You’re standing at the corner of Ocean Drive and something deeper—history. Balfour isn’t just one of the most iconic South of Fifth hotels in Miami Beach; it’s a timeless landmark that has quietly shaped the neighborhood’s rhythm for decades. Originally named after Lord Arthur Balfour, a progressive British statesman, the hotel reflects his spirit of elegance and intellect. From its Art Deco hotel roots to its role in Miami’s creative renaissance, Balfour invites you to experience a legacy that’s both timeless and alive.
Step inside and you’ll feel it—the charm of a bygone era still pulsing through the terrazzo floors and brass elevator doors. Since opening in 1940 as Lord Balfour Hotel, this place has been more than a stay—it’s been a gathering space where stories unfold and community thrives.
From rooftop solariums where gangsters once sunbathed to whispered tales of “gangster chic,” Balfour has always embraced contradiction with charisma. It’s this blend of elegance and edge that makes it one of the most memorable Art Deco hotels in Miami, where heritage meets reinvention.
Now reimagined as Balfour, the hotel continues to mirror Miami Beach’s layered spirit—romantic, eclectic, and endlessly evolving. As part of The Registry Collection, Balfour honors its past while embracing a future rooted in individuality and local connection. Whether you’re a traveler seeking authenticity or a neighbor returning home, this boutique gem in South of Fifth offers more than a place to stay—it’s a cultural living room where you belong.
