The Driftwood Motel

The Driftwood Motel, located at 17121 Collins Avenue, was built in 1952.

This motel, an example of MIMO (Miami Modern) architecture, was designed by architect Mr. Norman Giller who also designed the Thunderbird, Suez and Ocean Palm – other motels in the Sunny Isles area.

Since opening, the Driftwood was a member of the American Hotel Association (AHA) – not a common affiliation for a motel. Back in the ‘40s and ‘50s motels were considered places for an overnight, unlike hotels that were destinations for longer-term stays. The themed motels in Sunny Isles Beach helped reinvent the image of motels as exciting destinations for longer-term stays comparable to that of a hotel.

Tourist destinations, such as the Driftwood, were packed with guests from January until April.

According to a 1956 newspaper ad the Driftwood Motel cost $3.00 per day per person in a double occupancy room. It also advertised: AAA recognition, planned entertainment, free parking, free beach chairs, pool, television, radio and a coffee shop.

According to Robert Guarino, whose family purchased the Driftwood in 1975, visitors used to rent rooms at the motel for two or three months at a time, with many of the same faces returning year after year. The Guriano’s renovated the motel by increasing the number of rooms from 96 to 120, and adding a pool table and jukebox for their guests.

In 1976, the Guarino’s erected a pelican sculpture above the entrance to The Pelican Nest Bar. This bar was located on the first floor, featured local bands and singers for weekend.
A brochure from the 90’s advertised “boccie courts, cable and satellite reception in all rooms, a kiddie play park, shuffleboard, and all the rooms being efficiencies”.

The Driftwood was demolished in 2002. Jade on the Beach, the luxurious condominium has been erected instead.

Mr. Robert Guarino owner of the motel from 1975-2002









The 50’s style coffee shop has Formica tables and vinyl barstools. Popular colors from this era are: Orange, Martian green, and gold.

The Driftwood advertised a TV room located on the second floors.

The lounge and the lobby – late 50’s
The modernism of the interior is evident in the design of the natural flowing shaped furniture, and large vertical windows.

COMPILED BY DAVID UDOFF AND MARLENE CALERO

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