Who’s Johnny?: Hanging at the Cardozo South Beach

Photo by Johnny Diaz

Ever since I wrote a news feature about the $15 million renovation of the Cardozo South Beach hotel by Emilio and Gloria Estefan in 2019 for the South Florida Sun Sentinel, my old paper, I've always wanted to stay at the hotel.

The Cardozo South Beach is a charming, three-story hotel at 1300 Ocean Drive right in the heart of South Beach. As part of a recent staycation (Thanksgiving week off,) I finally had the opportunity to stay at the hotel which is steeped in Miami Beach's Art Deco history.

Part of their interior makeover was including some personal accessories from their Star Island estate such as furniture, chairs and art work which line the halls.

"It is a lot of art that was hanging in my house," Mr. Estefan told me by the elevator in the hotel's lobby back in 2019 during a ribbon cutting and a packed media event.

"I wanted to remodel and instead of throwing it out, we brought it here and it looks good," he continued.

On a recent Monday, I checked in just before 4 p.m. and the process was smooth and breezy. The hallways were bright, cool, clean and painted in a faded mint hue with carpets that carried geometric patterns.

The end of each hallway featured enlarged photos of Emilio and Gloria Estefan from magazine covers in case you didn't know who owned the hotel. But there are also enlarged photos of movies that shot in and around the Cardozo over the years. They include black and white images from "Marley and Me" and "There's Something About Mary" which line the second floor. The third floor is dedicated to the 1996 comedy "The Bird Cage" starring Nathan Lane and the late Robert Williams.

Gloria Estefan watching over guests on the second floor.

Ode to 'The Bird Cage." Emilio Estefan at the end. Photos by Johnny Diaz

Built in 1939, the hotel was originally called the Cardozo Hotel and designed by Henry Houser. The hotel was named after Benjamin Cardozo, one of the first Jewish jurors on the U.S. Supreme Court. During World War II, the Cardozo became a housing facility for recruits and trainees. The building still carries its classic Art Deco style and curved lines which are accentuated by the modern bright orange awnings and umbrellas that shade guests from the sweltering sun on the first floor. The top of the hotel (look at the top photo) features a sailing American flag and the rainbow-hued Pride flag, a welcome mat to all.

My room, #219, was literally all white, from the walls and cabinetry to the beds and bathroom flooring. I opted for a room with two queen-size beds because I like to switch from one to the other each night. The beds were soft and comfortable enough to sit back and watch my favorite TV shows and local news programs such as WSVN's "Deco Drive." But the sereneness of the room also provided a great little writing cocoon. My room was on the west side of the hotel overlooking the courtyard so I was away from the cars and bars blasting music nearby.

My lovely super white room. Photo by Johnny Diaz

The peacefulness allowed me to have some creative writing time for my next novel "The Golden Boys" which will follow in my "Boston Boys Club" series about gay Cuban-American professionals and their friends who are looking for Mr. Right while dealing with everyday life challenges with the help of their closest friends in Boston, Miami, Providence and Ogunquit.

My messy handwriting/notes on the bed. That's how I write.

The bathroom was elegant, beautiful and narrow. No bathtub but there was a glass-encased shower where you had to open two sliding glass doors on each side to step in and out of. It had a classic Miami feel and reminded me of a bathroom you might see in the stateroom of a vintage luxury cruise liner. But I wouldn't recommend attempting the "Wonder Woman" spin in the shower stall. Tight quarters.

Ignore my messy bath mat towel. Photo by Johnny Diaz.

When I wasn't in my room, I enjoyed strolling along the seawall on Ocean Drive all the way to South Pointe Park where I sat on a cement bench and watched the colossal cruise ships glide by at sunset. I grew up in Miami Beach and this was something I often did on my bicycle as a teenager, college student and adult before I moved to Boston and eventually back to Miami a few years ago.

Is there something big behind me?

The hotel has a bar and a restaurant downstairs called "Call Me Cuban" which was bustling with guests and diners who were entertained by live musicians whose voices and music flowed out onto the street. Next door is an attached coffee and dessert place called "Estefan's Express Kitchen" where I had a super sweet and thick flan and a soft chocolate gooey cookie. (I have a big sweet tooth.)

When I wanted to read a book or follow the latest news on my phone, I headed downstairs to the courtyard where I sat under one of the big tables (also covered with orange umbrellas) and enjoyed the soothing ocean breeze. Orange and white is a theme here.

My rate was $176 a night because I had the courtyard view but rates can be at least $126 a night especially weekdays, depending on the time of year. Also, there is a large city parking garage right behind the alley of the hotel with an overnight fee of $20.

Overall, a lovely quick stay. I'll be back for another staycation or writing retreat.