a new chapter — one that remains faithful to its architectural heritage while introducing a fresh layer of design-forward luxury. Behind this meticulous transformation is the award-winning team at ADC Atelier, who have carefully preserved key historic elements while infusing the space with contemporary elegance and artistic flair.
Where Design Tells a Story
The beauty of The Shelborne lies not only in its illustrious past but in the way every space within the hotel tells a story of Miami’s design evolution. From the moment you arrive, the 18th Street façade, a relic of the original structure, proudly greets you — a reminder of the city’s architectural legacy.
Inside, the lobby immediately sets the tone. Think honed Perlino marble, travertine, and rich wood accents that strike the perfect balance between sleek modernity and warm nostalgia. The colour palette, inspired by Miami’s tropical surrounds, is a sophisticated interplay of moss greens, terracotta tones, and soft powder blue — a refreshing departure from the overly bright, kitsch interpretations often seen elsewhere.
The lobby lounge is more than just a space to pass through. It’s a curated showcase of high-end craftsmanship and contemporary art, featuring bespoke furniture, handcrafted finishes, and works by emerging Latin American artists. Kenny Nguyen’s ethereal silk installations dance gently in the natural light, while Regina Jestrow’s fabric works and Lauren Shapiro’s organic sculptures add texture and intrigue.
It’s not often you find a hotel where design, art, and location harmonise so seamlessly. Yet, at The Shelborne By Proper, it feels entirely effortless.
A Room with a Design-Led View
For those who appreciate interior design as much as ocean views, the hotel’s 251 guestrooms, including 32 suites and villas, do not disappoint. Miami-based artist Jessy Nite brings a touch of the city indoors with handwoven topographic artworks, while Hayley Moree’s palm-inspired paintings inject subtle nods to Miami’s Art Deco past with modern vibrancy.
The design language throughout the rooms speaks of quiet luxury — clean lines, vintage-inspired details, and bespoke ceramic accents by local artist Carly Graceffa and Barcelona’s Clara Arbuniés. Whether you’re unwinding in a Junior Suite or the impressive Two-Bedroom Penthouse Suite, natural light floods in through vintage-style glass windowpanes, offering glimpses of Miami Beach’s shimmering skyline or the Atlantic beyond.
Bathrooms are an exercise in understated elegance, featuring travertine floors, custom vanities, and coveted Aesop amenities, creating a serene space to retreat after a day exploring the city.
For those seeking something extra special, the Two-Bedroom Pool Villas deliver a true luxury hotel experience, complete with kitchenettes, lounge areas, and private terraces overlooking the iconic pool deck and ocean.
Dining, Miami Style: Flavour Meets Design
It wouldn’t be a Miami luxury hotel without exceptional food and drink, and The Shelborne delivers this in partnership with hospitality heavyweights Lowder-Tascarella. Led by Michelin-starred Chef Abram Bissell, a Florida Keys native, and globally acclaimed beverage expert Christopher Lowder, the hotel’s five dining destinations celebrate the rich, multicultural flavours of Latin America and the Caribbean.
At Pauline, the signature restaurant, seafood takes centre stage with dishes that are as visually striking as they are delicious. Meanwhile, Little Torch, an intimate cocktail lounge, oozes exclusivity with its meticulously crafted drinks menu and warm, moody interiors.
The Café offers a casual yet design-conscious space for coffee and Cuban-inspired bites, while The Bar transforms from a sun-drenched coffee spot by day to a lively cocktail hub by night. Whether it’s a coconut-aged Manhattan or a strawberry-tequila espresso martini, every detail reflects the hotel’s commitment to quality and creativity.
Outside, the historic pool deck — complete with its original platform diving board — invites guests to unwind beneath the Miami sun, cocktail in hand. The adjacent Beach Club, with its full-service dining and private daybeds, completes the quintessential Miami Beach experience.
A Destination at the Heart of Miami’s Cultural Pulse
Location is everything in Miami, and The Shelborne By Proper couldn’t be better placed. Nestled along Collins Avenue, this design hotel is mere steps from the beach and within walking distance of cultural hotspots like The Bass Museum of Art and legendary haunts like Mac’s Club Deuce.
Beyond the immediate surroundings, a short drive transports guests to the eclectic streets of Wynwood, with its burgeoning culinary scene and world-famous street art, or to the Miami Design District, where luxury boutiques, art galleries, and concept stores create an urban playground for design lovers.
A Living, Breathing Celebration of Miami Design
What sets The Shelborne By Proper apart isn’t just its enviable location or impressive history. It’s the attention to detail — the way every finish, every artwork, every corner reflects Miami’s rich cultural heritage while embracing a bold, modern sensibility. As a member of Design Hotels, the property aligns itself with a global standard of independent, design-driven hospitality that appeals to those who value creativity, craftsmanship, and authenticity.
Whether you’re a luxury hotel aficionado, a passionate interior design enthusiast, or simply seeking a stay that captures the essence of Miami Beach, The Shelborne By Proper delivers.
It’s not just a hotel — it’s a statement. A celebration of where Miami Modernism, Art Deco heritage, and contemporary luxury meet.
