Hotel Effie with Florida sunset overlooking the ocean

Hotel Effie The Lobby Bar and Restaurant

Hotel Effie, Interior Signage, Conference Rooms

Hotel Effie

Miramar Beach, FL

Located along the Gulf of Mexico and the Choctawhatchee Bay, The Hotel Effie near Destin, Florida, puts a softer spin on a boutique conference center hotel. The 250-key hotel mixes Southern hospitality with modern luxury and effortless function, while standing apart from the other towers on the main Sandestin resort site.

Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a natural timber porte cochere with standing seam metal roofing. The exterior of the building features Chicago-style brick with a range of color and textures, providing a solid base that visually anchors the 10-story building. Inside, natural crystal chandeliers combine with rustic light wood beams in the lobby area, while hues of sea green, rose, and beige reflect the location.

A modern roof line creates a stand-out façade. The rooftop bar and pool terrace crown the new building, offering incredible views to the Bay, marina, golf course, and the Gulf further to the south. Aluminum and glass sectional “garage” doors open to connect the pool bar to its terrace and outdoor event space. The food and beverage program at the hotel is provided by a celebrity chef, and we worked with their team to create a style that was cohesive with the public areas.

The hotel acts as an addition to Sandestin's Baytown Conference Center. The ground-level conference center features a covered arcade to connect to the structures, and the new conference center uses the existing banquet kitchen and loading dock for service.

Our Experiential Graphic Design Studio created signage with clean lines and subtle reveals, made of innovative cast-concrete veneer to elicit the tactile feel of the white sandy beaches. Minimal, jewelry-like metal elements in warm brass finishes are the final elements that enhance the boutique atmosphere.