Set along iconic Collins Avenue in the heart of Miami Beach’s Art Deco District, Royal Palm South Beach Miami blends historic charm with modern luxury in one of the city’s most coveted oceanfront locations. Originally developed by The Peebles Corporation—widely recognized as one of the largest Black-owned real estate development and investment firms in the United States—the property holds a powerful place in hospitality history as one of the first Black-developed luxury resorts on Miami Beach. R. Donahue Peebles led the transformative redevelopment that revitalized this landmark, merging historic preservation with bold, contemporary design.
The hotel is currently undergoing a major reimagining and is temporarily closed for reservations until further notice.
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Royal Palm South Beach Miami offers more than a luxury beachfront stay—it represents a milestone in Black hospitality leadership and development. As one of the first major Black-developed luxury resorts in the United States, the property carries both cultural significance and timeless appeal. Guests enjoy the perfect balance of historic South Beach glamour, modern amenities, and a prime location steps from the ocean, making it an ideal choice for both leisure travelers and those seeking a deeper connection to the legacy of Black excellence in hospitality.
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First Black-Owned Luxury Resort: In 2002, under developer R. Donahue Peebles, the property became the first full-service luxury hotel in the U.S. to be owned, developed, and managed by African Americans.
Architectural Heritage: Originally designed in 1939 by Donald G. Smith, the current resort integrates the original Art Deco Royal Palm Hotel and Shorecrest buildings with two modern 17-story towers.
Preserved Design Elements: Signature historic features remain, such as the compass rose on the terrazzo lobby floor, the original green glass reception desk, and porthole windows in the lounge.
What Makes It Unique?
Architectural Mash-up: The resort is a rare blend of the original Shorecrest and Royal Palm buildings joined by two modern 17-story towers, creating a mix of “old-school” low-rise charm and high-rise ocean views
A Monument to Progress: It was the first full-service luxury hotel in America to be owned, developed, and managed by African Americans. Its 2002 opening was a direct outcome of a 20-point plan to end a years-long Black tourist boycott of Miami.
A “New” Historic Building: Because the original 1939 structure was too fragile to save, it was demolished and painstakingly reconstructed from the original blueprints using the same 1930s construction techniques.
Art Deco Time Capsules: While much of the resort is modern, look for the preserved “Compass Rose” on the terrazzo lobby floor and the original green glass reception desk, now cleverly repurposed as a coffee bar.
✓ check-out our Miami Hotel Guide for excellent black-owned and black-managed hotels in Miami.
✓ check out our Florida Black Travel Guide for the area’s top places to eat & drink plus the best cultural attractions and fun things to do.
