Checking in: 1 Hotel South Beach
The concierge can offer advice on adventures accessible on foot, bicycle, or one of the fleet of Teslas available to guests (based on availability).
The concept:
Eco-friendly digs with a sexy luxury twist. 1 Hotel South Beach’s entire brand is built around a fierce commitment to sustainability, which is apparent as soon as you pull up to the front door (the giant “1” that marks the spot was constructed out of 7,500 pounds of local Florida coral). Everything about the property is meant to reduce the building’s energy footprint, like picturesque beach views from floor-to-ceiling windows; and loads of reclaimed wood on the walls, as pieces of furniture, and even the room keys. Not to mention the farmstand in the lobby.
The hotel’s reliance on local vendors and artisans is one way guests know they’re helping the community, but they also love the hotel’s dedication to wellness.
The scene:
Youthful yet sophisticated. Guests ran the gamut from locals grabbing coffee in the airy lobby, which has a living wall and comfy couches, to girlfriends on holiday hanging at the small, casual bar. In a refreshing break from the nightlife-centric scene on SoBe, 1 focuses on #daylife—even using a hashtag to promote the concept. Don’t expect to be woken up by all-night ragers and DJs, which for couples, business travelers, and the sleep-deprived, is an absolute blessing.
The service:
Not every hotel owns a slice of the beach, and 1 Hotel makes the most of that with a dedicated team of sandy-footed helpers who can fetch you everything from a lounge chair to a cocktail. This is what you’re here for; give them all a raise.
The mattress, by Keetsa, is made of custom organic cotton, and the sheets are 100 percent organic cotton, too.
The room:
Entry-level rooms are stunning and start at a whopping 650 square-feet, which is massive for South Beach. Mother nature’s inspiration include cardboard hangers, a triple-water filtration system, and reclaimed wood headboards. We loved the spacious sitting area with its white-linen sectional—big enough to seat you and 10 friends—and the enormous marble bathroom, with its cedar-scented bath amenities in refillable bottles. Layout is notable, too; there are no walls that separate the sleeping area from the living area, and only a glass wall separates the shower from the bedroom, yet each area’s purpose is clear and distinct.
The perks:
While the hotel’s private beachfront is a surprisingly rare amenity in South Beach, Watr 1 at the Rooftop—a pool deck and bar located 18 stories up above the water—is yet another amenity you’ll want to take some serious advantage of. If you plan to keep active, there’s a SoulCycle onsite (just be sure to sign up for your class ASAP, as it’s open to the public, too).
Beachcraft, the Tom Colicchio restaurant, also stood out for it’s excellent farm-to-table food: At dinner, don’t miss the roasted lamb saddle, the flatbreads, or any of the homemade pastas, and at breakfast, order the gooey egg and cheese sandwich. The fact that there are not one, but three pools, means that you’ll never have to fight for a lounge chair.
Waking up to the sounds, and smells, of the ocean is not a feeling we’ll soon forget.
What we loved:
Beachfront and within walking distant of the city’s cultural hot spots.
There’s an onsite SoulCycle (just be sure to sign up for your class ASAP, as it’s open to the public, too).
The fact that there are not one, but three pools, means you’ll never have to fight for a lounge chair.
All of the hotel’s taps, sinks, and showers are equipped with Triple Clear Water filters, so you can drink right from them—and even the glasses in your room are made from recycled glass.
Wi-Fi worked perfectly in every corner of the hotel, and it didn’t cost a penny.