The Betsy – Miami Beach, Florida
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The Betsy / 1440 Ocean Drive / Miami Beach, FL 33139 / 1-866-792-3879
The Betsy, a boutique hotel located on Ocean Drive in South Beach, Miami offers up one of the best lodging experiences in the area.
My wife and I recently had the pleasure of staying at the Betsy and were impressed from the moment we arrived until check out.
First, let me say, The Betsy is absolutely stunning and the lone surviving example of “Florida Georgian” architecture located in the Art Deco dominated neighborhood.
Ironically it was designed and created by the same man, L. Murray Dixon, responsible for the majority of the famous Art Deco styled hotels in the area.
To me it felt like the “grand dame” of Ocean Drive, but this grand dame is hot & sexy, the kind that hosts rock stars and celebrities! 😉
The staff we encountered during our stay were extremely friendly and helpful and made Jennifer and I feel right at home.
One of my favorite parts of The Betsy was the hotel lobby, sporting photos of a young Mick Jagger, and offering a comfortable, laid back tropical vibe.
Jennifer and I watched guests of the hotel come and go as they took full advantage of the hotel’s proximity to Miami Beach, which is just steps away and the area’s plethora of attractions.
B BAR:
B Bar is the hotel’s ‘underground speakeasy’. With a reflective ceiling, state-of-the-art audio-visual, and numerous awards for innovative mixology, B Bar is transformed when groups of 10 to 100 gather. It makes the perfect private event venue. The Betsy hosts a variety of Arts & Cultural programming, including live music nights, celebrity DJ’s, and Betsy’s Philanthropic community soirees. When the lights are down low, the light boxes are filled with great art, the built in screens are lit up with images, and a private DJ spins sounds at guest request. Unfortunately Jennifer and I did not get to experience B Bar for ourselves during our short stay, but look forward to checking it out next time.
BLT STEAK:
Also off the lobby is BLT Steak, a classic steakhouse-bistro with tropical touches with indoor and outdoor environments for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The chef, Laurent Tourondel, was honored by Bon Appétit as Restaurateur of the Year in 2007 and by Food & Wine as Best New Chef in 1997, and a host of other “Best of” awards by such publications as Esquire, Travel & Leisure, Saveur, and Wine Spectator.
ACCOMMODATIONS:
The Betsy has 61 rooms and suites. Every room features hardwood floors (swooooon), white lacquered dressers, cabinetry and desks, stately poster beds, raffia ceilings, Frette® linens, a pillow menu, oversized plush robes, designer bath products, morning coffee service, gentle splashes of tropically inspired colors, and breathtaking views of Ocean Drive, the Atlantic Ocean, downtown Miami or the hotel’s pool.
Room rates range from $400 to $750 nightly. Suites range from $1,110 to $4,000 per night.
Our room, ‘A Betsy Classic’, was bright and lovely with its king bed, stocked mini bar and pool view.
One of my favorite features of the room was the built-in television in the bathroom mirror.
In addition to the flawless décor, every room and suite at The Betsy also features:
- iPod® docking stations with stereo speakers
- LG® plasma televisions
- High-speed wireless and hard-wired Internet
- 2-line cordless phones with speakerphone capability
- Combination DVD/CD player with integrated CD burner
- Bathroom mirrors with built-in televisions
- Dual function television screen/computer monitors
- Wireless keyboards with flash-drive compatibility
- Fully downloadable entertainment system for music and movies on demand
- Streaming Internet television and radio broadcasts from select cities all around the world
- On-demand printing from room or suite with pick up or delivery from front desk
For more information on the Betsy’s available accommodations click HERE.
GREEN HOTEL:
The Betsy is committed to being a Green Hotel. For more information on their ‘Pursuit of Green’ program click HERE.
THE DECK:
Upon further exploration of The Betsy, we found ourselves elevated three stories above Ocean Drive, with unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean!
The Deck at The Betsy is a beautiful, open space for guests to enjoy a comfortable social environment, quiet relaxation, spa treatments and therapies from the Wellness Garden, along with drinks and cuisine from The Deck’s custom menu, designed by BLT Chef Laurent Tourondel.
Check out this view!
WELLNESS GARDEN:
The Betsy’s Wellness Garden offers a range of spa treatments and therapies, while providing sweeping views of the ocean peeking just above the palm trees.
The Zen-inspired sanctuary was designed to soothe the senses with the incorporation of earth born elements, a liberal use of wood, stone, bamboo and natural fibers.
YOGA ON THE ROOF DECK:
On Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 AM, The Betsy provides the perfect setting for sunrise yoga. Greet the day with Vinyasa flow classes, taught by experienced teachers from 3rd Street Beach Yoga, with modifications for beginners and experienced students alike. Yoga on the Roof Deck was listed in The New York Times as one of the “Top Ten Things to do in Miami.” Complimentary for hotel guests; yoga mats and blocks are available.
POOL:
Secluded in a private courtyard setting, the zen-line retreat of The Betsy pool area is an alternative to busy, crowded pool decks. You will find plush seating areas, tranquil music, towel service, and plenty of shade.
BEACH:
The Betsy’s beachfront, Ocean Drive location will truly provide an unforgettable experience. The hotel offers beach attendant service which provides chairs and umbrellas.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT:
The Betsy is located directly in the midst of The Art Deco Historic District and just steps away from the Bass Museum of Art, The Jackie Gleason Center for the Performing Arts, The Lincoln Theatre, Colony Theatre, Miami Beach Convention Center, and the Miami City Ballet Studios.
GAY & LESBIAN FACTOR: Since the late 1980’s, Miami Beach, particularly South Beach (SoBe for short), has been a popular Lgbt destination. Over the years the area has maintained its status as a premiere gay & lesbian hot spot, especially during the world famous White Party in November. South Beach is also home to over a dozen Lgbt bars and clubs as well as an assortment of clubs in downtown Miami. As one would expect, The Betsy Hotel is extremely gay friendly and welcoming. I never thought twice about being openly affectionate with my wife. I even feel funny writing that this is INDEED a gay friendly hotel, I mean….of course it is. The Betsy is an exquisite hotel, perfect for a getaway to one of the most exciting destinations in the world and gets an enthusiastically “two thumbs up” from Gay Travel Information. It is absolutely worthy of business from the Lgbt community.
The Betsy is special – magical. I truly felt like “rock star royalty” staying here. The location, staff, accommodations and amenities make this hotel one of the best I’ve experienced.
I cannot wait to return!
Desiree Sousa
Owner / Editor in Chief
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