The Caribbean Hotel Then and Now: A Walk Down Miami Beach Memory Lane
Miami Beach, Florida ✈
The Caribbean in Miami Beach, Florida holds a special place in my memories. Located on Collins Avenue, this property was once one of the many hotels that defined the area during the mid-20th century. Today, it has been transformed into a luxury condominium, but walking through its halls and seeing the property brought back vivid recollections of my childhood holidays spent here in the 1970s and 1980s.
Back then, the Caribbean Hotel was a fixture of Miami Beach life. Like many other hotels along Collins Avenue, it catered to Jewish families, especially during Passover and Sukkot holidays. Several properties in the area were kosher hotels year-round or would convert to kosher kitchens to accommodate the influx of Jewish visitors during these periods. These hotels were central to family vacations and community gatherings, with dining rooms serving traditional meals, holiday services held in makeshift ballrooms, and lively conversations in the lobbies. The Caribbean was one such place where I recall enjoying these traditions with my family.
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“For me, the Caribbean was a backdrop to countless memories. I remember the excitement of walking into the lobby with my parents, luggage in hand, ready for a week of sun and sand.”
The hotel opened in 1941, designed by architect L. Murray Dixon, who was instrumental in shaping Miami Beach's Art Deco style. Its design was a blend of modern architecture and tropical influences, reflecting the era’s aesthetic while embracing its beachfront location. The property had a certain charm, with its breezy patios, classic terrazzo floors, and functional yet stylish furniture. It was the kind of place where families returned year after year, forming their own traditions.
The hotel was owned and operated by the Schecter family for many years. They were known for their hospitality and for creating an environment that catered to the needs of Jewish families. Their dedication to maintaining a kosher kitchen and hosting Jewish holiday celebrations made the Caribbean a trusted destination for many travelers. The Schecters, along with other families who owned similar properties, helped shape Miami Beach into a welcoming vacation spot for Jewish communities during the mid-20th century. To this day, I can still hear patriarch Sam Schecter greeting all the guests with his famous saying, "No snow today in Miami Beach!"
For me, the Caribbean was a backdrop to countless memories. I remember the excitement of walking into the lobby with my parents, luggage in hand, ready for a week of sun and sand. The pool deck was always bustling with activity, and it was here that I first learned to swim. Just beyond the pool was the cantina, where I often went to get mini pizzas and vanilla soft serve ice cream cones dipped in chocolate syrup. The beach, located right behind the hotel, was my playground. I spent hours building sandcastles, finding seashells, and posing for family photos taken by the hotel’s photographer.
The hotel also sponsored a variety of activities and entertainment, which made every day exciting. I remember movie nights in the lobby, where children and adults gathered to watch films together. Mealtimes in the dining room were always an event—I looked forward to seeing the menu for each meal as we entered, and the food was always something to anticipate. One of my favorite times of the day was "Tea Time," when the hotel served tea accompanied by honey cake, marble cake, and sponge cake. These simple pleasures added so much to the overall experience.
During this time, other hotels along Collins Avenue also served kosher meals and catered to Jewish families during holidays. The Saxony, Sans Souci, Eden Roc, and Fontainebleau were among the well-known names that offered kosher dining during Passover and Sukkot. The Fontainebleau was actually designed by my grandmother’s cousin, architect Morris Lapidus. These hotels created a sense of community and familiarity, making Miami Beach a cherished destination for many Jewish families.
Over the years, however, the area began to change. By the 1990s, many of the kosher hotels on Collins Avenue had either closed or been converted to other uses. The Caribbean was no exception. Eventually, it fell into disrepair before being reimagined as a condominium property. Today, the building has been meticulously renovated to preserve its historic character while adapting to modern tastes. The terrazzo floors are still there, as are some of the original design elements, but the interior spaces have been updated to reflect contemporary luxury living.
When the hotel was transformed into a condo, a new tall building was constructed next to the original structure. This new building was designed to complement the historic architecture while adding modern conveniences and additional living spaces. The two buildings are now linked, creating a cohesive property that blends the old with the new. The original hotel building retains much of its Art Deco charm, while the newer structure offers sleek, modern residences that appeal to contemporary tastes. Together, they form a unique combination of Miami Beach history and modern luxury.
During my recent visit, I was impressed by how much of the original structure has been preserved. The façade still echoes its past life as a hotel, and walking through the building, I could almost hear the echoes of conversations and laughter from decades ago. At the same time, the transformation is evident. The former hotel rooms have been converted into high-end residences, complete with modern amenities. It’s a different space now, but the bones of the old Caribbean are still visible.
As I walked around the property, I noticed a display of plans for future renovations. It’s clear that there are efforts underway to enhance the property even further. According to the plans, they intend to update several communal spaces, add new landscaping, and further refine the amenities. These updates aim to modernize the building while respecting its history.
The future renovation plans are a reminder that while the property has undergone significant changes, it’s still evolving. Seeing these plans made me think about the importance of preserving places like the Caribbean. While the Miami Beach of today is different from what it was in the 1970s and 1980s, it’s heartening to see that some of its historic properties are being given new life rather than being torn down.
Collins Avenue itself has changed dramatically over the years. The kosher hotels that once defined this stretch of Miami Beach are mostly gone, replaced by luxury condos and boutique hotels. The sense of community that these properties fostered is something I miss, but I’m glad I had the chance to experience it when I did. Visiting the Caribbean brought back those memories and made me reflect on how much the area has transformed.
Walking along the beach after visiting the Caribbean, I couldn’t help but think about the families who now call this place home. For them, it’s a residence, a place to build their own memories. For me, it’s a reminder of holidays spent with my family, of a time when Miami Beach was a hub for Jewish travelers looking for sun, relaxation, and community. The Caribbean may no longer be a hotel, but it remains a part of Miami Beach’s story - and my own.
The plans for future renovations are exciting, and I’m curious to see how the property continues to evolve. It’s a delicate balance, preserving the past while embracing the present, but the Caribbean seems to be doing just that. As I left the property, I felt a sense of gratitude for the memories it holds and hope for its future as a place where history and modernity meet.
Do you have memories of the Caribbean Hotel? Let me know in the comments - I’d love to hear your stories!
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