The Vagabond Hotel is located in the most intact neighborhood of mid-20th century resort architecture (MiMo) in the Greater Miami area. MiMo, a type of mid century modernism architecture was a style that developed after WWII from the 1940's to the 1960's. Its hallmark is modern simplicity of form influenced by South Florida. As a fan of both history and architecture i had to stop to learn more about the Vagabond Hotel from the historical marker in front of the property. The building was constructed in 1953 and designed by Robert Swartburg who also designed the Art Deco Delano and Clevelander hotels on South Beach. After sitting vacant for years, the building was reopened in 2014 as a restaurant and retro hip boutique hotel. The signature neon sign and nymphs and dolphins fountain were fully restored. In 2014 the hotel was listed on the National Register of Historic Places Marker Number F-1144 was installed in 2021 by The Vagabond Group and the Florida Department of State. read more

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The vagabond hotel is amazing!! I mean I don't even know where to start. It has the most beautiful 1950s pool with the mermaid at the bottom, and there's an incredible post art deco bar. The pictures will show everything. It is just gorgeous and the hotel rooms are all done in a 1950s- 60s chic but in a modern mode. The staff was incredible. The beds were amazing. There's just nothing more beautiful to say about it and it was centrally located near my family. I was able to get a really good night sleep in those comfortable beds and everything was so clean. Thank you so much for giving me a great stay.! read more

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Large updated room. Lots of space and room was very clean. Huge showers and separate water closet. Large vanity for all your stuff. Good morning free coffee. Walking distance to a few nice restaurants. Price was very reasonable and would definitely stay here again. Did not get to use the pool as the weather was very cold for Miami.........low 50s read more

Super cute, mid century motel with a lovely pool area. Rooms are cute but basic. The larger king room has a small fridge and coffee. The entry also has coffee and tea. Really, no other amenities or pool/bar service. There is an onsite Mexican restaurant that's only open certain days /hours that does have a bar. Overall, it's really a cute boutique motel with a very friendly staff. A bit pricey, though. Also, the rooms could use black out shades. read more

I spent two absolutely delightful nights at this motel. the room was very comfortable; I could control the AC which I live because I hate frigid air conditioning even when it's super hot( as it was). Rhe staff are all kind and helpful. To top off my stay, I had a luxurious swim each morning in a beautiful pool. There is a delicious Venezuelan bakery very close for coffee, pastries, breakfasts and lunch. Down the street in the other direction is another good cafe. read more

had a really great experience! the staff was so nice and very helpful with finding places to eat and visit. would love to come back here if i come back to miami!! read more

My family and I had a great stay here before our cruise! We stayed for 3 nights. The staff was extremely friendly. Cute decor. Pool was great. I did notice our room was quite warm all the time even with the air turned down. Would not keep me from staying here again tho! read more

Central location, clean, with a old school, Miami Vice type vibe. We enjoyed our stay!

Being on a quest to see all things historical in the Miami vicinity - My Sunday plans brought me to this area with an opportunity to see for myself re the new recent hype that i read about recently regarding this motel. I actually got to sneak inside the motel - aka behind the walls to see the pool area. Also to be noted they are linked to the Mandolean Restaurant which is right on the premises. If you want to stay in Mimo area and be where it is "at" (as the Miamian's say) and be amongst OLD style Miami, then I think this spot is perfect for this. It definitely has the old retro vibe feel to it. To be noted there is the Copper girls famous iconic sign, literally opposite. There is also the boho retro Italian restaurant called Winewood, practically next door and also Jimmy's diner, which is a 24 old style iconic diner. Here is some information I found out about this motel with regards to its interesting history. The Vagabond Motel is architecturally significant not only as an exemplary example of the mid-1950s Miami Modern style, but also as a work by prominent architect B. Robert Swartburg. It is particularly noteworthy for a design that incorporates elements of post-war automobile culture. It is also important for its details, materials and craftsmanship, as reflected in its open-air verandah with catwalk, rock face feature area and nautical theme. The motel is historically significant as a reflection of the development trends in Greater Miami during the mid-twentieth century. The Vagabond Motel embodies the characteristics of the Miami Modern style, including an open-air plan, jalousie windows, geometric designs, overhanging roof lines, stone facing and masonry sculptural elements that denote marine life and other nautical themes. The porte-cochère, located at the southwest corner, curves wave-like at the end and is supported by V-shaped pipe columns. The motel also embodies a "classic with simple modern," B. Robert Swartburg design. Swartburg, a leading modernist architect in Miami, was born in Bucharest, Romania in 1895 and immigrated to the United States with his parents when he was a child. He began his architectural ascent at an early age. In his father's workshop he drilled wormholes in furniture. By age 11 he was working in an architect's office for $3 a week. He studied architecture at Columbia University and received additional architectural training at the American Academy in Rome and the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris. Although Swartburg designed structures in Miami in the mid 1920s, his most prominent work dates from 1944, when he made the City his permanent home, to his retirement in 1972. During that time he not only designed many of "South Florida's new landmarks" such as the Metro Justice Building and the Delano Hotel, but also created the murals and sculptures found within them. Many of Swartburg's early Miami buildings bridged the gap from Streamline Moderne to Modern. Later designs exemplified simple modernist ideas 7 of functionality. Examples of other Swartburg designed buildings in Sunny Isles, Miami and Miami Beach include Atlantique Motel, Shalemar Motel, Sorrento Hotel, Marseilles Hotel, Miami Beach Athletic Club (demolished) and Bay View Court. The Vagabond Motel also reflects the development trends of Greater Miami during the mid-twentieth century. As the City progressed from a resort area to a more diversified economy, extensive new suburban areas were built up and the automobile became a dominant force in architecture. A large number of motels appeared along Biscayne Boulevard during this time. Additionally, this era marked a new fashion in building design that incorporated "jet-age styling" and modern materials. Among the motels located along Biscayne Boulevard, the Vagabond Motel is one of the more unique and significant in the City's history. It was completed in 1953 and was initially a motel and nightclub that served travelers visiting Miami. read more

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I Actually just stopped in to have a quick Bloody Mary and say hi to some friends. I really liked the vibe, kind of a vintage south Florida vibe with a hint of tiki plus the bar is right next to the pool to keep you refreshed. Good place to relax if you are looking for something different. read more

The Vagabond Hotel - Bloody Mary!! - Hotels Near Me - Miami, Florida

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Stayed here for two nights by myself and felt very safe. Check in process is intimate but fast, room was ready and clean. Request to have first floor was honored (thanks). The room was super clean and had plenty of towels and fluffy pillows. The physical key can be a little annoying i rather have a card in case i had another person with me but i guess it adds to the "vintage" feel. I personally didnt see the bar open when i was there but i think its because it was during the week? not sure. Plenty of restaurants & coffee shops walking distance I would stay here again :) read more

The Vagabond Hotel - Hotels Near Me - Miami, Florida

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This review is for the bar only. The outdoor bar is in a nice area by the pool and everything looks pretty clean. However, the bartender had a habit of hovering over my friends and I constantly. I had a margarita and one of their specialty cocktails. Both were sugar water with barely any alcohol. Why do Miami bartenders act like they're mixologists only to serve you imitation Hawaiian Punch? read more

Restaurant very nice and great service. This place discrimination by age . charges extra at event if your over 40. read more

The Vagabond Hotel - Nice dining room full of hip people. Great wait staff and food and out of the world . I give it 3.5 out of 5 . - Hotels Near Me - Miami, Florida

Cute, and a pleasant stay aWay from the madness, yet very stylish. We visited for The Weekend and enjoyed our stay. The shower was amazing, the pool area was beautiful too bad it was too cold to enjoy. But an amazing stay. read more

Great service and friendly staffs. Room was cleaned and decorated nicely in art deco style. Would stay again if in area. read more

The Vagabond Hotel - Vagabond Motel - Hotels Near Me - Miami, Florida

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The people are so nice and friendly. Staff is great. Room is great! However, I was looking forward to swimming in the pool at night and it closes around 6pm. read more

This charming 1950s motel with a mid-century vibe is an oasis and I'm so grateful that they were my first hotel stay after a year of pandemic no-travel. I can't say enough about this place; the friendly staff that made my stay feel welcome and safe. Having an amazing restaurant that serves Mediterranean street food in a fresh style is such a bonus! Plus, a beautiful pool with bar service four nights a week? What a treat. Sebastian is an expert mixologist and host and runs his pool bar in an inviting, sophisticated manner. I can't wait to return next year... :-) read more

We loved it! I'm not normally a motel person and was nervous- but this adorable retro property exceeded my expectations. It was clean, quiet, free parking and affordable, and provided great service by Juan Arias, who helped us with recommendations on what to do in the area. This is a great location with super cool interior design, right near Miami and the Design District... book it and you won't regret it! read more

It's definitely expensive but kinda worth it! It's somewhat in a sketchy location but definitely worth staying the staff are nice and friendly everyone is welcome here. Would I choose this place over a hotel room in Miami, definitely yes I would. read more

The Vagabond Hotel - Hotels Near Me - Miami, Florida

The hotel is cute but the bartender gets off on yelling at guests so this made the stay unenjoyable. He wears super tight skinny jeans and has a pony tail- i believe his name is sebastian. My friends and I were lounging at the pool along with other hotel guests and he walked around and yelled at each group individually for something random. Also, one of the main reasons we chose this hotel was for the pool bar and the only night we were able to go he closed the bar after 20 minutes of being open with no excuse other than having his children with him. read more

We stayed here on night after a cruise. What a great hotel/ motel! No details were spared in the design of this place. It was absolutely gorgeous. It was so relaxing to sit out by the pool in the afternoon. We did happy hour at the restaurant which was perfect for a pre dinner snack. They also gave bacon strips sitting out on the bar for everyone. The Friday night party by the pool had a super chill vibe. The music was fun and the drinks were tasty. Both bartenders were fun and personable. There are some interesting restaurants and shops within walking distance. The rooms themselves are incredibly clean and the walk in shower was amazing. What nice change from the cruise showers we were dealing with all week. I can't wait to go back! read more

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Coolest most chilled bar in Mimo and arguably in Miami. Led by an awesome proprietor, Sebastian, a classic Hollywood bartender meets Israeli commando. Whether you want the latest mixology or a classic Manhattan, these guys serve it right and pour with a heavy hand. The music and vibe is absolutely amazing and if you appreciate historic Miami, the Vagabond restoration and in particular, the bar, are a sight to see. Check out the Vagabond bar for sure. You'll be happy you did. read more

Great addition of options in the Little Haiti area. Newly renovated motel with a nice and relaxing pool area with a bar to enjoy a few drinks. You need to check their Facebook page to find out when they have live music, which they do very often. Sometimes a DJ, sometimes a live band. They have full bar, but I had a beer to chill out and talk. Perfect spot for a friendly get together or an unpretentious date. Service is simple and welcoming. They their restaurant just adjacent to it, but this one I will need to review at a later date since I only saw it! But it looks inviting and it will definitely have me coming back for more. read more

I took a group of guys and girls here for last Saturday night by the pool bar. The ambiance is very relaxed and classy which added to the great vibe we already had there. The pool has 4 different water fountains which is really cool to look at also. We arrived at 10pm and our server Sebastian was very friendly and hospitable. He was an excellent bartender that treated my guests and I with the utmost respect while providing top notch service. Valet is reasonably priced at $7 so don't try to find parking anywhere around there with it being limited just do valet. It was the service and just all around vibe that makes this place a MUST to check out! I'll definitely be making this a regular spot to hang out for my group. read more

The Vagabond Hotel - My girl and I with the pool behind us. - Hotels Near Me - Miami, Florida

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My wife and I have stayed at the Vagabond Hotel a couple of times over the last year and have loved it. We love the casual mid-century vibe of the place. We get the deluxe king room, which has a larger vanity area and a small couch, which gives us a bit of extra space to move around. The hotel is in walking distance to a few restaurants in the area that we really like - We We's Bakery & Bistro (great for breakfast/brunch), Niddo Cafe (great Italian food - the pasta & gnocchi are fabulous), and Doggi's Arepa Bar (great arepas and ceviche). The attached restaurant, Mr Mandolin, is also a great option for good Greek/Mediterranean food (very good kabobs and gyros) We had coffee and treats at their coffee bar/cafe almost daily on both of our stays, both excellent as well. The hotel staff is very attentive and were able to give us some good recommendations when needed. This time around, we spent a lot of time by the pool - it has plenty of chaises, day beds, sitting areas & umbrellas on a turf area surrounding the pool. The whole area is very serene, surrounded by lush greenery. The pool bar is open in the afternoons a few days a week, and they play some nice music at just the right volume. Sebastian the bartender is very friendly, made me an excellent Negroni, and was able to make my wife some fun non-alcoholic drinks after asking her a few questions about what kind of drinks she liked. We will find ourselves in the MIMO area of Miami again a few more times this year and plan to continue staying at The Vagabond Hotel. read more

We stayed here for five nights in early October 2020, then drove down to the Florida Keys for a few days, then capped off our trip back in Miami at the Vagabond for one night before flying back, so in total we stayed for six nights in two different rooms (108 and 112, I believe). I booked via hotels.com. Check-in was easy. The room was very clean and modern-retro style. I'm always iffy about hotels, especially ones in tropical regions where bugs are common, so I pretty thoroughly looked for bugs, opening up drawers, looking in cabinets, looking underneath the sink area, inspecting the bathroom, inspecting the mattress and area under and near the bed, etc. (then, later, flicking on the lights suddenly at night). I'm happy to report I didn't see anything in either room. In fact, it seemed so clean that, for the longer leg of the trip, we even unpacked our suitcases into the drawers (after I wiped them down with a damp towel just in case)! The hotel and housekeeping staff were great. We were told at check in that we could opt to have housecleaning come every day by putting the "make up my room" sign on our door but, if we were paranoid because of pandemic stuff, we could choose not to... We opted for daily housekeeping, and it was always done well and done promptly (for example, we might put the sign up and head out at 9 am, then stop back at noon and it would have already been cleaned by then). The grounds were immaculately landscaped and the pool area was pretty. We swam in the pool, and it seemed clean. We were disappointed the pool bar wasn't open, but we understood, especially since there seemed to be very few hotel guests given the pandemic, and since I think Miami still was mandating bars remain closed at that time. I liked the walk-in shower, and fact that it had a normal shower head, a handheld shower wand, and a foot faucet type fixture, which were helpful for washing my swimsuit and getting extra clean after sweating in the humid weather. I was a little iffy about the neighborhood when we first arrived, but I ultimately felt very safe at the hotel because the staff-- especially the gentleman who was there during the majority of our stay-- walked the property and peeped out the window at night when we'd pull into a parking space and just generally seemed to be cognizant of who belonged on the property and who did not. I noticed that the hotel also had limited points of entry, security cameras in common areas, and bright lights illuminating the parking areas, and the doors seemed to have very secure deadbolts and an optional night guard lock. So, even if my husband hadn't been with me, I would have felt safe staying at this hotel by myself. I grew to really like the location of the hotel, as it was central to everything (including freeways) and in a quieter and less congested area. I'd originally considered booking a hotel in South Beach or Brickell, and am glad I decided against it as it would have just been way too much hassle to try to stay in either area with a car (which we needed as we wanted to explore the city and go to the Keys). The only things that were odd about this place, but not enough to lower the ratings, were some weird issues with the rooms. In the first room (108), the cover over the bathroom vent fan was hanging open, so you could see the fan blades with all the dust on them. If I'd been taller or had a ladder, I would have closed it... But as it were, it wasn't even worth mentioning to hotel staff, since the fan worked fine. In the second room (112), the large light fixtures over the night stands hung way too low, such that the bottom of the fixtures was maybe four to six inches from the surface of the night stand itself-- enough to leave room to set a phone or tablet or something else skinny on the night stand, but nothing much thicker. Apart from that, though, it appears the remodel was done very well. read more

The room had a terrible odor. Maybe because of Covid cleaning. They had a humidifier that was loud and made the room warm. I had to turn it off. The bar had loud music and it was hard to fall asleep. It was clean and roomy with updates, but I wouldn't go back. I didn't feel safe in the neighborhood, but it was near the event I was attending that night. read more

Came to Vagabond last Monday for some sushi at the restaurant. I've been thinking about it ever since! The dishes were so good my mouth is watering thinking about it. Damen at the bar served us and recommended a great sake to go with the meal. He was so helpful with making recommendations. Everything we ate was BOMB! Damen spoke to us about the restaurants and the hotel. Such a cool place! After we roamed the pool area we ran into the owner of the speakeasy bar, very friendly!! I will be back. Can't wait! read more

Friendly staff at check in. My room was spotless and super comfortable . All white crisp linens . The property was meticulously clean. Impressed with the level of service and attention to detail . A friend from belle Meade booked my reservation ... A pleasant surprise . The Greek restaurant on the property is excellent and an added treat . read more

I stayed at a hotel on South Beach for 2 days before moving to the Vagabond, I had it planned this way. I'm glad I did, I loved the Vagabond, Juan, LINDA, and Ariel were all very helpful. I meant Linda on the first night there when I checked in she was very welcoming and helpful with info on places to eat at and the area in general , she really made me feel completely welcomed and relaxed. I had actually talked to Juan on the phone when I made the reservation. I am 62 years old and have been sober 21 years so when I read the Vagabond had a bar by the pool I was concerned it may be a big party place. So I called and talked with Juan who told me the bar is a nice relaxing place that is not an all night party place. Juan also assured me he would try to get me in a room that was in a very quiet area of the hotel. I love to swim and the Vagabond has a very beautiful pool area and I thought the pool temp was great. And I agree with Juan the crowd on Saturday afternoon at the bar was a very jovial and respectful group of people. While I did not speak to the bartenders they seemed as nice as the rest of the staff at the Vagabond. Ariel helped me when I decided to stay another night. I think the Vagabond is a hidden gem and I will always stay there when I travel to Miami. This was my first trip to Miami, I had a friend move to Miami last year and I was visiting him and I expect I will be visiting more. He actually started a business in Miami and I expect a lot of our mutual friends will be visiting there also, I would recommend the Vagabond to all my friends, I really liked this place a lot. My only negative would be no fridge or microwave in the room, but I worked around that. And not directly about the Vagabond but more about the Mandolin restaurant there. I went in there on a Sunday evening it was very slow and an employee said hello to me, but then I stood there for at least 5 mins with no-one acknowledging me so I left and went next door to NiDo. Nearby food I would recommend Doggis Arepa Bar best I ever had, NiDo Italian great food - a little high price point, Can't beat Jimmy's eastside diner on the corner good food at a good price and great staff, and I found a place a little ways down the street that was fast food Pollo Tropical great Cuban sandwich. read more

Absolutely adore this retro , chic, hipster hotel in Miami. I came to Miami to relax and look for a job and I need to stay in a central point, easy access to the I-95, 195 and the beach and I discovered a jem. Newly renovated and updated this hotel is amazing. The staff is incredibly helpful and the rooms are impeccably clean. There are a lot of local restaurants and places to hang out close to the hotel and Mr. Mandolin in on site...If you are coming to Miami, you should definitely give this place a chance. read more

Great vintage hotel on Biscayne Boulevard in Miami stay here quite often and great great bar Great bartender Solomon great cabana nice oasis in the middle of the city check it out read more

The Vagabond Motel gets 5 stars for their cleanliness & amazing hospitality. The retro vibe also makes this motel stand out. When I checked in the gentleman at the front desk was friendly & professional. My boyfriend & I received a complimentary upgrade into a larger room which was a lovely surprise. The decor and furniture was fun and eclectic. Before the concert, we spent some time at the pool bar. Daniel, the bartender, was awesome and spent some time giving us dinner recommendations in the area. The next day, a sweet woman named Micah checked us out of the motel. She was very friendly as well and told us of places to see in Wynwood (where we were spending the day). Overall, the hospitality was incredible. I would definitely stay here again the next time I'm in Miami! read more

A pretend boutique hotel on an ikea budget, the Vagabond tries to capitalize on it's old Art Deco fame. The remodelers took away everything art deco away from this place and replaced with run of the mill construction materials, feels cheap through and through. Location is removed from anything interesting in miami with very limited food options unless you drive. When staying there it feels like you are trapped in the twilight zone, terrible service and spotty internet connection. Will never come back, read more

The walls are thin (this is a refurbished motel) and the concierge staff is very hit or miss. I found the weekend staff to be excellent and the Monday morning staff to be rude. I'd come back but would request a room on the second floor to avoid hearing noise from above and next to me. The room pricing is expensive for the quality but if you can look past it and the hit or miss service you'll have a great time. The pool is the highlight of the Vagabond. It's always open, clean, cute, and there's a good bar. The restaurant next door is expensive but a nice perk to have nearby. There's a surprising amount of things to do within walking distance including a park, shops, and restaurants. read more

What a cool little spot. We went down for a concert and stayed only 1 night but everyone we met from front desk to bartender was really nice. Such a cool room and comfy beds as well. We will definitely be back next time in Miami. Hope it keeps its laidback and boutique atmosphere. read more

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Rooms are big, clean, bright and airy. Shower was amazing. Bed was like a airy cloud, so comfortable. Very chill. Outside well groomed with a cute pool, fountains, many places to sit/lay and relax and also a bar with a slamming bartender who makes good drinks. Had a great time here and plan to stay again if ever in Miami for the weekend in the future. Thanks guys!!!' read more

Ok...here's the funnest thing about my visit today to one of the places I've always wanted to visit since day one arriving to Miami 20 years ago....I met the owner (the current owner). And it was a funny meeting. I've been living in Miami since November 2007, and driving down the Biscayne Corridor those days past the Vagabond you would put the pedal to the metal to get out of the 'hood' as fast as you could...unless you were waiting in line for the immigration building, in which case you stood in line around the block. It was a seedy , rough, sad pathetic neighborhood. It was. There is no denying that. But always vibrant, as are so many of our underdeveloped beautiful neighborhoods. Spring forward almost a decade and the neighborhood around 79th street has absolutely take a complete 360 degree turn around. So, I finally walk into the Vagabond Motel after watching it going from a crack motel to a derelict building to a flea market and back to a derelict building and now to WOW...what a dream and a vision and some $$ can do. So getting back to the funny meeting with the owner...I was at the bar with my friend ordering a drink and he came up and said to the bartender "on a scale of one to five on Yelp how would you rate tonight".....I'm not going to divulge what his bartender rated it, but after that the owner turned to me and asked me how I was enjoying my evening, were we having a good time and was there anything we needed. This was before we checked in. This guy was genuinely passionate about his place and I totally wish him well. read more

This is specifically about the hotel, not the restaurant, which I have not tried. The Vagabond is beautiful. The rooms are beautifully decorated, the pool area is great, etc. Hotel staff is helpful and friendly. Cool events. BUT, there's a few things that really messed up our experience and they need work asap. 1. Our room smelled HEAVILY like humidity. 2. The shower towels are thin, small, and smell like hospital blankets. Not sure if this is to give off a motel vibe? But just cause you're a restored motel doesn't mean you need to keep old/cheap motel towels. Just invest in bigger, better towels. 3. The shower looks great but has poor water pressure and the water temperature fluctuates CONSTANTLY while you're showering, without moving the handle. It'll go from perfect to really hot, then to really cold, then back to perfect to start the loop again. You will find yourself stepping away from under the water repeatedly throughout because the water will get too cold or too hot. 4. Our bathroom sink was clogged and would take forever for the water to go down. 5. I tried to call the front desk to request some stuff and the room phone was completely dead. I called them from my cel phone. They told me they would have someone check the room phone the following day. It's already the end of that following day, phone's still dead. I think this is intentional to keep that motel vibe, but the cheap, plastic bag-wrapped plastic cups in the bathroom are a crappy touch. You're a $200 a night hotel, detail accordingly. With that said, I still really like and appreciate this place for preserving mid century design in our neighborhood and city. These things should be easy to improve on. I truly wish this place many decades of successful business :D read more

The Vagabond is a newly renovated MiMo Hotel/Motel that has reopened it's doors recently. It's gotten a much deserved and long awaited facelift. You can tell they put a lot of love into re-opening this place. It's probably been dormant for 20+years. Someone tried to reopen it about 4 years back, but they didn't have enough capital and imagination to pull it together. Now the pool is open, the rooms are renovate for guests, they have a great little outdoor bar beside the pool and they are often playing mellow dj beats out there. The poolside bar is open to all. You don't have to be a guest there. Soon they'll have a trendy fusion restaurant to check out as well. read more