Miami Beach’s luxury hotel landscape is ever-expanding. The latest in its line-up is The Shelborne By Proper, which has taken over a landmark building on Collins Avenue. It debuted in May 2025 after a $100M transformation, marking the premiere of the new By Proper philosophy. During Art Basel Miami Beach 2025, the storied hotel lobby, Little Torch bar, and Pauline restaurant were hubs for the art and fashion worlds. Here, we break down why this newcomer is stealing the spotlight.
Miami Beach by Patrick Chin
The location
Located along Miami Beach’s iconic Collins Avenue, the undeniable birthplace of the city’s boutique hotel scene and vibrant nightlife, Proper Hospitality’s arrival has made a splash by seamlessly blending timeless Art Deco glamour with modern sophistication. This landmark property has been reimagined, and staying here is an excellent way to experience a visit to this famed area in a setting that celebrates its vibrant history.
The architecture
Set at the intersection of 18th and Collins, this revitalised hotel blends its Art Deco legacy with tropical modernism. Originally designed by Igor Polevitzky and Morris Lapidus, the building has been thoughtfully transformed by ADC Atelier, whose vision brings texture, warmth, and a contemporary lens to the storied structure with a juxtaposition of clean lines and curving forms surrounded by lush greenery.
The Café by AJ Woomer at The Shelbourne By Proper
Front desk by Patrick Chin at The Shelbourne By Proper
The welcome
Walking into a world of natural wood and earth-toned furnishings – with statement patterns set against a marble palette of pastels and large terracotta pots – the lobby has a serene yet cutting-edge design effect. The first hospitality venue upon arrival, The Café, is unique in celebrating local offerings from iconic Miami bakeries – think modern Caribbean and Cuban delicacies, along with a morning or afternoon caffeine fix.
The art
The art programme is fully integrated in the décor that transforms the property into a living gallery. The cultural canvas spans celebrated and emerging artists from diverse disciplines. This includes key female artists such as vases by Carly Graceffa, quilted textiles by Regina Jestrow, sculpted ceramics by Lauren Shapiro, woven cityscapes by Jessy Nite, colourful silk installations by Kenny Nguyen, abstracts by Bruce Ingram, and more.
Art at The Shelbourne By Proper
Oceanfront king room by Patrick Chin at The Shelbourne By Proper
The rooms
The Art Deco heritage continues across the 251 guest rooms and suites with stunning ocean and city skyline views. The beachfront property – replete with residential-style villas and a penthouse with a private balcony – was curated by ADC & Tuneu. Think vintage glass details that play with the light, mid-century touches, custom ceramic sconces, honed travertine floors, and handwoven wall coverings.
The dining
Crafted in collaboration with the acclaimed Lowder-Tascarella team, the food and beverage programme celebrates Latin American and Caribbean flavours. At Pauline, one of Miami’s most exciting new restaurants, the seafood-forward menu by culinary director Abram Bissell is a love letter to South Florida’s coastal bounty. Bissell’s Michelin-starred experience (from NYC’s Eleven Madison Park) elevates every dish – from the conch ceviche to the lobster and mussel sancocho.
Pauline at The Shelbourne By Proper
Little Torch at The Shelbourne By Proper
The cocktail lounge
Steps away, Little Torch (named after the most secluded island in the Florida Keys), offers an upscale cocktail lounge experience featuring rare spirits, clarified punches, and a curated soundtrack – perfect for a jump start to the evening or a quiet nightcap. The design holds a retro mosaic-tiled bar with pink grout, sculptural onyx tables, and reupholstered Vittorio Varo ‘Cigno’ lounge chairs.
The drinks
Bringing a fresh perspective to Miami’s cocktail scene, signature drinks include the Spicy Guava Cooler (mezcal and guava) and Modern Vices (clarified piña colada milk punch). For gin lovers, the effervescent Saints & Sailors mixes yuzu and sparkling rosé. The bar also features a dynamic lineup of vinyl DJ sets, cocktail-led events, and musical performances, including karaoke nights.
Cocktail at The Shelbourne By Proper
The pool at The Shelbourne By Proper
The pool
From the preserved 1950s pool deck (with aqua accents and striking diving board) to the private cabanas and chaise lounges, it’s time to relax. Bespoke textiles line the iconic pool atop sun-drenched loungers designed to capture the vibrant colours of the ocean, while vintage-inspired glass details, travertine floors, and locally-crafted furnishings evoke a distinct sense of Miami’s coastal identity.
The beach club
The beach club offers a luxurious oceanfront experience and full food and beverage service on the sand. Members also enjoy access to the hotel’s iconic Art Deco pool with private cabanas, a state-of-the-art fitness studio, daily wellness classes, and racket sports. In addition to curated member events and inviting spaces to work, gather, and socialise, members receive special perks throughout the hotel and city.
The beach club at The Shelbourne By Proper
The fitness centre at The Shelbourne By Proper
The wellness
For those who don’t want to skip a workout or a chance to stay healthy on the road, this hotel offers a modern fitness centre with daily wellness classes and 24-hour access. There’s something fot everyone: state-of-the-art cardio machines, versatile strength and functional training tools, and daily yoga, pilates, breathwork, and guided meditation. To recover, in-room spa treatments can be booked.
In short? The Shelborne By Proper is the perfect Miami Beach getaway – and a well-rounded escape at any time of year. If you’re not lounging under the sun by the pool, you’re keeping your routine on track at the wellness centre, exploring the local area with complimentary rides in the all-electric Lotus house cars, or indulging at the variety of food and beverage outlets. Bliss.
