Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Deco Elements & Embellishments
As individualized as South Beach's buildings are, they share quirks and
construction strategies. Canopy porches provide cool places to sit. To re-
flect heat, buildings were originally painted white, and later, pastels, with
accent colors highlighting smaller elements. Some hotels resemble
Mesoamerican temples; others evoke cruise liners.
Crescent Hotel
Besides having one of Miami Beach's most recognizable neon facades, the Crescent
(at 1420 Ocean Dr) has signage that draws the eye down into its lobby (the better to
pack guests in), rather than up to its roof.
Waldorf Towers Hotel
Deco guru L Murray Dixon designed the tower of this hotel (at 860 Ocean Dr) to re-
semble a lighthouse, surely meant to illuminate the way home from drunken Ocean
Dr revels.
