Italian designer Andrea Rosso has updated the interiors and restored historic details at the art deco Pelican Hotel, which was recently given a day of commeration by the City of Miami Beach.

The cafe and lobby of the landmark Miami hotel were renovated by Rosso, son of Italian businessman Renzo Rosso, who bought the hotel in 1994, updating it with the help of Swedish designer Magnus Ehrland.

Andrea Rosso has updated the Pelican Hotel for its 30th anniversary

Originally built in 1948 by architect Henry Hohauser on Miami Beach’s Ocean Drive, the Pelican Hotel became a popular spot for visiting celebrities, with its call-backs to art deco style and its themed rooms.

In 2022, the hotel underwent a renovation led by Andrea Rosso, who preserved much of Ehrland’s design while opening up the lobby restaurant to the kitchen and adding wall coverings and furniture to the second and third floors.

The building was originally built in the 1940s

The bar area was expanded and given a contemporary look, with wooden furniture and sheets of riveted metal wrapping the bar itself.

“Soft tones were carefully chosen to complement the blue sky and natural surroundings, enhancing the airy, coastal ambiance,” said the hotel.

“This redesign balances modern functionality with the timeless elegance of Miami Beach’s architectural heritage, ensuring the Pelican remains a seamless part of the city’s vibrant landscape.”

In his 90s redesign, Ehrland focused on the reuse of furniture, sourcing much of the decor from second-hand markets such as vintage shops and auctions.

Rosso continued this in the latest redesign, focusing on finding unique pieces of furniture to update the hotel while keeping the eclectic spirit of Ehrland’s vision alive.

It has a number of themed rooms

The exterior of the hotel has been carefully preserved since the 1940s, keeping the property in line with the surrounding architectural heritage.

Some of themed rooms – with names such as Executive Zebra, Go Bananas and Lust in Space – were updated as well.

The city of Miami Beach has named 5 December Pelican Hotel Day

In December during Miami art week, Miami Beach declared 5 December Pelican Hotel Day, citing the hotel’s enduring impact on the community.

“The Pelican Hotel has been a pillar of hospitality, style, and innovation since 1994,” said the proclamation.

“Under Renzo Rosso’s leadership, it has become a symbol of Miami Beach’s cultural significance, offering guests a distinctive experience while preserving history and evolving.”

Other recent restoration projects in the Miami area include a hotel designed by Studio Collective a The Moore in the Miami Design District.

The photography is courtesy of the Pelican Hotel.

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