The Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club: A Timeless Icon of Miami Architecture
Where Art Deco meets modern luxury, crafting a story as rich as Miami’s cultural tapestry.
When the Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club first opened its doors in 1940, it redefined luxury on Miami Beach. Standing as a testament to the elegance of its era, this architectural marvel quickly became a glamorous retreat for the elite, including Hollywood stars and music legends. Named after the most sophisticated car of the time, the Cadillac’s legacy has continued to evolve, culminating in a stunning $47 million renovation in 2018. This landmark now boasts a meticulously updated design that harmoniously blends its storied past with contemporary flair, solidifying its place in the prestigious Autograph Collection.
The Birth of an Architectural Icon
Designed by renowned Miami Beach architect Roy France, the Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club showcases the harmonious fusion of Art Deco and Streamline Moderne styles. France’s vision drew inspiration from aeronautical and automotive trends of the 1940s, reflecting the sleek sophistication of the era’s tail-finned Cadillacs. The building’s iconic 14-story tower, complemented by an eight-story addition in 1956, stands as a striking silhouette along Collins Avenue. Its façade, adorned with nautical motifs and clean geometric lines, captures the essence of what later became known as Nautical Deco.
A Symphony of Design Elements
The hotel’s recent redesign by Bill Rooney Studio masterfully integrates modernity with nostalgia. Upon entering the airy lobby, guests are greeted by a palette of smoky blues and grays, accented by clusters of glittering chandeliers that evoke the glamour of the Riviera. Each suite is a sanctuary of understated elegance, featuring marble floors, exposed beams, and wooden fixtures that exude warmth. Nostalgic 1940s beach scenes decorate the walls, creating an ambiance that transports guests to an earlier, more glamorous era.
The Cadillac’s dual pools mirror the symmetry of its twin towers, surrounded by plush cabanas that invite indulgence. A raised wooden deck houses Bungalow by the Sea, a casual beachfront restaurant where diners can savor dishes like tuna poke nachos and Maine lobster rolls while basking in breathtaking ocean views. This seamless integration of architecture and natural surroundings highlights the hotel’s commitment to providing a holistic luxury experience.
Donna Mare: Culinary Excellence with a Mediterranean Twist
Central to the hotel’s allure is its acclaimed Italian restaurant, Donna Mare. This trattoria, nestled just off the lobby, embodies the essence of Southern Italy with its emphasis on Neapolitan pizza, handmade pasta, and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The redesign has elevated Donna Mare’s ambiance, blending coastal Italian charm with Miami’s vibrant style. The intimate setting, characterized by warm lighting and rustic decor, ensures a dining experience that is both authentic and unforgettable.
A Legacy of Glamour
During its heyday, the Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club was a favored destination for cultural icons like Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and Jackie Gleason. Its palm-lined pool, among the most photographed in Miami, became synonymous with South Beach’s allure. The hotel’s soundtrack, epitomized by Sinatra’s chart-topping hit “The Lady is a Tramp,” captured the spirit of a place where luxury and leisure intertwined effortlessly.
Today, the Cadillac continues to celebrate its legacy while embracing the future. Its K’Alma Spa offers treatments infused with European flair, reflecting the hotel’s dedication to holistic well-being. Guests can enjoy massages in poolside cabanas or within their own suites, enhancing the sense of personalized luxury.
Preserving History, Embracing Modernity
Neil Shah, CEO of Hersha Hospitality Trust, the hotel’s operator, emphasizes the importance of honoring the Cadillac’s heritage while catering to contemporary tastes. “We’re going for European sensibility in style, design, and service,” he explains. This vision is evident in every aspect of the property, from the meticulously restored architectural details to the innovative amenities that define modern luxury.
The Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club is more than a building; it is a living testament to Miami’s cultural and architectural evolution. By blending the timeless elegance of Art Deco with the vibrancy of contemporary design, it offers an experience that is both rooted in history and forward-looking. For those seeking an escape where past and present converge, the Cadillac stands as an enduring symbol of Miami Beach’s golden age.