Miami’s ultra-modern façade is peeled back at just a few historic sites throughout the city, and one 1920s-era building has been reborn into the chic, yet understated Langford Hotel. The former Miami National Bank, with its classic Beaux-Arts architecture, is a magnificent diversion from the sleek and ultra-modern skyline that engulfs the city today. And, a night or two in the intimate, yet luxurious inn is a welcomed retreat while vacationing in the Magic City.
While some may opt for the neon lights and Art Deco appeal of Ocean Drive, an immersion tourist will likely prefer the Langford, with its sophisticated décor in an environment just minutes away from the most vibrant hotspots in the city. Within the walls of the 126-room hotel, guests find swanky, mid-century modern finishes with colorful accents. As a historic site officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places, much of the original architecture is delicately preserved, from the grand archways marking the entrance right down to the vintage, brass-colored mail chutes on each floor. The marble and brass accents in the lobby and elevators toast Gatsby-era elegance, with the motif extending to the suspender-clad staff welcoming guests on arrival.
What’s most jaw-dropping, is the two-story penthouse apartment, which can be rented with between one and four bedrooms. The traditional architecture is modernized with nods to the various decades of the building’s heyday: 1920s-era sinks and 1950s-inspired headboards, to name a few. Upstairs is a living area and dining room with ultra-luxe furnishings. Head downstairs to the various bedrooms and striking white-tile bathroom, with a stand-alone tub beside a window to bathe with a city view. As for amenities inside the Presidential Suite, The Langford customizes them based on the guest. Coordinate welcome cocktails in Pawn Broker or even day passes to the Perez Art Museum Miami along with a discount in the PAMM gift shop.
The Langford Hotel certainly has the trappings of an out-of-towner favorite, but what is so appealing for those looking to explore Downtown Miami is the chance to live like a local. The Langford brought in the local Miami food legends, the Pubbelly Boys to design two distinct food & drink spaces that have become staples for haute city diners. The first, PB Station, is like an Old World train station transplanted into modern day. The fun, craft-style eatery features a variety of meat and seafood small plates, designed for sharing. The restaurant is currently under renovation for the Summer 2017 season, but will reopen in the fall.
The second Pubbelly Group creation is Pawn Broker, the modish bar and lounge sitting on the top floor of the hotel. Step into the dimly lit space embellished with Cuban floor tiles and look up at the hip wrap-around bar with copper tools and bartenders that exude an air of “I know a good drink.” For an adventurous cocktail enthusiast, Pawn Broker is a mecca with inventive drinks like the Giggle Water, a bubbly Gin & Tonic served in a bathtub, paying homage to Prohibition-era bathtub gin; the Corn Pop Fizz, a moonshine, citrus drink accented with corn pop syrup, after the infamous bootlegger Marvin “Popcorn” Sutton; and the FDR, a twisted Gin martini, made in honor of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who supposedly celebrated the victory of the repeal of Prohibition with a Dirty Martini. And, these few are just a taste of the full, quirky cocktail menu. The bar is a frequented social club for locals, since the rooftop beckons happy hour groups with a stunning view, creative bites and, of course, great booze.
One of the highlights of a stay at The Langford Hotel is, of course, the location. A step outside the front door lands visitors in the heart of Downtown Miami. Just a few blocks away is the waterside Bayfront Park and Amphitheatre, the American Airlines Arena, home to the Miami Heat, the new, state-of-the-art Frost Science Museum, and the famed Pérez Art Museum. Take a short drive to one of Miami's most instagrammable neighborhoods, Wynwood, where Miami and visiting artists splash tableaus across the magnificent Wynwood Walls. Enjoy tapas at Wynwood Kitchen & Bar or Wynwood Diner and stroll through the various art galleries that have made the area famous. Just across the river from the Langford Hotel is the core of Brickell, where Miami’s stylish 20- and 30-somethings gather in throngs to the area’s restaurants and bars. Window shop at the sparkling new Brickell City Centre, where you’ll find one of the most luxurious theaters in Miami, thanks to Cinemex. Or, grab a beer at one local favorite Better Days, where popcorn replaces bar nuts and one pool table maintains an unending list of challengers.
The Langford Hotel is perfect for city explorers who want to experience a taste of the local flavor versus the tourist-driven South Beach. The elegant, romantic guest rooms are excellent for couples, and of course, the great food & drink offers reason enough to just stop in. With rates starting at $249 per night, it’s an accessible luxury option. The Langford Hotel matches Miami’s vibrant cultural landscape in nearly every respect, and you will fall in love with its inherent charm.
