Our History

From the balcony of our Cadillac Suite, if you set your eyes on the untouched sparkling horizon, it is possible to imagine a slower time. One with less traffic, a bit less noise, but one where all the glam and splendor of Miami Beach remains. This was the stunning new Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club of 1940 designed by well-known Miami Beach architect Roy F. France. The Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, located at 3925 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach, was constructed in 1940. The beautiful property is made up of two towers, the original 14-story tower at the northern end and a second 8-story addition built in 1956. The style of the building combines the distinct characteristics of the signature Miami Beach architectural styles, Art Deco and Streamline Moderne. 

The building has a unique and rich history in Miami Beach and was even used as a pivotal space during World War II. From 1942-1945, it was leased and used as a base for the United States military. After a return to hospitality and years of service, the property underwent a renovation and restoration in 2004. 

Location: 

The Cadillac Hotel is located in the heart of Miami Beach on Collins Avenue, between 39th and 40th streets, with direct access to the beach from the property.

The property is located in the Collins Waterfront Historic District, a two-mile long stretch that is made up of a collection of historic buildings dating from the 1920s through the 1960s. Since its inception, this district has been developed largely as an area of apartments and hotels, each being within a two-block proximity of the ocean. The district is located nearby to the Miami Beach Architectural District and an area that was once known as Millionaire’s Row. 

This district is almost entirely surrounded by water, with the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Lake Pancoast and the Collins Canal to the south, and Indian Creek to the west. 

Architecture: 

One of the most unique features of the Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club is its beautiful and distinctive architecture. 

As the building was constructed in 1940, the Art Deco & Streamline Moderne styles were beginning to evolve and flourish in the Miami Beach area. Both styles were largely inspired by the major developments in modern transportation happening during this period of time. The streamlined features of automobiles, airplanes, trains and even home appliances inspired powerful horizontal design compositions, accentuated by striking vertical features and icons of the technological era.

With many Streamline Moderne buildings, sharp, harsh features were replaced by smooth rounded corners. “Eyebrows,” as they were called, became defining architectural features for many buildings in the area, including Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club. Street corners in the district soon became inviting architectural focal points for all visitors. 

Themes of the technological and architectural innovation can even be seen in the very name of the Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, specifically its association with the Cadillac Car Company. The style and name of this property are indicative of its origin and commitment to innovation and looking to the future.