The W South Beach will become the first Waldorf Astoria in Miami Beach after its new owners and Hilton announced plans July 6 to renovate and rebrand the oceanfront hotel at 2201 Collins Ave.

Reuben Brothers, the London-based investment firm that acquired the 3.5-acre property for about $400 million in October 2024, signed a management agreement with Hilton to relaunch the hotel under the Waldorf Astoria brand in winter 2027.

The hotel will close for a full renovation before reopening with 348 guest suites, each with an ocean view and private balcony. The property will continue to operate as a condo-hotel with direct beach access.

"2201 Collins Avenue is one of Miami Beach's most storied addresses and we are proud to announce our plans for a landmark restoration in partnership with Waldorf Astoria," Kim Phoebus, chief operating officer of U.S. Hotels for Reuben Brothers, said in a statement.

The conversion shifts the property from Marriott International's W Hotels brand to Hilton's Waldorf Astoria luxury brand. It will be the first Waldorf Astoria hotel in Miami Beach. A separate Waldorf Astoria tower under construction in downtown Miami is expected to open in 2028.

What's planned

The renovation, designed by Avenue Interior Design, will update the property's two 19-story towers. Plans include a redesigned lobby featuring Peacock Alley, the Waldorf Astoria brand's signature gathering space, along with new restaurants and bars, a spa and wellness center, renovated meeting and event space, and upgrades to the 48,000-square-foot pool deck, including private cabanas.

Hilton said the hotel will join the Waldorf Astoria portfolio and participate in the Hilton Honors loyalty program.

Pending approvals

Not all aspects of the redevelopment have received city approval.

In April, the Miami Beach Historic Preservation Board approved portions of the renovation plans but postponed action on three proposals after objections from residents of the neighboring Roney Palace Condominium, according to The Real Deal. The deferred items include a 237-seat beach club restaurant, conversion of the existing nightclub into a 307-seat VIP lounge and an additional VIP valet drop-off area. No future hearing date has been announced.

What's next

Reuben Brothers has not announced a specific reopening date beyond winter 2027. The three deferred elements of the redevelopment must still receive city approval before they can move forward.