On the bustling intersection of 14th Street and Ocean Drive in Miami, The Betsy Hotel draws visitors in to a glimmer of cultural enrichment. Beyond its time-tested reputation as an oasis in the heart of South Beach’s iconic Art Deco Historic District, the hotel has established itself as one of Miami’s most dynamic hubs for arts and culture, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking creative inspiration.
The Betsy Hotel: A Cultural Gem in Miami’s Art Deco District
Courtesy of The Betsy Hotel.
Courtesy of The Betsy Hotel.
The Betsy Hotel’s motto, “Expect no more. This is Happiness.”—written by Hyam Plutzik, the father of the hotel’s co-owner, Jonathan Plutzik—captures the essence of its mission: to offer guests a place where comfort, creativity, and community converge.
Exemplifying such a message are 130 rooms, two dining outlets helmed by Chef Laurent Tourondel, a 3,200-square-foot rooftop complex, and two pools—one on the rooftop and one in the courtyard. Inside, an expansive private library, art gallery, and nearly 25,000 square feet of event space provide even more opportunities for creative engagement.
A Legacy of Creativity
Courtesy of The Betsy Hotel.
Courtesy of The Betsy Hotel.
The Betsy Hotel’s commitment to the arts dates back to its grand reopening in 2009, when the family-owned and -operated hotel emerged from a complete restoration of the historic Betsy Ross Hotel. This dedication to cultural programming only intensified following a bold expansion in December 2016, which merged The Betsy with the neighboring Carlton Hotel. The two buildings are now seamlessly linked by “The Betsy Orb”—an egg-shaped architectural structure that serves both as a physical bridge and a public art installation.
Music at The Betsy
Courtesy of The Betsy Hotel.
Music lovers are drawn to The Betsy’s vibrant programming, including live jazz performances hosted nine times a week at The Piano Bar. These intimate concerts, including classical music pop-ups, offer a lively atmosphere for guests to enjoy world-class music alongside expertly crafted cocktails.
Visual and Literary Arts
Courtesy of The Betsy Hotel.
Courtesy of The Betsy Hotel.
The Betsy is widely recognized as a literary landmark, having welcomed over 1,200 writers, poets, and creatives as part of its acclaimed artist residency program. The hotel’s commitment to poetry is evident in “The Betsy Poetry Rail,” a permanent installation featuring the words of 12 poets who have shaped Miami’s cultural landscape. Visitors can stroll along the etched metal rail, discovering powerful verses that celebrate the city’s diversity and artistic history.
In an exciting new development, The Betsy Hotel recently appointed Dr. Annette Fromm as its first-ever Community Librarian. With over 40 years of literary and scholarly experience, Dr. Fromm curates and expands the hotel’s extensive collection of over 10,000 books, enriching the guest experience for book lovers. As a long-time advocate for the arts and literature, Dr. Fromm’s involvement further enhances The Betsy’s identity as a cultural beacon.
A Unique Haven for Cultural Enthusiasts
Courtesy of The Betsy Hotel.
The Betsy’s dedication to literature is showcased throughout the property, especially in The Writer’s Room. This intimate space offers coveted residencies to visiting writers and artists. Honoring the pre-war tradition of hotel writing rooms, The Writer’s Room features a historic desk once belonging to three-time Pulitzer Prize finalist Hyam Plutzik, father of The Betsy’s co-owner, Jonathan Plutzik. The Writer’s Room has hosted over 1,200 creatives, cementing its role in South Florida’s cultural ecosystem.
The Betsy’s passion for the written word is woven throughout the hotel, from in-room libraries and a vast property-wide collection to immersive experiences like the “Book Elevator,” created by artist Max Steven Grossman. Regular poetry readings, literary salons, and partnerships with organizations like the Academy of American Poets, Cave Canem, and the O, Miami Poetry Festival ensure that literature remains a vibrant element of The Betsy experience.
