The Betsy Hotel: Where Culture, Art & Hospitality Collide
- Miami Vibes Magazine
- 5 hours ago
- 7 min read
Step onto Ocean Drive, and one building quietly commands attention—not with neon or excess, but with elegance and cultural soul. The Betsy Hotel South Beach, owned by Jonathan Plutzik and Lesley Goldwasser, is more than a luxury stay; it’s a living cultural landmark that fuses Miami’s vibrant creative scene with timeless hospitality.
“In 2005, our family purchased the Betsy Ross Hotel out of Federal Bankruptcy Court,” Jonathan recalls. “We were captivated by its elegant façade and its commanding perch at the quiet north end of Ocean Drive with unobstructed ocean views.” After years of restoration, the landmark reopened in 2009 as The Betsy – South Beach. In 2017, it expanded through a thoughtful unification with the Carlton Hotel, creating a 130-room, family-owned retreat dedicated
to authentic hospitality and artistic excellence.
For those who crave a stay where culture is the main course—not just a
garnish—The Betsy is pure magic.
The Betsy Hotel South Beach — Where
Culture Meets Comfort
Jonathan and Lesley envisioned a hotel that would not have lobbies where you “wait for something to happen.” Instead, they curated a space where culture thrives in every corner.
“Every public space is curated with live music most nights, rotating photography, literary moments, artist salons, and our Artist-in-Residence program,” Jonathan shares.
This vision has transformed The Betsy into a gathering place for things that matter. Guests don’t simply check in—they become part of a cultural experience. From intimate poetry readings to impromptu jazz sessions, there’s always something stirring.
This vision gave birth to a dynamic arts ecosystem:
Live jazz nine times a week in The Piano Bar—the longest-running jazz series in Miami Beach.
Classical music pop-ups and poetry readings in the lobby.
Rotating art exhibitions across nine public spaces.
An Artist-in-Residence program that has hosted over 1,500 creatives since 2009The Betsy - South Beach Program….
As Jonathan puts it, “The Betsy is a gathering place for things that matter, where classic hospitality meets music, literature and visual art.” That balance of elegance and engagement is what makes this hotel stand out in Miami’s vibrant landscape.
Honoring Literary Legacy: The Writers Room
One of the most defining spaces at The Betsy is the Writers Room, a 1950s-style writing studio that pays homage to post-war literary salons and the Jonathan’s father, Hyam Plutzik, a major midcentury American Jewish poet.
“Soon after purchasing the old Betsy Ross, we built a 1950s-style writing studio to honor the ‘writing rooms’ of post-war hotels—and to honor my father,” Jonathan explains. “Since 2012, more than 1,500 artists have worked at his desk in The Betsy Writers Room, and our commitment has grown into a year-round platform for literature and the arts. It’s personal; it’s historic; and it’s who we are.”
From Pulitzer Prize winners to emerging voices, this intimate space has become a refuge for writers who want to create in a setting that honors literary tradition while embracing modern Miami energy. Learn more about the Betsy Writers Room.
A Gallery in Motion: Ernie Button, Jill Greer & The Orb
The Betsy’s art program is as striking as its literary one. Lesley Goldwasser, co-owner and principal curator, oversees nine rotating galleries featuring works by acclaimed artists such as Tamary Kudita, Nadia Huggins, Andy Sweet, Val Kilmer, and more.
“Through her constant research of contemporary photographers, my wife, Lesley, discovered Jill Greer’s intimate and engaging photos of frozen ice bubbles, immediately imagining the impact of them installed in our immersive underground light box gallery,” Jonathan says.
Not long after, she discovered Ernie Button’s “highly serious tongue-in-cheek imagery,” which he creates “out of whiskey and cereal.” His playful yet sophisticated work aligned perfectly with The Betsy’s belief that “art is in everything and is everywhere.”
But perhaps the hotel’s most iconic visual statement is The Betsy Orb—a sculptural sphere that connects the historic Betsy Ross and Carlton buildings. “We imagined a beach ball ‘squeezed’ between the buildings: a sculptural connector outside and an intimate gallery within,” Jonathan recalls.
The Orb doubles as an architectural bridge and an outdoor art installation. “Whether unadorned or clothed in digital projection, it’s a moment of discovery as you move through the alley from Ocean Drive to Collins Avenue,” they explain. It’s also joined by the Poetry Rail, which features the words of 12 writers who helped shape Miami’s cultural identity.
The hashtag #TheBetsyOrb now links thousands of guest snapshots and professional portraits, cementing the Orb as a modern urban landmark.
Architectural Elegance & Design Legacy
The Betsy’s magic lies in its details. Guests are welcomed with champagne, invited to quiet reading sessions on the roof deck, and delighted by literary surprises.
“We personalize the welcome and then personalize the stay,” Jonathan explains. “From a glass of champagne upon arrival to quiet reading on the roof deck, uninterrupted sleep in comfortable beds, artist salons, jazz and classical evenings, and Chef Laurent Tourondel’s cuisine before, after and in between, the ideal Betsy stay is equal parts relaxation and renewal. We want guests to remember how they felt—and how that feeling deepened over time.”
These thoughtful touches—poems on pillows, curated room libraries, and intimate gatherings—create emotional imprints that last long after checkout.
The Betsy stands at the intersection of Florida Georgian and Art Deco architecture. Originally designed by L. Murray Dixon, the Betsy Ross Hotel remains the sole example of Florida Georgian architecture in Miami. Its expansion embraced the work of Henry Hohauser, a master of Art Deco.
Allan T. Shulman’s 2016 expansion harmoniously fused these styles while adding contemporary touches like The Orb and Poetry RailThe Betsy - South Beach Program….
Inside, Italian designers Diamante Pedersoli and Carmelina Santoro infused natural light, Venetian blinds, Fortuny Scheherazade chandeliers, terrazzo floors, and ocean-inspired palettes—creating a space that feels both historical and timeless.
Giving Back Through Culture and Community
Beyond art and hospitality, The Betsy is deeply committed to social impact. “Our family believes there is no commerce without community,” Jonathan emphasizes. The hotel partners with hundreds of nonprofits, artists, and educators to provide free cultural programming for guests and locals alike.
This philanthropic approach is woven into the hotel’s business model, supporting causes from arts education to social justice. “It’s how we honor the city that makes our work possible,” they add.
For The Betsy, giving back isn’t a marketing slogan—it’s a way of life. Explore their community initiatives.
Fashion, Architecture & Collaboration
The hotel’s design language also reflects a blend of tradition and innovation, thanks in part to collaborations with iconic designer Barbara Hulanicki. “We met Barbara soon after our first renovation,” Jonathan says. Known for her work with Biba and adjacent art deco hotels, Hulanicki collaborated on exhibitions and conversations exploring “the marriage of life and art” and the revitalization of historic spaces for contemporary travelers.
This fusion of classic elegance and modern artistry shapes everything from the hotel’s public spaces to its architectural flourishes.
Culinary Excellence: LT South Beach, The Alley
& The Piano Bar
Food is another pillar of The Betsy experience. Chef Laurent Tourondel, an award-winning culinary visionary, leads the hotel’s acclaimed restaurants.
LT South Beach offers casually elegant New American cuisine, blending flavors from France, Asia, and Latin America. Think USDA Prime steak, fresh-caught fish, and one of Ocean Drive’s best terraces for people-watchingThe Betsy - South Beach Program….
The Alley is a trattoria-style pizzeria tucked between Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue, celebrating Italian flavors with a warm, hidden-gem vibe.
The Piano Bar inside the lobby pairs soulful nightly jazz with light bites and signature cocktails.
And for a whimsical touch, there’s La Ventanita, serving homemade gelato and rich soft-serve beneath the Poetry Rail. Guests can also sip the Betsy Rosa, the hotel’s exclusive Austrian copper lager created in collaboration with a local breweryThe Betsy - South Beach Program….
The Betsy’s “CEOs”: Canine Executive Officers
Hospitality at The Betsy even extends to furry friends. Betsy’s resident golden retrievers—Betsy, Rosa, and Daisy—are affectionately known as Canine Executive Officers. Guests can meet them at the hotel’s Friday cocktail hour, enjoy complimentary dog treats, and pick up a DOG POEMS chapbook edited by the pups themselvesThe Betsy - South Beach Program….
The hotel’s pet policy donates part of the fee to the Harare SPCA in Lesley’s native Zimbabwe—a charming blend of warmth and philanthropy.
Wellness, Events & Rooftop Escapes
Wellness is integral to the Betsy experience. Guests enjoy daily sunrise yoga on the Skyline Deck, in-room spa treatments, and access to a modern fitness centerThe Betsy - South Beach Program…. Two pools—a Rooftop Infinity Poolwith sweeping Atlantic views and a tranquil Courtyard Pool—offer serene escapes.
The Betsy also hosts elegant events across its 25,000 square feet of event space, from the lush Atrium Garden and vintage B Bar to the breathtaking Ocean Front Deck and Skyline PenthouseThe Betsy - South Beach Program….
Sustainability & Community Impact
Jonathan Plutzik’s vision for The Betsy extends beyond the hotel walls. “Our family believes there is no commerce without community,” he emphasizes.
The Betsy is a founding member of Miami Beach’s #PlasticFreeMB campaign, championing sustainable operations. From eco-friendly cleaning products and energy-efficient systems to beach cleanups through its “Adopt a Beach” program, the hotel actively protects its environmentThe Betsy - South Beach Program….
Philanthropy is embedded in its DNA—supporting arts education, social justice, and local nonprofits while offering cultural programming to guests and locals free of charge.
The Betsy Hotel South Beach isn’t just a hotel—it’s a cultural experience. It’s where literature, art, music, philanthropy, and hospitality collide, creating a destination that both inspires and soothes.
Lesley and her husband grew up in homes “where books, music and art mattered,” and that passion is infused into every part of The Betsy’s identity. Culture isn’t an add-on here; it’s the atmosphere.
Whether you’re an art lover on the hunt for your next visual discovery, a writer seeking inspiration, or a traveler craving a soulful escape, The Betsy Hotel South Beach offers a one-of-a-kind journey.
👉 Book your stay or explore The Betsy’s cultural calendar.