Miami Modern

While many people in Miami are familiar with the current state of the Vagabond Motel on Biscayne Boulevard, we thought we’d show you what it looked like back in its hey-day when it first opened in 1953.

The Vagabond was designed by Robert Swartburg who also designed the Delano hotel in Miami Beach in 1947 and the Marseilles hotel in 1948.  Continue Reading »

The Beau Rivage Resort Motel was located at 99th Street and Collins Avenue in Bal Harbour, Florida.

Igor B. Polevitzky was responsible for many magnificent buildings during his 30-year architectural career in Miami and Miami Beach. The Mardi Gras Motel on Biscayne Boulevard was another one of his designs. Continue Reading »

Moulin Rouge Resort Motel

41st Street and Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach, Florida. 100% Air-conditioned and heated, Two Swimming Pools, Private Dock, Fishing, Boating and Skiing, two elevators, Coffee Shop & Lounge. T.V., card, and children’s play rooms, free indoor parking.

In the 1950s Hawaii was a newly discovered mecca for rank-and-file tourists seeking a place in the sun for their vacation. Economy airfares put the Hawaiian Islands within reach of the middle class and visitors increasingly chose Honolulu over Miami Beach. Continue Reading »

Ocean Palm Motel

“The Gem of Informal Living”
Collins Avenue at 157th St. on the Ocean in Miami Beach. Private Beach with Ocean front Patio. Every room an outside room overlooking the Ocean. Hotel rooms and apartments 100% air-conditioned and luxuriously furnished. T.V. and Card Room, sensible rates, daily, weekly or seasonal.

The Pan Am Motel was located at 17875 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach.

Directly on the Ocean, Completely Air-Conditioned. 150 Rooms each with Private Bath and Sun Terrace. Studio Rooms with Kitchenettes. Restaurant and Snack Bar — Cocktail lounge — Garage Parking — 400 Feet of Private Beach — Salt Water Pool — Elevator Service. Informal living for a selected clientele.