- Best for: Affordable, Art Deco–impressed stays close to the seaside
- Location: Across the road from the ocean in Miami’s South of Fifth (SoFi) neighborhood, a walkable, taking place enclave on the southern tip of South Beach
- Can’t-miss characteristic: A free-to-use bike round city, and completely happy hour cocktails post-beach
- In a nutshell: This 82-key boutique resort is all about beachy and breezy comfort in Miami Beach’s SoFi nook. And whereas it doesn’t ooze “luxury” from each finish, it actually provides all you want for easy, value-forward stays close to the seaside in considered one of Miami Beach’s coolest, most accessible neighborhoods.
Rooms
Jessica Chapel
The Balfour’s 82 rooms and suites preserve issues easy and lighthearted. I stayed within the One Bedroom Suite, which felt ethereal and cozy, with a residing space that bled into the bed room, a small couch, two TVs, and a jam-packed bar cart. The design softly ideas its hat to the constructing’s Art Deco roots with heat wooden tones and beachy, vintage-inspired particulars, just like the over-the-bed tapestries of cool pinks and blues. Some considerate extras embody a Lavazza espresso machine, Tivoli Bluetooth speaker, and waffle-textured robes, making it straightforward to settle in. I’ll say, the toilet was one space that felt somewhat tight—I all the time recognize extra sink area—however for a value-forward weekend keep, it had just about all I wanted.
If you’re touring gentle, the Classic King or Two Queen rooms provide the identical design aesthetic and in-room facilities in a extra compact structure. The resort additionally has Junior Suites and Two-Bedroom Suites, making it a strong possibility for small teams or these on the lookout for somewhat extra room to unfold out.
Jessica Chapel
Jessica Chapel
Food and drink
You’ll discover that the resort’s eating scene retains issues relaxed, with one on-site venue known as Laurel. The Mediterranean restaurant’s pastel-hued interiors are matched in vibe by a sunny terrace on the entrance of the resort and a smaller, leafy courtyard out again. It’s the form of place that works simply as nicely for a leisurely breakfast—the eggs Benedict and mimosa was a easy traditional—because it does lingering over mezze, house-made dips, or grilled hen and lamb kebabs after a day on the seaside.
If you’re staying throughout the week, completely happy hour (Monday via Saturday, from 4 p.m. to 7 p,m.) is value planning round, with discounted cocktails, wine, beer, and small plates, whereas Wine Wednesdays convey 50% off bottles from Laurel’s curated wine listing. Next to the property, the resort additionally owns SoFi Coffee—a simple cease for an iced tea or espresso and pastries earlier than heading out for the day.
Jessica Chapel
Jessica Chapel
Amenities and experiences
While The Balfour isn’t the form of resort the place you’ll spend all day hopping between facilities, that’s form of the enchantment. The pool is on the smaller aspect, greatest for a refreshing dip reasonably than an entire afternoon affair—and the complimentary weekend yoga provides a pleasant and simple excuse to start out the morning outdoors.
The actual standout right here? The resort’s devoted seaside setup simply throughout the road, with two chairs, a yellow-and-white striped umbrella, and towels included, making days on the shoreline really feel easy. My favourite approach to spend a day, although, was borrowing one of many resort’s bicycles and pedaling round South of Fifth, the place quiet residential streets shortly give approach to cafés, the marina, and the enjoyable buzz of Ocean Drive.
Jessica Chapel
What to do close by
The Balfour’s SoFi location is considered one of its greatest attracts—you’re tucked away from the busiest stretch of South Beach, however nonetheless shut sufficient to wander out each time your pleasure strikes. Start the morning with a stroll via the neighborhood’s pine-lined streets, seize a espresso subsequent door, then head towards South Pointe Park for scenic water views and a quieter stretch of Miami Beach. The resort’s complimentary bikes actually do make it straightforward to discover, whether or not you’re cruising alongside the seaside path or heading towards the Art Deco Historic District. When the night rolls round, skip the automobile and stroll to the eating places, bars, and boutiques that make this nook of Miami Beach such a enjoyable place to hold round.
The backstory
Built in 1940, The Balfour has lived quite a lot of completely different chapters alongside Miami Beach itself. Originally opened because the Lord Balfour Hotel, the property later turned the Wave Hotel from 2000 to 2011 earlier than returning to its authentic title after a renovation. The Art Deco constructing nonetheless carries a sure essence of that earlier period, however in the present day, with interiors decidedly of-the-moment: colourful, playful, and light-infused.
Insider tip
Pack a beach bag! The Balfour’s complimentary seaside setup makes spontaneous ocean time one of many best elements of a keep right here. Take benefit, convey some snacks and drinks (there’s no beachside service right here), and keep awhile.
Final concerns:
- Family pleasant: Best for households with older children—say, these tweens and youths on the market
- Accessibility: Accessible rooms can be found; it’s greatest to inquire with the property straight earlier than reserving to evaluate your wants
- Loyalty group: Wyndham Rewards