Miami's Mr. C Coconut Grove Hotel is Inspired by The Glamour of Life at Sea
In Miami, it’s not uncommon to see glamorous yachts sailing by on the calm waters of Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Despite the frequency of these sightings, few hotels have drawn inspiration from these luxurious vessels.
Enter Mr. C Coconut Grove, a sleek new hotel that brings the glamour of life at sea to land. Presiding over Miami’s Biscayne Bay, the 100-room property boasts an array of nautical-inspired features: a gleaming, hull-like exterior; a timber-paneled, double-height lobby; and vibrant interiors with pops of Bellini peach and sea blue.
To learn more about the breezy look, we caught up with the property’s designer, Martin Brudnizki, who shared the inspiration behind the hotel and dished on his favorite things to do in the city.
Travel + Leisure: Tell us about the new hotel.
Martin Brudnizki: “Mr. C Coconut Grove captures the timeless charm of Italy’s iconic coastal style. The interiors are inspired by the honesty and materiality of classic yacht, with high gloss timber paneling and a double-height lobby. I wanted the design to hark back to Italy’s golden era, so there are plenty of mid-century details throughout, like Murano glass chandeliers, large-scale terrazzo floors, and sleek mirrored and chrome accents.”
What do you like about designing in the city?
"Miami is a melting pot of cultures and styles, so it’s been exciting work in a city with such a unique identity. Since designing my first Miami project, the Soho Beach House, in 2010, I’ve completed three different projects. It’s been really fun and rewarding."
What’s the first thing you do after touching down in the city?
"A swim in the ocean. It’s the best remedy for jet lag."
Describe your perfect day in the city.
“I’ll jump start the day with a coffee and pastry at the Buena Vista Deli in the Design District before heading over to The Margulies Collection at the Warehouse. The gallery showcases the collection of Martin Z. Margulies. The artwork doesn't always agree with my taste, but there’s always something interesting on show and I think it’s important to get out of your comfort zone every once in a while. After, I’ll grab lunch at Madolin Agean Bistro, a lovely Greek restaurant that serves simple but flavorful food. Later in the day, I’ll stroll around the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Biscayne Bay. Vizcaya is a stunning home built in the Gothic style for industrialist and antique collector James Deering. It’s built on the water’s edge and has an impressive façade crafted from coral stone. Walking around the house and gardens gives me a moment to reflect and soak up the beauty of my surroundings. From there, I'll close out the day with dinner at Mr. C."
