About Us
A South Beach landmark, The Betsy “effortlessly oozes the kind of charm and wit you hope will always be present when you’re away from the familiar. It isn’t that its one thing in particular, it is the chemical equation of how art, design, culture, history, community, food and drink all conspire with one another to create sweet solace for both the traveller and the neighbour.” - The Hotel Culture
Our History
Our history doubles as the story of Miami Beach — and a little bit of the country’s. Ocean Drive’s only surviving example of Florida-Georgian architecture, The Betsy was built by Art Deco pioneer L. Murray Dixon in 1942; American troops were among its first guests. Some things have changed since then, though not the relaxed elegance we’re proud to regard as our hallmark.
Expansion
In 2017, The Betsy completed a pivotal expansion, connecting The Betsy to the former Carlton Hotel, designed by Henry Hohauser, a fellow Art Deco pioneer. An architectural marvel, the two buildings are joined by an orb-shaped sky bridge already being celebrated as an important piece of Miami Beach public art. The “new” Betsy boasts 130 rooms and suites, two pools, two restaurants, a library and 25,000 sq feet of public and event space.
The Betsy in the News
Corporate Responsibility
Through community-led collaborations, The Betsy has provided a voice and platform for hundreds of local and national not-for-profit organizations. Additionally, The Betsy’s ownership family founded Zara’s Center, an after-school safe haven for AIDS-impacted youth in Zimbabwe supported by various fundraising efforts found throughout the property. The Betsy also thoughtfully chooses business partners that share our ethos and values.
Sustainability
Conscious decision-making from the inside, out: A founding member of Miami Beach’s “#PlasticFreeMB” campaign; locally sourced ingredients in our restaurants; the use of natural products at the spa; organic cleaning supplies; and eco-conscious appliances and interiors - The Betsy is ‘green solution’ oriented wherever possible.
Accolades
Travel + Leisure said it best: ‘An unexpected departure from bustling Ocean Drive, The Betsy has more awards than rooms.’ The Betsy has been a regular recipient of the travel industry’s most coveted accolades for its singular brand of luxury hospitality, including Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards, and Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.
Partners
To quote Thomas Friedman “Today in Business, If you are not in the community building business you are not in business.” The Betsy has served as an incubator for organizations by providing critical support, and a place of gathering and fostering meaningful connections since 2009. Many projects have planted their seeds at The Betsy and have grown into their own sustainable programs - a proud part of our legacy.
