... “It’s meant to be a fresh, simple, fun place to be,” says owner Jonathan Morr, whose previous successes include hip downtown Manhattan restaurants Republic and Bond St, as well as the Condesa d.f. hotel in Mexico City. Morr is also celebrated in Miami for having opened Blue Door – the Delano Hotel's restaurant. “The theme is conveyed in both the design – refreshing and irreverent – and the unassuming prices.”

Built in 1939, the 69-room five-story building has been creatively redefined by young Paris-based designer India Mahdavi, whose minimalist furnishings provide maximum relaxation and leisure. The hallways have been re-invented with equal flippancy, serving as hangout environments soundtracked in stereo, stocked with benches, newspapers, and comics. “The idea was to create a happy, unpretentious place for people who have style but don’t need to spend a lot of money,” says the multicultural Mahdavi. “People who just want to hang around somewhere that’s both edgy and fun.”

With Mahdavi’s striking color, light and lines, TOWNHOUSE is an idyllic setting for production, be it photographic, film, or other. Oversized baby blue pillows adorn each bed, complementing giant round poufs and rugs in scarlet and blue. L-shaped couches could double as crash pads for overnight guests. Flowered cardinal red sexy lampshades match old-time fire engine red telephones that mix art deco with modern technology.

The outdoor rooftop terrace features king-size waterbeds paired with huge umbrellas for sunbathers and shade-seekers alike. At night the rooftop transforms into one of South Beach’s hottest social scenes.

BondSt Lounge, Miami’s outpost of the famed New York sushi restaurant, is located on the ground floor and is known for its intimate, casual atmosphere and its award-winning menu.

Adjacent to the lounge is the lobby, which reinforces Townhouse’s vibe with equal touches of modernity and mischief. From 7am to 11am, complimentary Parisian breakfast is offered, and affordable snacks and beverages are available around-the-clock, as well as complimentary coffee and tea. Townhouse features 69 rooms, two penthouses, and affordable rates.