Delano MIAMI BEACH An Art Deco icon is reborn with a sensitive redesign that honours the hotel’s storied past, while establishing a new vision for the brand’s legacy. Words: Guy Dittrich • Photography: © Robert Reiger (unless otherwise stated)
T
he Delano is back. Its place in the annals
is not just the reopening of a hotel, it’s the
of hospitality was secured by the vision
reintroduction of Delano as a brand.”
of Ian Schrager and Philippe Starck in the
The gleaming white folded planes of the
mid-1990s and now, three decades later, the
14-storey hotel stand proudly on Collins Avenue.
hotel has been reimagined once again.
Its façade, geometric detailing and terrazzo
The pressure to deliver a worthy successor
flooring borrow from the neighbouring Art
was immense. Cain International acquired
Deco District, but its 1948 origins place it firmly
the landmark in 2020 and, together with
within the post-war era of Miami Modernism.
Ennismore, announced a full renovation. To
The delta-winged tower crowning the building
deliver the design, they turned to Athens-
heralds Delano and remains a distinct reminder
based architecture and interiors studio Elastic.
of that heritage.
“The success of the project is in the collective
Entering this chapel of hospitality, the
engagement of everyone on the team; it was key
overwhelming sensation is one of enchanting
that everyone had a say,” explains Ria Vogiatzi,
calm. An ethereal palette, clean lines and
founder of Elastic, referring to the hands-on
harmonic symmetry combine with elevated yet
involvement of both owner and operator.
discreet service for an atmosphere in which
Vogiatzi had already worked on Ennismore’s
076
guests feel both valued and welcome.
well-received 2024 renovation of Caesars
Under Vogiatzi’s guidance, the hotel delivers
Palace Bluewaters Dubai, the first realisation
a subtle yet significant evolution that respects
of the renewed Delano brand, but the Miami
its past. “It was a very thoughtful process that
Beach original carried greater expectations. As
began with an analysis of the hotel’s history
Ben Pundole, Chief Brand Officer, puts it: “This
and its surroundings,” the designer enthuses.