Longtime locals often wax poetic about the good old days of Miami’s South Beach, reminiscing about bygone glamor and iconic Art Deco hotels, many of which are now in need of cosmetic upgrades. But plot twist: the dazzle is back, at least at The Shelborne By Proper, a 1940’s Art Deco hotel that recently reopened under the By Proper brand with a fresh dose of retro-cool.
In one of Miami’s best examples of plastic surgery done right—to the tune of $100-million—the beachfront hotel, with a prime perch on Collins Avenue, is once again a sophisticated oasis for dining, cocktailing and sunbathing by the pool or on the beach—you know, the kinda old-Hollywood ambiance that used to draw celebrities in its heyday. But they’re not letting the makeover go to their heads: their aim is to be the friendliest hotel on South Beach, and they’re doing a solid job with that mission.
Why stay at The Shelborne by Proper
Every inch of this landmark hotel has been retouched, but somehow it still honors its past lives in Art Deco and Miami Modern (MiMo) design. Originally built in 1941 by visionary architect Igor B. Polevitzky, it was then reimagined in 1958 by the legendary Morris Lapidus, and this latest upgrade has really done its design justice.
Prepare to swoon over the photogenic entryway lined with terracotta pots, towering greenery and pastel-drenched spaces. The stretching lobby bar brings the drama with high ceilings and enough mid-century modern swagger to conjure up images of old-school crooners sipping martinis on one of the circular conversation nooks.Even the pool deck has received a vibe check, now decked out in cheerful mint green. The hotel’s history still shines, though, with the famous 1950s diving board now glimmering in the sun.
The Shelborne also keeps close ties with the local community, offering a robust line up of everything from art classes to jazz nights–make sure you check out the schedule when you visit.
What are the rooms like at Shelborne by Proper
They’re a retro respite in calming neutrals, like sandy-hued textured wallcoverings and throwback-green furniture, balanced with modern technology like motion-sensor lights in the bathroom (a blessing at night, so you’re not stumbling around in the dark).
Guests can choose from light-filled rooms and suites with either city or ocean views, and when the new pool villas open, that’s the kind of luxury you’ll want. I stayed in an oceanfront one bedroom, which had plenty of space with a separate living area and bedroom, plus two balconies that scan South Beach’s turquoise water. Those views never get old.
I didn’t hear a peep at night from the comfort of my king bed, and I couldn’t help but linger in the shower, soaking up the solid water pressure and the bergamot-scented Aesop products that are a staple in every room. My only complaint: the space felt a little sparse in décor for its size and could use some warming up.
While perusing the mini bar, I spotted more signs of the hotel’s health-conscious ethos—stocked with non-alcoholic cocktails and even sleep-inducing magnesium potions. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of booze too.
What are the best things to eat and drink at The Shelborne By Proper
For starters, the hotel makes a bold move by eliminating seed oils from its food, something the health-conscious travelers might appreciate. While the fish-forward restaurant, Pauline, and the cocktail bar, Little Torch, are set to open in Fall 2025, there’s already plenty of standout food and drinks on-site. Start your morning at The Café in the front lobby with the TikTok-famous ube latte made with purple-tinged ube, a touch of vanilla, and coconut foam; and nosh on a croissant filled with something sweet or savory.
The poolside menu matches the laidback atmosphere (and bikini mindset) with light bites like creamy housemade guacamole paired with tostados and the best ceviche I’ve ever had, thanks to fresh snapper bathed in sour orange vinaigrette. The culinary director is a Florida Keys native, and it shows in every dish.
Any excuse you find to spend more time in their gorgeous lobby bar called The Shelbourne, do it. Order the naughty seasoned fries and plantains—their version of papas fritas that I devoured all by myself without any shame—then some oysters and caviar. But you’re also here for the masterful martini service. I savored every sip of the Shelborne Martini, made with avocado-washed vodka and tangerine evoo. It comes with choose-your-own trimmings and is served in an iced glass, including a lemon peel, olive or pickled onion.
What is the service like at The Shelborne By Proper
Refreshingly, this team are some of the most welcoming staff in South Beach. Matter of fact, when I bumped into the hotel’s managing director, he told me they’re aiming to be the friendliest hotel in the area, and they’re off to a good start. From the check-in desk to the pool and even the valet, it was proper service with a genuine smile, something many hotels and restaurants in South Beach have forgotten.
What are the pool and the gym like at The Shelborne By Proper
The pool deck here is a mint-green dream where you’ll laze the day away on thick, cushy loungers— seriously, the comfiest I’ve ever tested—under scalloped umbrellas. It’s worth staying at the hotel just for the pool vibes, which nails low-key luxury, and the newly gleaming 1950s sculptural dive board still holds court at the end of the pool, hinting at the property’s glam past. When you’re done with the sun, escape to the back garden, enveloped by swaying palm trees and a nice ocean breeze. But don’t forget you can sink into a lounger on the sand for beach service.
The gym offers everything needed for a solid workout, from bikes to treadmills and weights, and the studio is the place for daily group classes. I started my first morning of vacation in a sound healing class, wrapped in a blanket listening to the soothing reverberations of the sound bowls—which put me in the perfect headspace for another pool day.
What’s the area like around The Shelborne By Proper
This is central South Beach at its best. The beach, the ocean, and the boardwalk—ideal for seaside strolls and workouts—are at your back door, while busy Collins Avenue, with its nightlife and restaurants, is at the front steps. You’re a five-minute walk from the Lincoln Road promenade (an iconic open-air mall), and close to the Miami Beach Botanical Garden and the Holocaust Memorial. A stellar perk is that hotel guests receive a gratis pass to The Bass, a contemporary art institution just a few blocks away. Guests can also move around like a local on complimentary bikes or take advantage of the hotel’s house car, which will drop you anywhere within a three-mile radius: a lifesaver when it’s hell-hot outside.
Why you should book a stay at The Shelborne By Proper
The Shelborne by Proper brings Art Deco magic back to South Beach in a major, modern way—it’s a sort of glamour the neighborhood’s been missing. Perfectly placed to soak up all that South Beach has to offer, the hotel has all the makings of a luxuriously laid-back escape, with chic indoor-outdoor spaces to chill or mingle, service that feels sincere, and an air of nostalgia that reminds you why you fell for Miami in the first place.
DETAILS
Address: The Shelborne By Proper 1801 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Price per night: Rates go as low as $389 per night in summer, with peak season rates reaching $789
Closest transport: Miami International Airport is a 45-minute drive, dependent on traffic
Book now: via Booking.com
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