You Might Also Like / LLM Exclusive Weekend June 2026 / The Betsy Hotel, Miami Beach, Florida in the USA / By Baldwin Ho

This family-owned boutique hotel in Miami Beach’s vibrant South Beach stands out for its unique character and genuine charm, providing a refreshing alternative to nearby commercial hotels.

Its prime location places guests steps away from acclaimed restaurants and nightlife.

Hotel

The hotel is a living tribute to American poet Hyam Plutzik

The hotel is co-owned by husband-and-wife Jonathan Plutzik and Lesley Goldwasser. For the well-respected couple, this is more than just a business, it is a family home. Most of the decorations you spot around the hotel are more likely to be heirlooms and souvenirs from their travels – the spectacular Betsy Chandelier in the Skyline Penthouse is arguably the prime example.

The vast collection of literary and visual artwork is no coincidence. Jonathan’s father is the famous American poet and a three-time Pulitzer Prize finalist, Hyam Plutzik, and the hotel is a living tribute to his legacy. Lesley is in charge of the art curation at the hotel; she strongly supports local artists and helps them gain recognition.

The Betsy is Ocean Drive’s only Florida Colonial Revival property, distinguished by its elegant, symmetrical façade and carefully balanced multi-pane windows designed for optimal air circulation. Tranquil palm trees, colonial-inspired fans, and the beloved owners’ golden retrievers – all official Canine Executive Officers – set a welcoming and memorable tone.

Room

Every single room at The Betsy comes with a bookshelf and typically includes 20 – 30 books

It is sometimes easy to get lost when looking for your room at The Betsy. There are two wings to the hotel: the Colonial Wing and the Art Deco Wing. They are connected by the quirky egg-shaped The Betsy Orb.

The rooms in the Colonial Wing offer a more historic, plantation-style charm, even if they are slightly smaller in size. It serves up a more serene and traditional environment, and you have the convenience of being closer to their ground floor restaurants.

The rooms in the Art Deco Wing offer a more contemporary, art-focused refinement. The aesthetics are brighter and more colourful. You are closer to the ground floor art gallery and also a conservatory lounge.

The rooftop infinity pool is also within easy reach and it offers 360-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Miami city skyline. Every single room at The Betsy comes with a bookshelf and typically includes 20-30 books.

Toiletries are courtesy of Malin+Goetz, whilst they also offer RAIN Pure Mountain Spring Water, an eco-friendly spring water brand packaged in aluminium.

Food and drink

LT Steak and Seafood offers new American cuisine in an elegant yet casual environment

The hotel has received numerous plaudits for its dining offerings, in particular for LT South Beach. They have partnered with award-winning chef Laurent Tourondel to deliver the concept at this restaurant.

It offers new American cuisine in an elegant yet casual environment. Visit at dinner time or during lunch at weekends, and you will hear some of Miami Beach’s best jazz performers entertain the diners and hotel guests. It is Miami Beach’s longest-running live music series.

The menu does have a strong seafood focus. You might discover on their specials board clean-tasting sesame-crusted bluefin tuna tataki. Alternatively, you might find indulgent and rich brown butter blue crab agnolotti with Kaluga Caviar. They offer a lengthy drinks menu and have taken particular care in offering non-alcoholic options such as a Coco Nojito.

Breakfast is also served at LT South Beach – some of the options served have a Hispanic twist, such as huevos rancheros and Cuban molletes.

Spa and wellness

The hotel has two pools, including a rooftop one with views over the city

The hotel offers the only outdoor rooftop spa in Miami Beach. The treatments can be provided in private bamboo cabanas, or you can arrange in-room service.

They specialise in plant-based and food-based natural treatments and signature offerings include the Wood Stone Ritual, which utilises chilled stones and the coconut hot towel facial. As well as the rooftop pool, the hotel has a more tranquil courtyard pool.

There’s a 24-hour gym, which includes the latest cardio machines and Peloton bikes that are connected to online classes, and they also offer daily sunrise yoga classes, which are included in your resort fee.

To do

Be sure to book the daily Art Deco tour, which starts at the lobby of the hotel. The tickets are $45 pp and are one of the most popular activities to take part in when you are visiting South Beach.

They frequently have exhibitions and talks going on at the hotel, so it is highly recommended you check out their weekly calendar as soon as you check in to the hotel.

Factbox

Address: 1440 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139, United States
Phone: +1 866-792-3879
Email: info@thebetsyhotel.com
Website: thebetsyhotel.com

Photography courtesy of The Betsy Hotel.