Miami Beach’s Washington Park Hotel celebrates grand opening with new ‘Employees Only’ bar

Miami Beach’s Washington Park Hotel, which softly opened last year, officially celebrated its grand opening with the launch of its staple bar and restaurant Employees Only, which also has locations in New York City and Singapore.

The boutique lifestyle hotel is located off 11th Street and Washington Avenue, encompassing five Art Deco buildings originating from the 1940s, including 181 guest rooms, a pool and courtyard, Employees Only and Swizzle bar.

“Miami has changed tremendously with neighborhoods like Wynwood and Brickell becoming new ‘must see’ destinations. Right now, we’re seeing this same shift along the famed Washington Avenue strip, and the Washington Park Hotel is at the forefront of this renaissance,” said Vikash Maharaj, General Manager of Washington Park Hotel. “People are constantly falling back in love with the special Deco neighborhoods of Miami Beach, and we’re excited to be a part of that re-discovery.”

Employees Only can be found within the unique and historic Coral House building.

“While looking for the perfect Miami location for Employees Only, it was important to maintain the brand's Deco roots and serve as a place for locals first. Nowhere is better than South Beach in the Coral House, surrounded by residents who are the true EO clientele,” said Billy Gilroy, Founder of Employees Only. “The service industry in South Beach and the eclectic mix of cultures have always excited me about Miami, and now I have a restaurant right in the heart of this community.”

The hotel was designed by Big Time Design Studios and the guest rooms are spread across four buildings, featuring a modern gray and wood color scheme with tropical splashes of color.

Managed by Highgate, the property also has a fitness center and retro arcade games like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong in addition to life-size Jenga and bocce ball in the courtyard.