Miami Beach, FL – The Betsy will set the new benchmark for those seeking comfortable luxury in South Beach. Scheduled to open her doors after a complete renovation in November of 2008, travelers may be surprised to find this distinguished landmark on Ocean Drive, with its imposing colonial façade, to be one of the freshest faces in Miami Beach.
Designers Diamante Pedersoli and Carmelina Santoro bring a unique vision of clean lines, rich textures and understated elegance to The Betsy. Diamante’s work includes creating private residences for Ralph Lauren, while Carmelina’s experience with Bulgari retail stores fuse two different visions, culminating in elegant yet relaxed design. “Our goal is to make The Betsy at once completely comfortable and familiar, yet create an undeniable mark which would make The Betsy standout from other hotels in Miami Beach,” says Pedersoli.
One of The Betsy’s many assets are the enormous floor to ceiling windows which stretch across the expansive façade allowing natural light to flow through the space. The colonial design of the lobby is obtained by the use of wooden plantation style shutters as dividing walls which separate the hotel lobby and guest reception from BLT Steak. Lighting consists of Ivory colored Fortuny Sheherazade chandeliers hanging from the coffered ceilings, and these elegant fixtures are complemented by colonial style fans in the lobby lounge. The historical terrazzo flooring is accented with natural fiber area rugs. Wooden antique world globes, zebra framed mirrors, safari pictures and potted palms complete the theme.
The Betsy Hotel’s 63 rooms and suites are private, beachside havens. Behind white wooden plantation shuttered windows, the contemporary tropical colonial design wraps every guest in exquisite detail. Every room features dark black walnut hardwood floors, white lacquered dressers, cabinetry and desks, and stately poster beds. “Four different color schemes are used to define the clean white rooms: fields of lavender in Provence, sunbathed Tuscan ochre, vibrant coral in the sea, and fresh Spring green. These inspirations came from brilliant colors in nature,“ says Santoro. The richly textured linen curtains and pillows shams are bordered in matching color. Pillows and chairs of various fabrics and designs further distinguish the color accents. Raffia covered ceilings, chairs and headboards lend a unique texture to the rooms. The hotel’s accommodations otherwise share the same luxurious amenities and design and standout in one distinct accent color.
Individually signed and framed images from Richard Bluestein’s photographic artistry adorn the walls. His architectural background provides an uncommon approach through color, composition and perspective. Images at The Betsy have roots in beach and seaside areas where he captures structural design in black and white, from South Beach to Santorini.
The luxuriously modern baths are made of the finest Carrara and Thassos marble and have spacious walk-in showers. Bespoke design bathroom vanities from Neo-Metro are made of white resin countertops and dark wood, and feature faucets and fixtures by Kallista de Stile collection. The oversized and innovative bathroom mirrors from Electric Mirror© incorporate television screens and direct natural light is simulated, generating the perfect environment to apply make-up or prepare for the day or evening.
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Luxury is defined by many factors and the various lighting selections should be highlighted in The Betsy’s accommodations. Table and floor lamps, bedside lighting, and high hats (in-ceiling lighting) allow for a personal selection to suit every mood. Fresh chrome and white ceiling fans continue the tropical colonial theme and work alone or in conjunction with air conditioning to carry the breeze from the Atlantic throughout the rooms.
(Malin + Goetz) modern apothecary bathroom amenities have been selected for their hydration science and botanical extracts. Perfect for use by both men and women, the products are made with scents that quickly evaporate allowing room for personal fragrance choices. Their products are not tested on animals, are made without unnecessary detergents, colorants or synthetic fragrances, and are made in the USA.
Beds are topped with fine Frette® linens, and guests may select from a menu which includes everything from hypoallergenic to down. Plush robes and slippers are standard in each room.
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Every room and suite at The Betsy combines the technology of today blended seamlessly with the architecture and grace of yesteryear. The resulting product is a fresh concept in South Beach with timeless style.
The Betsy
1440 Ocean Drive
Miami Beach, FL 331331
Tel: 305-531-3934 / 866-531-8950
Fax: 305-531-9009
www.thebetsyhotel.com
