Haute Hotel: Low-Key Luxury at The Betsy South Beach

It might be at the northern end of Ocean Drive, but The Betsy South Beach is the very definition of under-the-radar. The historic building by Murray Dixon is the only surviving example of “Florida Georgian” architecture, so it stands to reason that there is truly no other place like it. Adding to the long list of amenities that make the hotel special is the B-Bar, The Deck rooftop bar and open-air Betsy Wellness Garden & Spa. Touches like the best linens, live jazz performances and the over 300 original black and white photographs of the Beatles and Rolling Stones that line the hallways complete the vibe.

The hotel is owned by Jonathan Plutzik and his love of the arts is apparent not just from the photography that line the walls, but also their extensive art programming. Imagine live music, poetry readings, book signings, an on-property writer’s room and poems placed on pillows every night and you get the idea.

Having a world-class restaurant like BLT Steak doesn’t hurt either. Every night hotel guests and local foodies look to the restaurant’s iconic blackboard to enjoy one of their famous popovers while picking out seasonal dishes or a cut of USDA Prime, Wagyu or Certified Black Angus steak.

But it’s not all meat all the time because that wouldn’t be cool. No, they have an array of dishes and specials such as the upcoming 4th of July menu that includes Royal Red Shrimp & Grits, Maine Lobster Pot Pie, Zellwood Corn Hush Puppies and Mini Granny Smith Apple Pie Bars.  We know, amazing, right?

What’s more is that the restaurant shares the space with the chic lobby that’s been infused with a touch of colonial Florida and a dash of safari. The effect is one that transports us to a place Hemmingway or Fitzgerald might have frequented and that, as they say, is priceless. Check in here.