THE JAMES Hotel Miami. Photo: Sonesta The Sonesta International Hotels chain announced the launch of the first flagship hotel of its new lifestyle brand, The James Hotels, which will open in late 2026 in Miami Beach.
The hotel, The James Nautilus Miami Beach, will be built on the basis of an iconic historic building on Collins Avenue and will combine architectural heritage with a modern hospitality concept.
The 250-room project is based on the original Nautilus, designed in the 1950s by American architect Morris Lapidus. Considered one of the symbols of Miami Beach's glamour, the building is undergoing a comprehensive renovation to transform it into a contemporary lifestyle hotel.
The brand's concept is based on an imaginary character named "James," a charismatic host who curates an experience of culture, human encounter, and curiosity for guests. According to the company's management, the goal is to make guests feel as if they are entering a carefully designed world where every detail is chosen with care.
Designed by Anderson Miller, the hotel combines local MiMo style with a contemporary approach, while maintaining the original architectural features. Located on the Collins Boulevard waterfront, the hotel is expected to become a central meeting point for tourists and locals alike.
On the culinary front, the hotel will collaborate with the LDV Hospitality Group, which operates several well-known restaurants in New York. Among the planned complexes: a Mediterranean restaurant with sea-facing seating, an intimate omakase experience, and a luxurious evening bar with a theatrical atmosphere.
The opening of the hotel marks the start of a broad expansion plan for the brand, which also includes a future hotel in downtown Miami, scheduled for 2030, as part of the brand's transformation into a significant player in the world of lifestyle hotels in the United States.