Hotel History

A Grand History For A Grand Hotel

To learn about Hotel Riu Florida Beach in Miami, you have to travel back in time. Return to the glamorous days following the end of World War II. America was celebrating. Miami Beach was growing. And Riu Hotel near South Beach, Miami was taking shape on the drawing boards.

In those times, the hotel industry on Miami Beach was working up a full head of steam, spearheaded by the opening of The Saxony, which set the pace for the rapid development of the strand. At the time, Ben Novack Sr. headed a syndicate in the hospitality business and was a leader in the area’s land development. His son, Ben Jr., followed in his father’s entrepreneurial footsteps. The two made a bid for hotel leadership on Miami Beach with the design and construction of the San Souci Hotel, or as it is known today, Hotel Riu Florida Beach.

The actual design and building of the hotel is something of a mystery. In addition to Ben Novack Jr., two other architects were involved in the design, Roy France and Morris Lapidus. France was hired originally, but it has never been known for certain whether France or Novack was responsible for the original design of the building. What is clear is that Novack fired France and hired Morris Lapidus to complete the unfinished job. The hotel finally opened its doors in 1949. The Miami Herald shed little light on the issue, saying, “Novack constructed the hotel from plans and notes compiled during a score of years.”

Despite the unanswered questions about Hotel Riu, this South Beach, Miami hotel retains the elegance and graceful lines that distinguished the original San Souci. Through the years, the hotel has been renovated and refurbished, but the original charm remains.

In 1996, the Riu Family bought the hotel and maintained its storied image while adding the Riu traditions of hospitality expertise and warm, personal service. Today, the hotel is continues to improve, providing guests with the most modern, comfortable and elegant experience possible. Our goal remains to make your stay at Riu Hotel near South Beach, Miami an unforgettable one.