Balfour Miami Beach Joins Morgans Originals Collection

MIAMI BEACH, FL

Balfour, an iconic art deco gem located in Miami Beach’s upscale South of Fifth enclave, unveils an exciting new chapter as part of Morgans Originals — a collection of one-of-a-kind, independent hotels that each tell a unique cultural story. As part of its revival, Balfour also introduces two new dining destinations: SoFi Coffee, a community-driven neighborhood café opening later this summer, and Cleo, an Eastern Mediterranean restaurant occupying nearly the entire first floor of the hotel’s historic building.

A Boutique Revival: The Balfour’s New Chapter

The 82-room boutique hotel has been meticulously refreshed by Bigtime Design Studios in collaboration with Ennismore, artfully blending historic character with contemporary comfort. Located on Ocean Drive, the Balfour spans two iconic art deco-style buildings connected by a tropical courtyard. Originally designed by Miami Beach architect Anton Skislewicz and opened in 1940 as The Lord Balfour Hotel, the property has always reflected the city’s spirit of reinvention.

Original terrazzo floors and brass elevator doors remain preserved, offering glimpses into its storied past, while upgrades in comfort and design make the hotel a vibrant new destination for guests seeking authentic local culture.

Guest rooms feature hardwood or herringbone flooring, midcentury design touches, and custom art deco artwork commissioned by Mike Willcox. Options include Classic Rooms, green-accented Superior Rooms, and spacious Suites complete with white marble bathrooms and rain showers — including Junior Suites with built-in bunk beds for families.

In line with the hotel’s wellness-driven hospitality focus, all bathrooms include vegan bath products from The Botanist & The Chemist and embroidered waffle-textured robes. Each room is also equipped with a fully stocked in-room bar cart, Lavazza coffee machines, cocktail shakers, wine buckets, and premium refreshments — creating an ideal environment for curated in-room experiences.

Onsite Experiences and Amenities

Beyond its guestrooms, Balfour features an array of thoughtful amenities:

A plunge pool with original mosaic tilework
A rooftop deck with panoramic views of Miami Beach
Complimentary bicycles for exploring the neighborhood
Over 2,000 sq. ft. of event space designed for gatherings of all sizes

Cleo: Mediterranean-Inspired Culinary Destination

The hotel’s ground floor is now home to Cleo, an inviting Eastern Mediterranean restaurant led by award-winning Executive Chef Camila Olarte, formerly sous chef at Thomas Keller’s The Surf Club. With indoor and outdoor dining extending into the lush courtyard and terrace, Cleo offers a cozy yet stylish venue for family-style dishes inspired by bold Mediterranean flavors.

The restaurant features weekly activations like Wine Wednesdays (50% off select bottles) and Sunday Brunches with coastal fare. Seasonal programming includes chef-led masterclasses, curated pop-up shops, and a special female chef dinner series hosted in collaboration with Chef Olarte.

The design blends vintage art deco elegance with Mediterranean warmth — creating a magnetic social hub for both locals and visitors alike.

SoFi Coffee: A Neighborhood Gathering Spot

Launching later this summer, SoFi Coffee adds a hyperlocal layer to Balfour’s cultural footprint. Just steps from the iconic Miami Beach Boardwalk, this café offers a sun-washed setting that promotes conversation, relaxation, and community connection.

Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., SoFi Coffee will feature hand-poured brews by Imperial Moto, using ethically grown, locally roasted beans from Colombia, Brazil, and Guatemala. Guests can enjoy espresso, cappuccinos, iced matcha lattes, wellness shots, and specialty teas like Silver Needle and oolong.

Fresh, small-batch pastries by Butter Moon — including matcha raspberry New York rolls, alfajores, and pistachio-walnut croissants — will be available alongside juices, kombuchas, and more.

The café’s interior features a central wood community table, velvet banquettes, marble-topped bar, and matcha-green tile accents. Artful touches like tropical wallpaper and golden lighting add a stylish, feminine edge to the serene design.