A Project’s Journey from Hype to Hyatt Split (Image Credits: Pixabay)
Miami Beach – The vibrant shores of South Beach gained a new contender after years of anticipation and setbacks. A hotel at 1685 Washington Avenue, once poised to launch as the Thompson Miami Beach under Hyatt, faced delays and a sudden brand split last fall.[1][2] Developers rebranded the nearly complete property as Unframed, Autograph Collection, part of Marriott’s portfolio, signaling a fresh chapter for this mid-South Beach gem. Set to welcome guests in April 2026, the hotel promises to blend European elegance with Miami’s cultural pulse.[3]
A Project’s Journey from Hype to Hyatt Split
The Thompson Miami Beach generated buzz for years as a stylish addition to Hyatt’s lifestyle offerings. Planners targeted an October 2025 opening, complete with renderings of chic interiors and beachfront allure. Construction progressed steadily, preserving elements of the site’s Art Deco roots while introducing modern twists.[1]
Challenges arose in September 2025 when Hyatt terminated the affiliation just weeks before the debut. The move followed a similar rebranding of another Thompson property in Hollywood to Marriott’s Autograph Collection. Owners pivoted quickly, aligning with Marriott to reimagine the hotel as Unframed and avoid further delays. This shift marked the first premium lifestyle opening on Washington Avenue in over a decade, fueling neighborhood redevelopment.[2]
Design That Echoes the French Riviera
French architect Rudy Ricciotti crafted the exterior with fluid, undulating white curves that evoke the sensuality of the French Riviera. These sweeping lines create a striking presence on the bustling avenue, drawing eyes amid Miami Beach’s eclectic architecture. Inside, Icelandic designer Gulla Jónsdóttir infused spaces with tropical modernism and South American influences, using smooth stone, brushed metal, and luxurious fabrics.[4]
The lobby sets an inviting tone through curvilinear shapes and organic textures. Guests encounter a bold walnut and bronze entry door, a sculptural reception desk, grand seating areas around a bronze fireplace, and an intimate six-seat bar. A centerpiece chandelier by Mathieu Lehanneur crowns the space, blending artistry with functionality. This thoughtful aesthetic extends throughout, positioning Unframed as a canvas for Miami’s creative energy.[3]
Luxurious Rooms and Rooftop Escapes
All 149 guest rooms and suites feature private balconies or garden terraces, promoting seamless indoor-outdoor living. Configurations include king beds in most units, double queens in select options, and a presidential suite exceeding 700 square feet. Custom velvet beds anchor spaces finished in soft pink and deep rust tones, complemented by bespoke wooden cabinetry. Bathrooms boast micro-cement showers and Calacatta Viola marble vanities for a spa-like retreat.[1]
Balconies come alive with eco-terrazzo flooring, rattan lounge chairs, and terracotta tables. Up top, an expansive rooftop pool offers panoramic city and ocean views across 18,000 square feet of space. A fourth-floor open-air atrium courtyard provides lush greenery, slate-grey water features, and cozy seating for relaxed moments. These elements cater to both leisure seekers and event hosts, with versatile venues accommodating up to 100 guests.[2]
Dining Debuts with Vilebrequin Flair
Unframed introduces Vilebrequin La Plage, the French resortwear brand’s first U.S. outpost, as its signature rooftop restaurant and bar. This 18,000-square-foot venue, designed by Paris-based Vincent Darré, channels Côte d’Azur beach clubs from Cannes to Oman. Executive Chef Gregory Gourreau helms the kitchen, pairing light southern French flavors with South Florida produce for fresh, seasonal dishes.[3]
The concept launches in May 2026, following the hotel’s April opening. Additional spots like the atrium courtyard serve breakfast, tea, or cocktails in a serene setting. Developed with partners 34th Floor and Schulte F&B Group, these outlets elevate casual luxury. General Manager Alexina Beauperthuy emphasized this vision: “At UNFRAMED, Autograph Collection, we aim to set the standard for effortless sophistication and refined hospitality.”[4]
Positioned in Miami Beach’s Cultural Core
Situated at the corner of Washington Avenue and 17th Street, Unframed anchors mid-South Beach’s cultural district. Visitors step out to Frank Gehry’s New World Symphony Center, Soundscape Park, The Fillmore Miami Beach, and The Bass Museum of Art. Lincoln Road’s shops and Española Way’s charm lie nearby, blending arts, music, and dining.[2]
- 20-minute drive to Miami International Airport
- Easy access to Wynwood, Design District, and downtown Miami
- Partnerships with Soundscape Park and Miami Beach Convention Center for events
- LEED certification highlights sustainability efforts
These connections immerse guests in Miami Beach’s evolution as a global hub for creativity.
Key Takeaways
- Unframed marks Marriott’s latest Autograph Collection addition, rising from the ashes of Hyatt’s Thompson project.
- 149 rooms with balconies, rooftop pool, and Vilebrequin dining define its premium appeal.
- Prime cultural location positions it as South Beach’s next must-visit.
Unframed Autograph Collection arrives not just as a hotel, but as a testament to resilience in hospitality. Travelers now have a stylish base to explore Miami Beach’s dynamic landscape. What do you think about this revival? Tell us in the comments.