A historic landmark is making its return to the Miami Beach luxury hotel scene. On May 1, 2025, The Shelborne by Proper will officially reopen following a $100 million renovation, bringing a refined blend of Art Deco heritage and modern luxury to the famed Collins Avenue. The relaunch marks Proper Hospitality’s first venture into Florida, expanding its reputation for sophisticated, design-driven accommodations into one of the country’s most iconic travel destinations.
First opened in 1940, The Shelborne has long been a centerpiece of Miami Beach’s architectural legacy, blending Art Deco and Miami Modernist design. Under the stewardship of Proper Hospitality, the hotel’s transformation is intended to preserve its historic identity while bringing modern luxury to satisfy the high expectations of today’s vacationers.
Restoring a Legacy: The Balance of Heritage and Innovation
Designed by midcentury architects Morris Lapidus and Igor Polevitzky, The Shelborne’s original vision remains intact, thanks to a thoughtful renovation led by ADC Atelier. The project carefully restored key historical features, including the landmark diving board at the oceanfront pool, the building’s iconic façade, and sweeping double-height windows.
“The Shelborne is an iconic landmark in Miami Beach, and we’re honored to reimagine it for a new generation of travelers,” said Brian De Lowe, co-founder and president of Proper Hospitality. “By preserving its striking original architecture and blending it with Proper Hospitality’s fresh, contemporary approach to luxury, we are creating a space that’s both timeless and forward-looking.”
Inside, the 251-room beachfront property introduces a warm, earth-toned aesthetic with honed travertine floors, custom furnishings, and handwoven wall textiles. The Penthouse Suite, spanning 1,700 square feet, features a sprawling outdoor terrace with unobstructed ocean views, while the Two-Bedroom Pool Villas offer kitchenettes and private terraces overlooking the pool and Atlantic Ocean.
Culinary Excellence at The Shelborne by Proper
The Shelborne by Proper will also make its mark on Miami Beach’s dining scene. The hotel’s signature restaurant, Pauline, is helmed by Michelin-starred chef Abram Bissell, whose experience includes New York institutions such as Eleven Madison Park, NoMad, and The Modern. Inspired by Latin American and Caribbean flavors, Pauline’s standout dishes include lobster sancocho with yuca fries and a tableside-carved swordfish ribeye for two.
The cocktail lounge, Little Torch, offers a more intimate setting, serving signature drinks such as an espresso martini made with coconut-washed reposado tequila. Additional dining options include an outdoor pool bar, a spacious 4,000-square-foot Lobby Bar and Café, and an oceanfront beach club.
For locals, The Shelborne by Proper is offering a Beach & Wellness Membership, granting access to the private beach club, a 24-hour fitness center, and exclusive wellness programming.
The Shelborne by Proper and Miami Beach’s Competitive Luxury Market
The reopening of The Shelborne by Proper comes amid a growing demand for luxury hotels that blend historical charm with contemporary amenities. Miami Beach’s hotel industry has increasingly catered to travelers seeking refined, artfully restored properties, a trend reflected in the success of hotels like The Betsy, The Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, and Hotel Victor.
According to Peggy Benua, Chairwoman of the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority, travelers today are drawn to properties that celebrate Miami Beach’s rich architectural history while delivering modern, high-end experiences.
“Miami Beach brings the nostalgia of world-famous design and architecture together with the luxurious experiences travelers expect,” Benua noted. The Shelborne by Proper aligns with this shift, offering a meticulously restored property that merges midcentury glamour with Proper Hospitality’s signature approach to upscale design and service.
As The Shelborne by Proper prepares to open its doors, it is set to once again become a unique presence in Miami Beach’s evolving hospitality landscape. With its seamless integration of history and modernity, the hotel plans to offer a timeless yet contemporary experience.
