Miami’s South Beach is the quintessential “party capital of America.” But what if your goals run more toward sun-drenched beaches and culture? On a recent sojourn to SoBe, I had the opportunity to stay in the elegant and refined “colonial grand dame” of Ocean Drive, the Betsy Hotel. In the crowded South Beach hotel space, the Betsy stands out like no other. Sure the Delano, National, Shore Club and more attract a vast amount of attention, but it is the boutique Betsy, that is my rationale for a my visit to South Florida, to view, first hand, why all the media darlings recommended that I call The Betsy, “my home away from home” for a three day getaway to Miami Beach. “The best in South Beach,” they said, “Sensational!” “Beyond compare!” So I was ready to be impressed.
The Betsy landmark hotel in Florida-Georgian architecture is not a typical, Ocean Drive, South Beach Hotel. The crown jewel of Miami’s Art Deco District.
As discerning travelers we seek that “one-of-a kind” hotel stay, a hotel that's rare, exclusive, and individual. What is it about unique boutique hotels that intoxicates us? The décor, the small hotel feeling, the style, the fashion?
On an uncharacteristically overcast day in Miami, my cab approached the grand, white, colonial façade of the Betsy. I had to ask my Haitian driver, Pierre, if I somehow I had been transported to Savannah or better yet, Charleston, maybe a Gatsby summer home in Long Island. Did I board the wrong flight? Had I entered a time capsule? Was this the world of Jay Gatsby, a bygone era of the 1920s and 30s. I wondered if I would be sipping mint juleps, in place of Miami favorites, mojitos and cuba libres? This could not be Ocean Drive in South Beach, or could it? F. Scott Fitzgerald and Sommerset Maughan would proudly call the Betsy their home.
The laid-back BLT Streak Restaurant Seating on the Betsy’s Ocean Drive terrace.
Inviting and Relaxing – The Betsy Lobby Salon
The Betsy Ross first opened its doors in 1942, during the great war, in what is new the end of Ocean Drive. The hotel is named after Betsy Ross, the woman George Washington commissioned to design the first American flag. The Betsy was designed in Florida Georgian style by renowned architect L. Murray Dixon. After a complete restoration in 2007, the hotel was reopened as THE BETSY- SOUTH BEACH in 2009.
The brainchild of chairman, principal owner, art aficionado, and philanthropist, Jonathan Plutzik and his wife, Lesley Goldwasser.. Mr. Plutzik’s vision to create a welcoming vibe in an artist setting, essentially creating a welcome contrast to minimalist style that has over run South Beach is a big hit. A colonial gem, a one of a kind hotel in the heart of South Beach. The independently owned 61 rooms and suites, boutique Betsey is an artists rendition of a Florida-Georgian stand out. A hotel with a charitable force. Says Plutzik – “when we started doing the hotel, we felt strongly – both as a business and as a personal matter, that the hotel establish itself as a philanthropic charitable force.”
A young man named Carlos greets me as I enter the hotel, “Welcome to the Betsy Hotel.” My first impression is of a casual, laid back atmosphere. I’m stunned, the Betsy is gorgeous, you feel like you’re in a grand Carolina salon, or perhaps inside of an art gallery, much more than an ordinary hotel. A throwback to say the least. An understated colonial plantation elegance. As I enter the hotel, I’m mesmerized by the open floor plan. From the BLT restaurant to my left, to the open salon leading to Bar to my far right. This would be no ordinary hotel stay. This white columned colonial gem is a nostalgic throwback, unlike the glitzy, bright art deco lights of Ocean Drive. I revel at the laid back salon, parlor feel. Seemingly, inside an art gallery. Everything flows evenly is this tropical, colonial vibe. I notice that there is art and photos throughout the lobby salon.
Jeff Lehman – General Manager and South Beach Hotel Insider
I’m soon introduced to the charismatic head concierge, Paul Drecq. I soon find out Paul is much more than an employee of the Betsy. Paul is an ambassador for the Betsy. Perhaps, Mr. Drecq is the most important face of the Betsy. After all, where does one turn to for all of their hotel needs, questions, and recommendations? They consult with the concierge. Paul talks about his bosses Jeff Lehman and Ed Ponder with admiration, and goes on about his co-workers. “I work with some of the most talented and passionate hospitality experts in the entire Miami Beach hotel scene.” Paul continues, “this is like my family. I love coming to work.” “There is a mutual respect for one another, like no other place that I have ever worked.”
I soon learn that going the extra mile for their guests, is the norm, and is what to expect when staying at the Betsy. The articulate Drecq, originally from Connecticut, arrived on the South Beach scene over 16 years ago, fell in love with the area, and never left. Drecq, goes on to tell me that he a member of the South Beach Concierge Association, and in true Betsy style. Perhaps what inspired me most was Paul’s story about a young couple who arrived in South Beach hours before their parents at the hotel. The couple ventured out to nearby Espanola Way. The wife asked Paul if he would point her parents in the right direction to meet them for dinner upon their late arrival. When the elderly couple arrived at the Betsy, Paul personally escorted the couple to the restaurant. This, I was learning, was the out of the box thinking that many hotels just do not get. Its the people and quality of service that makes the Betsy extraordinary.
It’s becoming clear to me, everything at this plantation-chic, one of a kind boutique, revolves around pampering its guests. From the bellman at the front door to upper management, the hotel guest comes first. It’s all about going the extra mile to assure an unforgettable experience.
My next day at the Betsy I meet its visionary leader, General manager, Jeff Lehman, who comes from the National Hotel which he opened in 1998, and Ed Ponder, director of guest services. It appears that radical thinking has been at the forefront of the Betsy. Jeff is born in Los Angeles. Says Lehman, “I have been in the hospitality business most of my life.” “My first job was cleaning pools at the Royal Lahaina on Kaanapali Beach in Maui, at age 17.” Immediately, I can tell that Jeff is a lifelong hospitality specialist. ”The concept of service – and improving standards of service along the way – has always guided me.” I ask Jeff how does he find such brilliant, dedicated co-workers. Lehman says “I many times hire from not only the best talent pool in the Miami hospitality industry, but also people who have never worked the hotel business.” “If I see a right fit for the hotel, and our environment, we may take on that person, we look for creative minds.” Jeff continues, “the Betsy creates a family environment, where each team member plays an important role.” “The Betsy’s culture celebrates diversity and embraces the community, arts and culture.”
Ed Ponder – Director of Guest Services
The sharply dressed and dapper, head of guest services, Ed Ponder sums up the Betsy philosophy, “The standards are high, all you have top do is care about the guest 100 percent.” Ed, also an insider in the South Beach hotel scene having worked at both the National Hotel and the Delano. Ponder, was the former president of the South Beach Concierge Association. The father of three is a big Dolphin and Heat fan. I quickly learn that this hotel group is quite passionate about their Miami sports teams. Go Dolphins! Go Heat!
Paul Drecq – Concierge Extraordinaire and a member of the South Beach Concierge Association, says “going the extra mile for our guests is part of the Betsy philosophy.”
The Betsy is a place where movie stars and other famous people can sit in the salon lounge and not be bothered. In fact it’s not uncommon to see the likes of Adam Sandler and Mickey Rourke among the stars who have graced The Betsy, just to chill in in the Florida-Georgian salon, and to have a relaxing experience.
Jessica Tindall - The gorgeous Marketing Manager from Dresden, Germany.
The next day I have a meeting with marketing manager, Jessica Tindall. I’m seated in the BLT restaurant, right next to the lobby salon, when in walks a tall and slender blond elegantly dressed, young woman. I thought she was a high-fashion model who had just completed a shoot. I soon learn that Jessica is of German decent, hailing from the city of Dresden. Professional and stylish, Ms. Tidwell proceeds to give me a tour of the hotel. Tindall, personifies a phrase I coined, “The Betsy Ambassadors.” Jessica is responsible for dealing with travel partners, media and handles public relations for the Betsy.
Robin Gaton – The professional guest supervisor comes from the Dominican Republic.
Jason Dwarzski – Head Barman – raised Italian – but the jovial mixologist is of Italian, Lithuanian, Honduran, and English decent. I’ve learned in life, “always be kind to your barman.”
AROUND THE BETSY
Elegant Guest Rooms and Suites at The Betsy
Carrera Marble – Guest Bathroom The Betsy is a statement is style.
There are 61 subtle, classic rooms and suites at The Betsy. Upon entering your room, you may feel light you’re at a private home in Nantucket or Cape Cod. As one would expect no less from this modern throwback. The rooms are warm and inviting. Some of the many amenities include white wooden plantation shuttered windows, black walnut hardwood floors, stately poster beds, Sferra linens, Carrera marble bathrooms. Combining the classic feel of a bygone era, with 21st century modern amenities, just the right amount of modern lighting and technology. One feature that stands out is the oversized bathroom mirror which incorporates a high definition LCD-TV screen. Sophisticated and refined yet not over the top. The rooms are the design work of Diamante Pedersoli and Carmelina Santoro, vanguards in residential living. The team of Pedersoli and Santor who combined have been commissioned by both Ralph Lauren and Bulgari retail stores, have succeeded in making the Betsy completely comfortable in a minimalistic, colonial elegance.
BLT Steak Restaurant
The marriage between The Betsy Hotel, and Bon Appetit, Food & Wine, award winning French chef, Laurent Tourondol is hit. Complete with Raw Bar and Sushi menu. The elegant, but laid back BLT has created quite a buzz on the Miami food scene. New Yorkers will recognize BLT Steak as an icon on the Manhattan culinary trail since 2004. Only the freshest, organic ingredients accompany Tourondol’s mouth-watering dishes. There are 96 indoor seats, 72 located on the terrace, 50 for private dining, and 35 for semi private dining. Open from 8 am to 10 pm and serves the best brunch in Miami, Saturdays and Sundays, 11am to 4pm. Blt Steak puts the “wow factor’ in Bistro Comfort Food.
“Where’s the Beef?” – Blt Steak serves only the finest Kobe and Wagyu Beef
The Courtyard Pool is available to Hotel Guests from 8am to 8pm
The Roof Deck and Spa
A relaxing roof deck elevated three stories above Ocean Drive of featuring the Wellness, Garden, & Spa. Offering chaise lounges, umbrellas, beverages and light fare to its guests. With sweeping views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The Spa offers a wide variety of massages and facial treatments. For early birds there is sunrise Yoga. The views are breathtaking. Yet another area in the hotel to find peace and tranquility. The Betsy’s commitment to inspire and pamper its guests at every turn in an understated atmosphere is overwhelming.
The Writer’s Room place in the hotel for writers to find solace and creativity.
The Writer’s Room is just one of the many endowments to the arts featured at the Betsy Hotel. Before there was the internet and digital writing, wordsmiths took solace and found inspiration in such writing rooms. The room is open to guests longing to find their creativity. The tech friendly room has all amenities for a modern day writer or reader to escape the boundaries of the outside grind of Ocean Drive. The warm and inviting room even includes the original walnut desk of poet and Pulitzer Prize finalist, Hyam Plutzik, father of main owner, Jonathan Plutzik. Yet another way the owners bridge the past and present.
B Bar - An underground, downstairs room – open for private functions and artist exhibits.
The Betsy’s B Bar is just another way that the Betsy is entirely different from all the South Beach party hotels, yet still a top luxury boutique hotel and in-demand with cultured travelers, artists, musicians and celebrities. The Betsy’s – B Bar personifies the Betsy philosophy. The B Bar is like a modern day New York Speakeasy. The lounge is also used as a private supper club available for intimate private dinners and unforgettable special events. The room, lounge houses up to for 50 guests for dinner and cocktail receptions for up to 90 people. Currently on exhibit at the Betsy is the “The Lost Photographs of the Rolling Stones and Beatles: The Bob Bonis archive.” As a classic rock aficionado, I was mesmerized by these rare, one of the kind photos of the British rock legends. The Betsy B Bar also hosts ‘open mic’ poetry reading and encourages all poets from all walks of life to read their work in the presence of peers and become ‘an official’ part of the vibrant regional writing community to attend these events. Staying in true artist tradition, the B Bar hosts many live musicians as well.
“Mick and The Boys” – One of a kind, rare photos by Bob Bonis who traveled with the Rolling Stones and the Beatles.
Bonis’ photos of the young Stones and Beatles adorn the Betsy hallways. The Betsy is also proud to host the photography series “Togetherness by Robert Zuckerman. A still photographic essay of everyday people. Mr. Zuckerman’s photos adorn the Betsy Salon and other areas of the hotel.
Live Music at the Betsy – Dranoff 2 Piano Concert
Salons by the sea: A little bit old Paris in South Beach. Salons by the Sea, brings back brings back the Age of Enlightenment to the heart of South Beach by leading the resurgence of Salon Culture. Keeping The Betsy, at the cutting edge of the arts. Embracing the notion of public places as cultural parlors where thoughtful residents and travelers can gather to engage in social discourse, music and stimulating events. A place where conversation is king most important thought leaders congregate (authors including John Grisham and Richard Ford, actors liken Isabella Rossellini, James Franco, Anthony Mackey, and Goldie Hawn, Visionaries like Richard Branson and his Summit Series protégés, Poetssuch as Billy Collins, Donald Hall, David Lehman, Campbell McGrath and inaugural poet Richard Blanco; thought leaders including Thomas Friedman and Dov Seidman have all already held court there).
Carlos Caso – Bellman – Just one of the many team players at The Betsy
The relaxing colonial columned plantation dressed in white- Betsy Terrace - shimmering over the white sand beaches of the Atlantic Ocean
“Heavens to Betsy!”
Perhaps Jeff Lehman, says it best, “it’s as though you’ve purchased your own mansion on Ocean Drive, and this is the only hotel in which that can be achieved.” The eye-popping Betsy has stirred my senses. An exhilarating work of art. Entirely different from all the South Beach party hotels, a top luxury boutique hotel and in-demand with cultured travelers and celebrities. Indeed, the Betsy does not disappoint. Lehman and his team of hospitality gems, exceed all expectations. The benchmark for all other South Beach, boutique hotels. If intelligence is the new sexy, then the Betsy is one sexy, intoxicating artist, boutique hotel.
The Betsy – South Beach
1440 Ocean Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33139
T 305.760.8415 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 305.760.8415 FREE end_of_the_skype_highlighting F 305.674.6977
1.866.792.3879 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1.866.792.3879 FREE end_of_the_skype_highlighting
About the Author: Nicholas Kontis
Travel Expert and Founder of World Travel List Born on the one of the most beautiful Islands in the world, Santorini, Greece and raised in America’s culture capital of San Francisco. Nick Kontis started out as a world traveler at an early age traveling back and forth between California and Greece every summer. But it was a backpacking trip around the world at age 24 that proved to be a life changing experience. After traveling by car, train, plane, bike and, boat around the world, it would be this trip of a lifetime that would lead to a life as a travel entrepreneur and world traveler. Nick has been on both radio and television. Featured on Arthur Frommer’s television show, and referred by Lonely Planet writers as a leader in discount airfares. Frequently mentioned as the “father of around the world airfares.” Arthur Frommer once said, “If Jules Verne were alive today he would use Nick to go around the world in 80 days.” Nick and his various travel companies and agents have sent over 10,000 people around the world. Now, Nick promotes travel through his World Travel List and ‘Trip Rambler’ by World Travel List. Having traveled to over 80 countries Nick hopes to inspire others to travel the world. Follow Nick’s “passion for travel” on World Travel List.
Comments