Key Points

• 1 Hotel South Beach was originally acquired in 2012 for $230M by Starwood Capital Group (founded by Barry Sternlicht) and LeFrak, who invested $500M in renovations before reopening in 2015.
• Host Hotels & Resorts acquired the 429-room hotel for $610M in 2019, while Starwood Hotels Group continues to operate it under the eco-luxury 1 Hotels brand.
• AVIV, a new restaurant by Chef Michael Solomonov and Steve Cook, opens March 14th, further enhancing the property’s upscale offerings.

A Real Estate Evolution: From Gansevoort to 1 Hotel South Beach

The site of 1 Hotel South Beach has undergone a massive transformation over the past decade. Originally built in 1969, the property was known as the Gansevoort Hotel before Starwood Capital Group (led by Barry Sternlicht) and LeFrak acquired it in 2012 for $230 million. The partners invested $500 million in renovations, introducing new pool decks, a rooftop bar, a gym, and a spa. In 2015, the hotel reopened as the first 1 Hotel, establishing Sternlicht’s eco-luxury brand in the hospitality space.

In 2019, Host Hotels & Resorts purchased 1 Hotel South Beach for $610 million, making it one of the largest single-asset hotel acquisitions in Miami Beach. However, Starwood Hotels Group continues to operate the property, ensuring its alignment with the sustainability-focused, ultra-luxury vision Sternlicht created for the brand.

Now, Host Hotels is further elevating the guest experience by adding AVIV, a high-end Israeli restaurant set to open on March 14th.

AVIV: A High-End Culinary Experience

• Helmed by James Beard Award-winning Chef Michael Solomonov and Steve Cook of CookNSolo.
• Menu Highlights:
  • Saluf: Freshly baked Yemenite flatbread with signature Hummus-Tehina.
  • Haloumi Baklava: A fusion of quince and pistachio.
  • Charcoal-Grilled Pompano: Served with sea bean tzatziki.
  • RibEye Shishlik: Grilled tomato and sumac onions.
• Beverage Program: Features citrus-forward cocktails and a curated wine list from Israel, Lebanon, and the Mediterranean.

Why AVIV Matters for 1 Hotel South Beach

• Boosts Asset Value: Host Hotels’ investment in luxury dining aligns with a broader hospitality trend of using high-end restaurants to increase hotel revenue.
• Keeps 1 Hotel Competitive: Miami’s luxury hotel market is thriving, and top-tier dining is a key differentiator for attracting high-net-worth guests.
• Aligns with 1 Hotels’ Brand Vision: Under Starwood’s management, 1 Hotel South Beach continues to reflect Barry Sternlicht’s eco-conscious, high-end hospitality approach, and AVIV fits seamlessly into this strategy.

Final Takeaway

1 Hotel South Beach has evolved from a 1969 beachfront hotel into a multi-billion-dollar hospitality asset thanks to strategic real estate investments by Starwood Capital, LeFrak, and now Host Hotels. With Starwood Hotels still managing operations, and the launch of AVIV, the property continues to be a leader in Miami’s eco-luxury hospitality market. 

📍 AVIV opens March 14th | Reservations via Resy starting March 3rd