The Shelborne by Proper

The Shelborne by Proper in Miami Beach, United States, emerges as a recently revitalized oceanfront luxury resort, blending its rich Art Deco heritage with contemporary sophistication. It is recognized as a "Michelin Guide Selected" property, signifying its high standards and unique qualities.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for The Shelborne by Proper is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as "exceptional" and "fabulous." The hotel boasts an average rating of 8.9 out of 10 from 171 reviews, with high scores for location (9.7), cleanliness (9.4), comfort (9.5), and staff (9.2). Many reviewers express a strong desire to return, highlighting the hotel's gorgeous design, friendly staff, and relaxing ambiance.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of The Shelborne by Proper. Its design is a major draw, with many appreciating the fresh yet restrained update on Art Deco style, the chic, muted decor, and artworks by female artists. The lobby, with its natural wood, earth-toned furnishings, and terracotta pots, creates a serene yet cutting-edge effect. The iconic 1950s diving board at the pool, a preserved historic feature, also garners positive attention. The location is frequently cited as excellent, offering direct beach access and proximity to popular Miami Beach attractions. Amenities like the stunning pool area with its palms, loungers, and mint-green parasols, tropical gardens, and the Shelborne Beach Club with its loungers and parasols are highly praised. The well-equipped 24/7 fitness center and daily yoga classes also stand out. The service is consistently described as professional, friendly, and exceptional, with staff often anticipating guests' needs.

3. Room Quality

The hotel offers 251 guest rooms and suites, which are described as a "retro respite in calming neutrals" with sandy-hued textured wallcoverings and throwback-green furniture. Rooms feature a fresh yet restrained update on Art Deco style, incorporating blonde wood, restful colors, and design-driven details to create a sense of sanctuary. Entry-level City King rooms are noted for their generous dimensions and include a seating area, with higher floors offering sunset views towards Downtown. Bathrooms are equipped with walk-in showers and luxury amenities by Aesop. Many rooms and suites offer ocean or city skyline views, with vintage glass details playing with the light. Some options include private balconies, and for more space, one- or two-bedroom pool villa suites are available. Guests have praised the comfort of the king beds and the solid water pressure in the showers. Rooms also come with Nespresso machines, Bluetooth speakers, Frette linens, bathrobes, slippers, curated minibars, and steamers.

4. Dining Experience

Dining at The Shelborne by Proper is a vibrant and upscale experience, led by Michelin-recognized Chef Abram Bissell. The culinary program emphasizes Latin and Caribbean flavors using locally sourced, seed oil-free ingredients.

• Pauline: The hotel's signature restaurant, Pauline, anchors the dining experience with a seafood-forward menu, featuring dishes like red prawn ceviche and lobster rolls, served in an elevated yet lively atmosphere.
• The Café: A morning essential, offering specialty coffee, seasonal pastries from local bakeries, and a relaxed atmosphere.
• The Bar: Located in the lobby, it serves strong coffee and seed oil-free dishes in the mornings, transitioning to bold flavors like Cubano Katsu sandos, flatbreads, caviar, and cocktails in the evenings, becoming a social centerpiece at night.
• Little Torch: An intimate cocktail lounge inspired by Latin America, featuring a tableside cocktail cart with rare spirits and clarified seasonal punches.
• The Pool Deck: Provides casual plates for brunch, lunch, and snacks, including conch fritters, club sandwiches, and smash burgers.

While breakfast is available, it is not complimentary. However, guests have highly praised the quality and variety of the breakfast offerings.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at The Shelborne by Proper receive consistently high praise, with guests describing them as "exceptional," "friendly," "welcoming," and "professional". The team aims to be the friendliest in South Beach, and feedback suggests they are succeeding, providing "proper service with a genuine smile". Staff members are noted for pre-empting guests' needs and offering helpful local recommendations. Many specific individuals have been highlighted for their excellent service.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Shelborne by Proper is ideally situated at 1801 Collins Avenue, in the vibrant heart of Miami Beach's Art Deco District, at the junction of Collins Avenue and 18th Street. This prime oceanfront location offers direct access to the beach and the scenic boardwalk. It's within walking distance of numerous attractions, including Lincoln Road Mall (5-minute walk), Ocean Drive & Lummus Park (2 blocks), the Art Deco Historic District, Miami Beach Botanical Garden, and The Bass Museum (5 minutes). The area is highly walkable and bike-friendly, with rideshare apps, scooters, and the free South Beach Trolley readily available. Miami International Airport is approximately a 45-minute drive away.

7. Value & Pricing

Rates for The Shelborne by Proper can range from as low as $389 per night in the summer to $789 during peak season. Some guests suggest that while it is a nice hotel, they might pay a bit more to stay at what they consider "better" hotels like The Betsy or The Edition, indicating a perception of good but not necessarily "wow" value for some. However, others consider the hotel worth the cost, particularly given its $100 million renovation. The hotel is described as a "high-end but low-fuss" option for chic Miami beach breaks. The cost of valet parking is noted at $55 per night, plus taxes.

8. Common Complaints

While overall sentiment is very positive, a few minor complaints have surfaced in older reviews, which may pre-date the extensive renovation. One older review mentioned issues with room keys being deactivated prematurely and early pool/beach closures. Another older review from 2023 cited terrible service, a simple menu with no good meals, a strong cannabis smell in the pool area, expensive valet service ($50/day at the time), and even theft from a car's trunk, though this review stands in stark contrast to the overwhelmingly positive recent feedback on service and dining. Some guests have noted that despite the luxurious experience, it "didn't feel it was wow" compared to other top-tier hotels they've experienced.

Sources

1. michelin.com
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4. hoteldesigns.net
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6. miamiandbeaches.com
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8. shelborne.com
9. designhotels.com