Miniview: The Shelborne Hotel – Miami the Proper way

Located on Miami Beach’s 18th Street, The Shelborne Hotel has long stood as a beacon of glamour on the Florida city’s iconic beachfront.

The property first opened its doors in 1940, designed by Architects Igor Polevitzky and Thomas Triplett Russell, quickly becoming a vision of Miami’s Art Deco influence. In 1950, Architect Morris Lapidus added a pool deck with cabanas and additional guest rooms, blending the original design with Miami Modernism (MiMo), attracting clientele like Frank Sinatra. Now, Proper Hospitality is placing the 251-key hotel firmly in the 21st century, merging The Shelborne’s rich architectural and cultural legacy with refined contemporary luxuries.

Well known for its branded hotels designed by Kelly Wearstler, The Shelbourne marks the inauguration of By Proper, an evolution of the Proper Hospitality ethos which invites other leading designers to bring its philosophy to life. For the transformation of The Shelborne, the award-winning design studio ADC Atelier reimagined the landmark by blending nostalgic MiMo and Art Deco elements with elevated, contemporary finishes.

Key historic features of the property – including the 18th Street façade and the platform diving board at the property’s famed pool – have been carefully preserved and thoughtfully updated, while the modernised interiors prominently feature honed Perlino marble, travertine, and wood accents, echoing both the Art Deco and MiMo styles. The defining colour palette of soft moss greens, terracotta tones, and powder blue accents evokes a warm, tropical vibe, balanced with neutral tones to create a sophisticated and timeless aesthetic.

Throughout all spaces, The Shelborne By Proper establishes a unique connection to high-quality craftsmanship and local culture. Upholstery by Larsen Fabrics, Arfelx’s Edo Sofa, custom rugs by Cotlin Raw, Respire Wall sconces by DCW Editions, and vintage-style lounge chairs by Royal Stranger are complimented by unique artworks by emerging Latin American artists.

Upon entering the west lobby, guests are greeted by Kenny Nguyen’s sweeping, hand-dyed silk installations that shift delicately with the natural light filtering in. Nearby, Regina Jestrow’s large, fabricated artworks infuse the space with a sense of dynamic movement, while Lauren Shapiro’s sculptures add a tactile, organic presence.

Throughout the hotel, every piece – whether painting, sculpture, or handcrafted furniture – is an intentional work of art.

Image credits: By Proper / Design Hotels

In the Townhouses, local artist Jessy Nite’s handwoven topographic views of Miami city adorn the spaces. While, in the Junior Suites, Hayley Moree’s palm-inspired paintings reference Miami’s Art Deco heritage with a contemporary vibrancy. Ceramics also play a pivotal role in the design: local artist Carly Graceffa’s handcrafted vases add warmth to public areas and bespoke ceramic bowls made by Barcelona artisan Clara Arbuniés bring an intimate touch to the Junior Suites and Townhouses.

In each spacious room, natural light and tropical tones compliment ocean views and city vignettes. Vintage glass windowpanes catch and reflect the sunrise, high noon, and sunset, while serene bathrooms feature travertine floors, sleek fixtures, custom vanities, and Aesop amenities. Among the signature accommodations is a 1,700-square-foot Two-Bedroom Penthouse Suite with a terrace boasting views of the Atlantic Ocean and Miami Beach. The Two-Bedroom Terrace Suite, meanwhile, showcases a curated mix of vintage and contemporary sculptural pieces, complemented by an expansive terrace. Additionally, the Two-Bedroom Pool Villas, located adjacent to the pool deck, are equipped with kitchenettes, lounge areas, and terraces overlooking both the pool and the ocean beyond.

Throughout the hotel, guests will discover five noteworthy dining and imbibing outlets developed in partnership with the acclaimed team at Lowder-Tascarella Hospitality. Helmed by multiple Michelin-starred Chef Abram Bissell – a Florida Keys native known for his leadership at New York’s Eleven Madison Park, NoMad, and The Modern – and globally awarded beverage creative Christopher Lowder, each destination comes alive with the vibrant flavours of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Image credit: By Proper / Design Hotels

At Pauline, the signature restaurant, a seafood-forward menu features artfully presented local catch amongst an elevated yet lively atmosphere. Little Torch, an intimate lounge, invites guests into an exclusive world of refined cocktails. At The Café, espresso beverages are served alongside freshly made traditional and modern Caribbean and Cuban delicacies from Miami bakeries. The Bar, meanwhile, offers a laid-back, inviting space in the lobby to enjoy freshly brewed coffee in the mornings. By night, this space transforms into the hotel’s buzzing social centerpiece, featuring expertly crafted cocktails like a coconut-aged Manhattan or strawberry-tequila espresso martini as well as small bites such as Cubano-style Katsu sando, caviar service, and ancient-grain flatbreads from a wood-burning oven.

Main image credit: By Proper / Design Hotels