a building with palm trees and a pool

History

Discover The National Hotel, which was designed by Roy France and has drawn a sun-seeking crowd of socialites and celebrities since its 1940 opening.

The National Hotel was constructed during the international conflict of 1939 to 1945, where the Allies fought to stop the global conquests of the Axis powers. Since it was built, the National Hotel Miami Beach has drawn a sun-seeking crowd of socialites and celebrities from the 1950s to South Beach revivalists of the 1970s. Fun and entertainment are never far with restaurants, cafes, and nightlife around every corner from the front door of this iconic Miami Beach Art Deco hotel.

The National Hotel owes its classic Art Deco style and iconic 14-story tower to Roy France, the man who essentially created the Miami Beach skyline. Originally from the Midwest, France relocated to Miami Beach after a trip to Florida with his wife in 1931. His motto for designing hotels along Florida's coast, which holds especially true for the National Hotel's unique style was, “Let in the air and sun. That’s what people come to Florida for.” Even today, the National Hotel continues to stay true to France's philosophy as well as his inspired design. Renovations in recent years have faithfully maintained the Art Deco feel of the hotel's interiors while also implementing modern amenities and features for today's travelers.

a building with a flag on top

Hotel Timeline

The National Hotel was constructed in Miami Beach’s Art Deco district. Architect Roy F. France, whose work helped define the Miami Beach skyline, designed the hotel’s distinctive 14-story tower.

The National Hotel, a 14-story tower, geometric Art Deco detailing, and an emphasis on sunlight and ocean air, began welcoming sun-seeking travelers, socialites, and celebrities.

The National attracted prominent visitors drawn to Miami Beach’s growing reputation as a glamorous oceanfront destination.  

The hotel remained part of the Miami Beach hospitality landscape as South Beach attracted a new generation of residents, visitors, and preservation advocates.

The National stands within the Miami Beach Architectural District, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The National Hotel was inducted into Historic Hotels of America, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

An approximate $12 million renovation restored guestrooms, public spaces, meeting areas, balconies, stucco, windows, and structural elements. The hotel was fully restored in 2014, preserving its historic architecture while incorporating sophisticated contemporary design and modern amenities.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, The National closed for nearly a year to renovate the rooms and suites in its Historic Tower and its cabana accommodations.

The property emerged from its renovation with redesigned accommodations and an adults-only operating model.

The National currently operates as an adults-only oceanfront resort with a preserved Historic Tower, cabana accommodations, Art Deco-inspired interiors, and a 205-foot infinity-edge pool.

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The Architecture

Designed by Roy France, a prominent architect responsible for designing many buildings in Miami. The hotel features an Art Deco architectural style and is located in the heart of South Beach's Art Deco Historical District.