South Beach’s newest boutique hotel inspired by Miami's founder

The Julia opened as South Beach’s newest boutique hotel. Named after the founder of Miami, Julia Tuttle, and owned by SMS Lodging, a family-owned company that operates hotels in Miami and Key West, The Julia has 29 guestrooms, each with memory-foam mattresses, custom-designed furnishings, coral and gray accent colors and solid oak plank flooring, as well as original artwork from local and international artists throughout the rooms and common areas.

The interior of the hotel was designed by Stephen Busto.

The Julia’s exterior was restored to retain its history with a facade that traces back to its original build in the 1930s, now accentuated with outdoor patio seating.

The lobby has mismatching décor inspired by ideas of what Julia Tuttle’s own living room might have looked like. Features from the building’s original design, including the authentic Cuban tile flooring and restored fireplace, complement the updated common areas, adorned with Turkish throw pillows and rugs, rocking chairs and artworks.

Brothers Gustaf and Jesper Arnoldsson founded SMS Lodging in 2010. The Julia is located between 3rd and 4th streets on Collins Avenue in the South of Fifth “SoFi” neighborhood, an enclave of restaurants and shops.