The Betsy – South Beach is an elegant, landmark hotel and the only Forbes Four Star and AAA Four Diamond boutique hotel on Miami Beach. Relaxed tropical interiors create an aura that is passionately low-key. Sharing The Betsy’s lobby is BLT Steak, Celebrity Chef Laurent Tourondel’s iconic modern American steakhouse. BLT also serves as our in-room and catering culinary partner. While located on famed Ocean Drive, The Betsy is steps away from shopping and nightlife, yet offers a uniquely serene experience in one of the world’s great beach destinations. The Betsy – South Beach gives Grace Ormonde Wedding Style readers an insider's look on planning a wedding at the oceanfront Miami wedding venue.
GOWS: If you had to describe the property in three words, what would they be?
A: Elegant, charming, luxury.
GOWS: How far in advance does a couple need to reserve a wedding date?
A: Ideally, there is an 8-10 month window. This gives the bride and groom plenty of time to make their plans and for their guests to make travel arrangements as destination weddings are our strength.
GOWS: Are onsite wedding planners available for the wedding process?
A: Yes, you can work with an experienced planner from our staff or bring in your own personal planner.
GOWS: Are accommodations and buyouts available? What is the capacity limit?
A: Yes, the maximum capacity for a restaurant buyout is 120 guests.
We have a special buyout offer for our entire property - that includes 61 luxury hotel rooms. Please inquire for more details.
GOWS: What spaces are available for ceremonies and receptions?
A: Our exclusive Ocean Deck is one of the most intimate and unforgettable spots in South Beach. Designed with a hint of vintage glamour, B Bar offers an exclusive venue catering to those who seek an upscale, discreet setting.
For pre-wedding or rehearsal dinners, the hidden and luxurious B Bar is available for parties of 50 and can be set with a royal table for up to 36 guests, while the magnificent 3,750 square foot ocean-view Ocean Deck is a picture-perfect venue for an outdoor ceremony for up to 50 people, or a reception area for up to 200. Every detail is customized for weddings, commitment ceremonies and life cycle events, ensuring that all elements are authentic to the couple and what they wish to achieve. From music by internationally regarded Miami-based jazz artists to innovative floral design, every event is statement in casual beachside elegance with property-wide commitment to excellence and customization.
GOWS: What are some of the amenities, incentives and activities that the property offers a couple?
A: Shimmering over the white sand beaches of the Atlantic Ocean and standing sentinel as the only luxury property on Ocean Drive, The Betsy - South Beach offers brides and grooms something rare and refined in the midst of the vibrant Art Deco district: a private and stately mansion in which to get married.
The luxury accommodations, Five Star service, staff-to-guest ratio and catering by famed BLT-Steak combine to create a luxury beach villa experience.
Our carefully crafted amenities include an expansive Ocean Deck featuring a Wellness Garden providing a full range of spa treatments, an intimate Courtyard Pool, a 24-hour Fitness Center, our award-winning restaurant BLT Steak and private beach services. We also offer sunrise yoga on our Ocean Deck to our guests and Live Jazz music twice a week.
GOWS: Food is such an important element at a wedding; tell me about your menu customization?
A: What sets The Betsy apart is that all of our food is catered by our award-winning restaurant BLT Steak. Our clients appreciate the quality coming out of our restaurant kitchen. We do have guests with special dietary requests that we are happy to accommodate in an exciting, creative way.
GOWS: What does the property offer couples and their guests that set you apart?
A: For the many couples that wish to create a destination weekend that combines wedding and vacation for their guests, the dedicated concierge team will develop a bespoke weekend with access to museums, concerts, international festivals and cultural events, and outings that include everything from limos to tour elegant nightlife and Vespas to experience the area’s famed street art to deep sea fishing and go-fast boat races. Whatever can be imagined, The Betsy team will orchestrate for a multi-day extravaganza that becomes part of the entire wedding experience.
