Hotel Biba

Hotel Biba was originally the Mount Vernon Motor Lodge, designed by Florida architect Bedford Shumate and said to be among the first motor inns in the country. Two U-shaped buildings in the Bermuda Vernacular style, with over 40 rooms, an outdoor pool, and a spacious food garden, provided the template for renovation.

The new Hotel Biba is a complete reconceptualization of the 1938 buildings while respecting the historic preservation board's requirements to protect the most important architectural features from the street. Through several iterations of schematic design and renderings for historical approval, the concept solidifies the hotel's presence in the El Cid neighborhood.

The design

Our design strengthens the hotel's historic character with creative retouches to all suites, management areas, and common amenities. The restaurant expands within the central lobby building, nestled behind a new outdoor dining and social green spanning two open-air bar and grille pavilions. This social scene connects to the remaining hotel areas and the boulevard via palm-shrouded garden pathways. Additional amenities expand the pool area, with a new second-floor viewing deck over renovated suites and exercise rooms.