Miami is a melting pot of culture, constantly bubbling with gallery openings, music festivals, art walks and culinary events. And if you happen to be visiting and want to experience the arts even within your own hotel, there's no better place to stay at than The Betsy Hotel.
This beautiful South Beach boutique getaway is the only place in town that's truly devoted to promoting the arts and supporting local artists.
Writers and artists will find true inspiration as they watch the sunrise on The Betsy Hotel's sun deck, overlooking the Atlantic — Photo courtesy of Moris Moreno / The Betsy Hotel
Residing proudly on Miami's infamous Ocean Drive, the Betsy is all elegance, exuding class from its gorgeous colonial exteriors to its clean and contemporary accommodations and its pristine deck, which overlooks the Atlantic ocean. It's just far enough removed from some of the louder SoBe nightlife, but not too far that you can't quickly walk over to the action.
But if you're staying at The Betsy, you should know that some of the best entertainment can all be found within. Live music, poetry readings, writing workshops and impressive works of art can all be enjoyed within the walls of this unique hotel.
Stop in at The Betsy's Lobby Salon on Wednesday and Thursday nights from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., and you'll be greeted by the sounds of the upright bass, drums, piano or guitar during one of their informal (mostly jazz) live music nights.
Artists of all kinds find inspiration at The Betsy — Photo courtesy of The Betsy Hotel
There's no fee to sit in and listen to what are literally the best jazz performances in all of Miami, and no drink minimum, either. So you're free to imbibe as much or as little as you please. Those who do enjoy a good cocktail with their music can pick one up for $15, reasonable for South Beach prices.
While staying at The Betsy, you'll likely notice all the eye-catching artwork displayed throughout the premises. That's all thanks to art historian and Betsy Curator Leslie King Hammond, who keeps the hotel's hallways, staircases and lobby covered in the paintings and photographs of such well-renowned artists as William Kentridge, Ira Wagner and Rene Trevino.
Whether you're a musician or you just love jazz, The Betsy's music programming is top notch — Photo courtesy of The Betsy Hotel
The Betsy's biggest commitment, though, is to Miami's burgeoning writing community. The hotel frequently hosts free, public workshops for writers, as well as literary readings in conjunction with Tigertail Productions, a local organization committed to cultural programming ranging from author events and spoken word nights to dance performances.
What's more, The Betsy offers the only writer's room in all of Miami – a working studio in which visiting writers can take a respite from daily life and dedicate themselves fully to their craft.
Although technically a writing room, complete with a writing desk donated by the Hyam Plutzik Centennial Committee, the room is open to other types of artists, as well. Since its inception in 2012, The Betsy's writer's room has housed over 200 creative minds.
Many come to South Beach looking strictly for sun and surf, and there are plenty of hotels that will fit them accordingly. But for those with more artistic inclinations – those whose souls long for sonnets and whose eyes hunger for paint, plaster and print – there's only The Betsy.
Who wouldn't love to be an artist-in-residence with this view? — Photo courtesy of Moris Moreno / The Betsy Hotel
