Affordable Luxury

Florida Coast Magazine – Winter Issue 2020 – South Beach, Wynwood, and the Design District are just a few of the thrilling spots to visit in Miami. Choosing a reasonably priced worthy hotel, however, can be daunting. The Florida Coast Magazine team was on a mission to find an establishment with a good price point, modern amenities, a great location and the amazing Art Deco architecture Miami is so famous for. Was there such a place? We jumped on the Brightline at West Palm Beach and headed to the Bayshore area of Mid-Beach to find out.

Palihouse Miami is one of the latest in a series of boutique hotels by Avi Brosh, famous for the Palisociety group of hotels. Designed by renowned architect, L. Murray Dixon and situated along the pretty Indian Creek Waterway, it was initially the Greenbrier Hotel established in the 1940’s and later converted to residential condominium units in the 1990’s. Palisociety recently purchased and restored the building to its original prominence.

When entering the four star Palihouse Miami boutique hotel, the old and the new dance together in a rhythmic swing and jazz beat. Cool current tunes dance though the entrance lobby while the front desk staff’s sailor-inspired outfits add to the postmodern charm. The logo of the “Greenbrier Swim & Social” not only advertises the fact there is a pool with social area, but it enables the brand to give a big nod to the past with the Art Deco style image of a 1930s swim attired diver.

Cool greens mix with pastel stripes and on the wall modern art juxtaposes with mix-and-matched materials, like a leather Chesterfield sofa resting on top of the original Art Deco flooring. Dotted around there are ceramic features, a large wooden table and modern 70s inspired lighting. With artful and trendy interiors, this boutique hotel has many impassioning details.

The staff are incredibly knowledgeable on the hotel’s history, amenities, and the surrounding area. Going out of their way to make guests feel welcome, there is a 24-hour front desk service to accommodate and greet late arrivals with a smile. The hotel also has free Wi-Fi, private parking, à la carte or American breakfast options with other food choices offered throughout the day. Food can be brought up to the room, served by the pool (which is surrounded by lush tropical plants), or in the lobby. Questioning the lack of a formal dining room, the staff emphasized the fact the hotel is designed to feel comfortable with a home-style vibe.

The bedroom we stayed in was in fact a suite, with chairs, a table, mini-kitchen ,and a very comfortable bed. We were just settling in when there was a knock at the door with a member of staff offering us a mini bottle of Prosecco. We then headed down to the bar for a delicious cocktail. Palihouse Miami also has a beach club and waterway boat dock for their guests to enjoy.  

Miami Beach is a three-minute walk from Palihouse Miami Beach, while Lummus Park Beach is 1.4 miles from the property. The nearest airport is Miami International Airport, 11 miles from the hotel. If wishing to visit other parts of Miami, then we recommend having the app for either Uber or Lyft on your cell phone. The drivers are never far away and this is definitely the most comfortable way to see the city. (Always make sure to check the car’s license plate with what is listed on the app before getting in). The character of the building is its true charm. Couple this with the great service and amenities, this small Art Deco hotel is a gem of a find and will have you going back again and again.