While many people in Miami are familiar with the current state of the Vagabond Motel on Biscayne Boulevard, we thought we’d show you what it looked like back in its hey-day when it first opened in 1953.
The Vagabond was designed by Robert Swartburg who also designed the Delano hotel in Miami Beach in 1947 and the Marseilles hotel in 1948.
Many MiMo afficianados will tell you that the Vagabond is actually a prime example of the “googie” style (also known as “populuxe”) which came into prominence during the late 1940s and continued through the early 1960s.
While the fancier Miami Beach hotels may have been where high-rollers stayed in the 1950s, here’s what the advertising copy said about the Vagabond…
The Vagabond Motel is a rich composite of modern luxury, warm hospitality and incomparable beauty. Sparkling hours of vacation fun are yours to enjoy with every accommodation for your pleasure and relaxation. The shuffleboard and table and table tennis courts are scenes of good natured matches among guests. Yours to enjoy is our Olympic style swimming pool for that cooling dip and the entertaining of your guests.
Guest rooms and suites are invitingly furnished . . . your choice of single or double beds, in soundproofed, air conditioned, through-ventilated rooms. There is parking at your door and telephones in every room. These lavish accommodations include large studio rooms with fully equipped kitchenettes, luxurious bedrooms or suite arrangements … richly appointed with spacious closets, modern baths, and choice of Radio or TV add up to unrivaled accommodations.
Source: Vagabond Motel | MiMo on Biscayne Boulevard in Miami
Graber Realty 