In 1940, the tallest building in Miami Beach was the 18-floor Lord Tarleton Hotel on Collins Avenue between 40th and 41st streets. Two towers, a multi-million-dollar restoration and 74 years later, the structure was reincarnated as the Thompson Miami Beach. The 380-room hotel preserves the building’s original Art Deco features and 1950s architecture thanks to the work of interior designer Martin Brudnizki, Kobi Karp Architects and landscape architect Raymond Jungles. Everywhere you look you’ll find pops of color and casual glamour with a bohemian vibe.
I immediately settled into relaxation mode upon entering my guest room, as I took in the yellow diamond-patterned carpet, the colorful pillows and white sheets on the cozy king-size bed, the balcony with its partial ocean view, and the bathroom offering a rain shower and products from CO Bigelow. It was at once both retro and contemporary, providing all the comforts of the 21st century (flat-screen television, dual USB and power outlets and laptop-fitting electronic safe) amid mid-century modern artwork and furniture (my favorite was the vintage-looking bar cart, which served as the mini bar).
The hotel’s main restaurant, Seagrape, is a 267-seat, indoor-outdoor Floridian brasserie serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Helmed by James Beach Foundation Award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein, the restaurant focuses on locally sourced ingredients and definitely does not disappoint. Chef Michelle, a Miami native, draws her inspiration from the Florida coast and works with local farmers to build her ingredient list and capture the essence of the area in her dishes.
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The excellent food pairs well with a gorgeous view and both beach and pool access. The Thompson has two rectangle-shaped pools that sit in line divided by a walkway from the hotel to the boardwalk and beach beyond. Both pools are lined with bright-yellow lounge chairs — arranged in tiers, so everyone gets a view — and flanked by a trio of cabanas on the farthest ends. Poolside bungalows can also be reserved for group parties or a bit of privacy.
On the 10th-floor fitness deck, guests can take classes in boot camp fitness, circuit training and yoga overlooking the hotel’s pools and the beach beyond. The Spa at Thompson Miami Beach is here, too, with treatments performed in cabanas lining an outdoor patio.
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One of my favorite elements of the Thompson Miami Beach property was 1930s House, a Mediterranean-inspired cocktail lounge set in an actual house from the ’30s. Originally located at a site nearby, the house was moved to this spot a few years ago and incorporated into the hotel’s design. The result is a charming nightlife space where guests can sip craft cocktails and nosh on small plates at hi-top bar tables or comfy couches inside or outside on the patio. The 1930s House also has a separate entrance from a street beside the hotel, so locals can join in on the fun. Additional nightlife venues at the hotel include the Crown Room, a book-themed lounge on the hotel’s second floor, and casual Asian-American restaurant Talde, which features cuisine by chef Dale Talde, late-night service and guest DJs.
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The Thompson’s Mid-Beach location means it’s a little quieter than the South Beach scene while still emitting an energetic vibe. It’s the perfect mix between a relaxing getaway and a vibrant Miami Beach experience, making for a fabulous stay.
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