The W South Beach Will Become the Waldorf Astoria Miami Beach Next Year

We now know what will become of the current W South Beach hotel after it closes and leaves Marriott.

Hilton announced today, July 7, 2026, that it will complete a thorough renovation on the existing property and reopen it under its luxurious Waldorf Astoria brand in winter 2027.

While Marriott Bonvoy members may be disappointed to lose an option in Miami Beach, this is great news for Hilton Honors members, who have not had much to choose from when it comes to luxury hotels there.

Here’s everything you need to know about this upcoming luxury hotel.

Waldorf Astoria Miami Beach Coming Next Winter

Last month, the W South Beach, one of Miami Beach’s best-known hotels, announced it was closing its doors and leaving Marriott Bonvoy.

At the time, no future plans were announced for the property, but we now know the oceanfront hotel will become the Waldorf Astoria Miami Beach after an extensive renovation.

When it reopens, the hotel will become the first Waldorf Astoria property in Miami Beach and will offer guests 348 newly refreshed suites, all with private balconies and ocean views — a rarity even among luxury hotels in Miami Beach.

Even though the W South Beach got a thorough renovation itself a few years ago, Hilton is planning another one to bring the property in line with the Waldorf Astoria brand, which feels quite different from the W brand.

When it reopens as the Waldorf Astoria, guests can expect plenty of high-end elements, including:

• Peacock Alley, the brand’s lobby bar concept
• An entirely new food-and-beverage program curated by world-class chefs
• An expansive pool deck measuring almost 50,000 square feet that will offer private cabanas for rent
• A full-service spa, “wellness experience,” and a renovated and upgraded fitness center
• Renovated indoor and outdoor venues for meetings and other events

While this will be the first Waldorf Astoria in Miami Beach, it won’t be the only one in the area. The highly anticipated Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences Miami, in the downtown Brickell neighborhood, is still under development and is expected to open in 2028. However, the 2 properties should serve distinct customer bases and shouldn’t cannibalize each other’s business.

Why This Matters for Hilton Honors Members

The upcoming Waldorf Astoria Miami Beach is great news for Hilton Honors members, who historically haven’t had much to choose from in the way of luxury hotels in the area. The new property will go a long way to bolstering the chain’s presence in one of the nation’s most popular markets.

It also gives members another way to earn and redeem Hilton Honors points. And while we don’t know what the property will charge at this point, expect rates to be high, whether paying in points or cash.

Final Thoughts

After the W South Beach closes, Hilton will give the property an extensive renovation and will reopen it as the Waldorf Astoria Miami Beach in winter 2027.

This is great for Hilton Honors members, who have lacked choice among luxury beachfront hotels in the area. This will easily become one of the most anticipated hotel openings of this year, and we’ll update this story when we learn more about a firm opening date and nightly rates.