As you may recall if you follow us on Twitter, my foodnetwork.ca colleague, Catherine Jheon (CJ) and I hit Miami Beach in February, to cover SoBe Fest -- Food Network South Beach Wine and Food Festival.
The National Hotel, veranda
It was INSANE, and even more so because it was my very first time visiting Miami Beach (interviewed Martha Stewart, by the way -- video to come!)
I've never had much of a hankering for visiting Miami Beach before business brought me, and I was pleasantly surprised by what I found. Lowrise, pastel-washed city blocks, iconic neon signs and pedestrian promenades all cast in the overarching style of Art Deco, makes for a very unique, beach town vibe.
The National Hotel, pool
Only thing is, we couldn't really join the party -- Miami Beach is nothing if not a party. CJ (who was 7 months pregnant at the time) and I came to work, work, work, and to rub our noses in it, all the events we covered happened smack dab in the middle of the party. By the end of very night we were so beat, that if we had to face a gyrating crowd of nubile youngsters and the drone of house music, it would have put us over the edge.
The National Hotel: view from Cabana Suite; lobby
That's where The National Hotel comes in. Our 1939 Art Deco harbour in the tempest. A historic vacation within a vacation. Since it's Wedding Month, I thought I'd share all about this hotel should you be considering a jaunt over to Miami Beach -- now is the perfect time!
The National Hotel, pool
Though also right in the middle of all the action, at 1677 Collins Avenue, (home to the Setai, Raleigh, Delano, and Ritz Carlton), The National Hotel is marked by a distinct serenity hanging like a dome over its world-famous courtyard and 200-foot-long pool (said to be the longest in Florida). In South Beach, you see, all the posh hotels lining the beach are sought after for what they offer in the bosom of their luxury: the interior pool and courtyard. Accessed only through the hotel or by room key via the beach gate, some of these outdoor atriums are esteemed for their cabanas, some for drawing a piquant crowd of lookers, some for their music-all-night guarantee. The National by contrast, promises to cradle your tired senses in a rare bit of peace.
The National Hotel, Cabana Wing and room
Perhaps because the owners are French? My interest was piqued precisely because this hotel felt so different, which was partially due to its overwhelmingly French clientele. Surprised, (I wouldn't have guess the French factor in a million years), I inquired further, and was told that Miami's French Embassy recently doubled in size in order to serve the expanding community of ex-pats and visitors over the years.
Mezzanine; piano bar
As one such French fan of Miami, investor Claude Dray purchased the historic National hotel in 2007, since taken over by daughter Delphine Dray. The Dray family is recognized for being important collectors of Art Deco, and no doubt this property with its landmark 11-story tower, original lobby and graphic pool, proved irresistible.
The National Hotel: Aqua Bar & Grill; Grecian Salad with Mahi Mahi
Unapologetically, the owners imparted a markedly European sensibility. Service is gracious but unobtrusive (no crazy prosaic smiles on obsequious porters, nor are guests intimidated by leggy, ornamental female staff.) The charming Mediterranean restaurant, Tamara, eluded us for dinner due to the nature of our visit (Food and Wine Festival), but breakfast on the patio was fab, and CJ and I couldn't get enough of the Mahi Mahi Grecian Salad at the poolside Aqua Bar & Grill. (Get the recipe on foodnetwork.ca!)
Martini Room with original terrazzo floors and Art Deco bar
One of my favourite spots however, was the bar in the Martini Room. The Oscars happened to be on the weekend of our visit and a crowd was gathering to watch a projected broadcast on the wall, low-ball glasses in hand. The actual bar is one of the more valuable Art Deco relics in the hotel, crowned by a campy (in a good way) hyper-realistic sculpture of a female jazz singer. Delphine Dray chose it herself.
Martini Room bar detail
Though the hotel underwent several large-scale renovations under previous ownership -- a $17 million overhaul in '97, a $3 million renovation of the historic tower rooms in 2003 -- extra care was taken to preserve the Deco features such as the curved walls, terrazzo floors and its overall historic feel.
Newly renovated Cabana Wing details
Last year, The National unveiled 36 newly-renovated deluxe rooms and suites, located in the lowrise Cabana Wing overlooking the pool. Delphine Dray's design nods to the Deco style with terrazzo floors and Hollywood glam accents, but is better described as Safari-colonial overall.
Over the next 12-14 months The National Hotel is set for yet another refresh of he historic tower, bringing it more in line with the new look of the Cabana Wing.
What do you look for in a hotel? A party? Or peace and quiet?
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