Rottet Studio

The James Royal Palm is the brand's first hotel in Florida. The James brand is synonymous with the seamless blend of modern, residentially styled spaces and guest-centric service. Our studio was tasked with a complete redesign and renovation of the historic Royal Palm built in 1939, maintaining the branding of the James hotels while preserving some of the integrity of the original structure. The entire design vision behind the hotel was to transport guests into an era of nostalgia reminiscent of Art Deco Miami in the 1920s through 1940s. Several design elements pay homage to this art deco period including a grand sweeping staircase on the first floor and a 'moon gate''shrubbery framing the front entrance. Many signature design elements original to the hotel were also kept intact such as the decorative compass rose on the terrazzo floor in the lobby, porthole windows in the lounge and the green glass reception desk which was restored and converted to a fresh juice bar. Each of the 393 studios and suites were designed to feel clean and bright with an emphasis on the hotel's stellar ocean views. In fact, each room has a mirror strategically placed so as to ensure that a beach view is possible from multiple vantage points. Signature guest room elements include a custom designed wooden headboard that extends along the wall to a work/dining niche, featuring a table adorned with a sunken blue glass top; simple and clean white lacquer bed stands; and a floral rug. The majority of rooms offer step-out balconies, large windows and uncompromised views of the Atlantic Ocean, Miami cityscape and Biscayne Bay. Features include two swimming pools, a plunge pool, poolside bar, a beachfront restaurant, a lobby lounge, a full-service spa and over 10,000 square feet of meeting and event space.