Located in the heart of South Beach, the Greystone Hotel dates back to 1939. It was designed by renowned architect Henry Hohauser, who was given the title of “Great Floridian” by Florida’s Department of State in 1993 for his major contribution to the distinct Art Deco architectural scene present throughout the region. Originally from New York City, Hohauser was educated at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. He arrived in Florida in 1932 and proceeded to have a significant impact, designing over 300 homes, apartments, stores, restaurants, and other structures, including the Greystone Hotel.

Art Deco has also had a significant architectural impact, not only throughout Florida, but throughout the world as well. “Art Deco” is a general term, referring to art, household objects such as furniture, and architecture produced in the time between the two World Wars. It is characterized by bold geometric ornaments, smooth wall surfaces, and vivid colors and imagery. The earliest example of an Art Deco structure are two apartment buildings that were built in Paris in 1903. From there, the style gradually grew until the 1920s and 1930s when it became a signature style of the Interwar period.

There are several derivations of Art Deco, including Streamline Moderne. Streamline Moderne was considerably more severe and less vibrant than classic Art Deco, with industrial aesthetics drawing inspiration from the sleekness of machinery, ships, and automobiles. Typically structures built in this style are sleek with rounded exterior corners, flat roofs, and the use of utilitarian and functional materials. There was also an emphasis on a nautical theme, from the blue tones often used on the exterior to the occasional portholes or round windows present throughout these structures.

The Greystone Hotel is located in Miami Beach’s Art Deco district, which has 960 buildings which exemplify a combination of Art Deco and Streamline Moderne styles. Typically favoring pastel tones as opposed to the richer blues traditionally used, this region represents a golden era in Miami’s history.

Greystone Hotel, a member of Historic Hotels of America since 2018, dates back to 1939.