T+L’s first in review of Andaz Miami Beach Hotel

It’s difficult to believe that the building now housing the hotel was once a large warehouse. Andaz Miami Beach It was once the tallest building on the island. Squinting against the salt in my eyes, I try to picture what this 16-story art deco darling—now surrounded by glass high-rises and luxury apartment complexes in laid-back Mid Beach—looked like when it was first built in 1940, then known as the Lord Tarleton Hotel.

It has undergone several iterations and name changes over the decades, but in May 2025, it debuted as the first Florida hotel for Hyatt’s elevated Andaz brand, and I was the first journalist to visit. While EoA Group and Hyatt Lifestyle Group’s in-house design team have completely renovated the interiors—an undulating series of curves that mimic the ocean’s waves, done up in signature shades of aqua, turquoise, and mint in homage to Miami’s art deco heritage—the historic main building’s facade retains much of its original charm, including a pale blue stripe and rooftop radio tower once used to communicate with the nearby airport ahead of VIP arrivals.

The retro-styled covered driveway at Collins Avenue is still a VIP parking area. My bag was whisked up to my room by a friendly porter as I was guided to the hotel’s outdoor check-in lounge. Sipping hibiscus-lemonade and sitting next to a fire under palm trees, it was clear that I had arrived in Miami. Four other hotels have I stayed at? Miami Beach, none have been as deeply rooted in place and celebrated local culture as Andaz Miami Beach. Cuban music was playing in the background while I made my way to my room.

The view was picture-perfect from my Oceanfront Balcony Deluxe Suite located on the eleventh floor. My cozy balcony looked out over the two heated pools shaded by sea-blue umbrellas and the white-sand beach where creamsicle cabanas stretched all the way to the Atlantic.

After settling into the spacious suite—complete with a marble bathroom, shell-inspired wall art, and a large living area—I staked out a lounge chair by the lower-level pool for the afternoon, where it was serene enough to do some writing in between dips. As the sun began to set and my laptop’s battery was dwindling, I switched from iced coconuts to rum-laced fresh ones. This is undoubtedly one of the best vacation drinks.

Once I worked up an appetite, I moseyed over to Aguasal, the Miami-meets-Mediterranean restaurant helmed by José Andrés Group, which also oversees the hotel’s buzzy cocktail bar, Bar Centro, and the soon-to-open The Bazaar by José Andrés, which will focus on Spanish-style tapas. The culinary partnership offers food-lovers a range of options to choose from, with a pool bar and three dining options.

After a late night of exploring the bar scene in nearby South Beach—Ocean Drive is just a quick, romantic stroll or bike ride away down the boardwalk—I spent the next afternoon recovering on the beach, sidled up beneath my orange-and-white striped cabana and snacking on fresh fruit and French fries. The next day, after a few hours of sun, I went to the Ondara Spa to get a quick skin treatment before my evening plans. These were again pushed back. Next day I was in the same cabana again, floating on the Atlantic while admiring the hotel’s distinctive silhouette.

You can find all the information you need about Andaz Miami Beach here.

The Rooms

It is important to note that the word “you” means “you”. There are 287 guestrooms in the hotel, including 64 suites. Most of them can be connected to accommodate larger groups or families. The balconies and wraparound decks of several room categories offer postcard views of Miami’s skyline or of the sparkling Atlantic Coast. Guest rooms have sand colored walls and pale wood flooring. They also draw inspiration from the colors in the surroundings. My room had seashell pink armchairs with turquoise accents on the wall, as well as a turquoise sofa, as well a ceramic shell-inspired wall decor.

Even the smallest rooms offer plenty of space to travel in comfort—an airy 234-square-foot King Bed Oceanfront feels larger due to the curved architecture, a signature of the hotel, mimicking the undulating waves. Sharp corners have been replaced with soft edges, asymmetrical furniture, circular rugs and curved sofas.

All guest rooms are drenched in natural light thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows—the most remarkable being the Panoramic Oceanfront Penthouse, a sprawling 926-square-foot two-bedroom suite.

Food and Drink

With José Andrés Group leading the hotel’s three food and beverage offerings, Andaz Miami Beach is poised to become a dining destination in its own right. Bar Centro, a café by day and lounge by night, is the hotel’s social hub, featuring a spectacular snack menu—I nearly swooned over the dainty cones piled with Ossetra caviar and crème fraiche, bikini-style grilled cheese sandwiches, and Andrés’ signature liquid olives.

Two cocktails were particularly memorable: the Reverse Carajillo (a liquid nitrogen-infused twist on the classic coffee and brandy cocktail), served with warm tres leches espumas.

At Mediterranean-inspired Aguasal, the menu swims between Miami and Mykonos, with a bit of Moroccan influence as well. Highlights include fried oyster mushroom with za’atar dusted hummus and tender dorade soaked in a spicy pepper. ezme The chicken tagine was served with fruit-studded rice. The dessert was the best, a saffron-rice pudding with blood orange slices and pomelo.

Soon to open is The Bazaar by José Andrés, an extravagant culinary marketplace that will highlight the Michelin-starred chef’s signature Spanish-style tapas in a sultry dining room.

And for more casual seaside snacks, the Pool & Beach Bar serves up hangover-curing smash burgers, fried shrimp tacos, and an addictive watermelon margarita (pro tip: order it with a Tajín rim), as well as craft beer from local Wynwood breweries.

The Spa

Ondara Spa is opening on 15 June. Treatments are carefully selected to reflect the Miami lifestyle. As guests wait for their treatment, they can enjoy the view of the Atlantic while wrapped in a white plush robe. During my sneak preview of the space, i spent an hour in bliss receiving the Hydra essence facial. This gave my parched, sun-damaged skin the TLC it needed. The treatment included a facial massage, Phytomer skincare products infused with nourishing algae and a facial mask. I left the spa glowing.

Ondara Spa offers a variety of treatments including massages, facials, body scrubs, injectables and an infrared Sauna. It also provides touchless therapies such as ReLounge which uses bioelectrical impulses with heat to reduce back pain. While the spa is worth visiting, guests can enjoy treatments in their rooms or near the water.

You can also browse the extensive boutique where you will find everything from fashionable flip-flops, to Obagi Medical skincare and sunscreen.

Family Friendly Offerings

Andaz Miami Beach doesn’t cater to families but kids are welcome. Many of the 64 suites have connecting rooms that provide plenty of room for everyone. Couples and friends were the majority of the guests when I was there, but some young families enjoyed the pool with the custom-sized chairs. It is therefore a real benefit to have two pools, since it makes it easy to find a quiet spot to relax and read.

Andaz Miami Beach welcomes pets.

Activities and Experiences

The hotel centers around two heated pools—the upper pool is flanked by palm trees, sea blue umbrellas, and cozy lounge chairs, while the lower pool offers day beds, private cabanas, and lounges. The sun was my constant companion as I sat in the upper and lower pools to get the most vitamin D. My favorite detail? The charming “popsicle pagers” that come with the cabanas—within moments of pressing the button, I was greeted with a refreshing platter of cherry popsicles.

It is the upper pool that houses one of Andaz Miami Beach’s unique design features: a floor hydraulic system. This can be used for various events from catwalks and concert stages to create a solid, flat surface. Andaz Miami Beach boasts an impressive 25,000 square feet in indoor and outdoor event space, including oceanfront ballsrooms and 7 meeting rooms.

The hotel’s 1930s beach bungalow will be reopened as an exclusive members club this summer.

A 24-hour gym, Ondara spa and a fitness centre are also available to help balance the city’s tendency to indulgence. Yoga classes, sound baths, and body sculpting are all included in the complimentary wellness program., While the concierge who is well connected can arrange for salsa lessons, guided architectural tours of nearby Art Deco landmarks, as well as difficult to get restaurant reservations.

Accessibility, Sustainability and Sustainability

The hotel was fully renovated in accordance with ADA standards. It has accessible common areas and guest rooms with mobility features of various categories. Meetings can be held with assistive listening devices, while airport shuttles are available with advance notice. 

Andaz is committed to sustainability and has integrated it into its design and operations. The hotel is Water stations are located in the hotel and guests can fill up their reusable water bottles. The poolside drinks and food are served in reusable containers, complete with lids that keep out birds and bees. Refillable Byredo bathroom products are also available.

Location

Mid Beach is a great place to visit, whether in Miami for pleasure or business. This swanky stretch of luxury hotels and trendy restaurants, which runs from 23rd to 63rd streets, is tamer than nearby South Beach, making it the perfect place to retreat for a little R&R after a night on the town.

While there’s no real need to rent a car during your stay—taxis and rideshare apps are easily accessible, and the boardwalk is great for a picturesque stroll to Ocean Drive—the hotel does have its own parking garage and valet service. The hotel offers a valet service and a house car, along with chic bikes and helmets for guests to use at their leisure.

The boardwalk is beautiful at night. I recommend stopping at Sweet Liberty Drinks & Supply Company The aguachile oysters and cocktail were delicious. I stayed in a booth behind the bar for several hours, watching the late-night crowds fill the restaurant.

What to Expect from Your Stay

Andaz Miami Beach, part of World of Hyatt offers several specials to celebrate its debut in Florida. Members can save up to 10 percent off nightly rates Double your points through August 11th, 2025.

If there are any, check directly with the hotel. additional packages or promotions Bookings offer a number of benefits.

Get special rates on nights at Andaz Miami Beach Start at $500

Each hotel reviewed by T+L is chosen based on its alignment with our values. core values.