Exclusive: Sonesta bringing James brand to Miami

NEWTON, Massachusetts – Sonesta International Hotels Corp. has executed a franchise agreement with South Florida’s Mint Developers to build The James Hotel & Residences Downtown Miami, an $850 million development that is expected to open in January 2028.

The new 82-story supertall tower with Sonesta contributing key money will feature approximately 336 fully furnished and decorated residences with about 200 rooms going into a hotel leaseback program. The property will also have a spa, private cabanas with plunge pools and unobstructed views of Miami, snow and rain rooms, and restaurants that include the highest elevation luxury bar and restaurant in the Americas. The project will also have a four-story private club where members will have access to the James Hotel in South Beach.

The James' façade is inspired by the elegance of an interlaced bracelet.

Mint's Daniel Berman said the first round of funding is in place and the developers expect the groundbreaking for this project to be in Q1 2026.

Sales of the units are expected to begin in the second quarter of 2025 with an exclusive offer for the over seven million Sonesta Travel Pass members.

“The James brand is back and this project in Downtown Miami is leading the way. The lifestyle and luxury space is where the consumer is going. Sonesta is excited to be partnering with AD1,” said Sonesta Chief Development Officer Brian Quinn.

“We are excited to collaborate with Sonesta on The James Hotel & Residences Downtown Miami, a development that embodies the vibrancy and sophistication of Miami,” Berman added. “This project reflects our dedication to elevating downtown areas, creating premier destinations that seamlessly blend luxury living with dynamic hospitality experiences.”

Sonesta has approximately 1,100 properties totaling 100,000 guest rooms across 13 brands in eight countries.

Mint represents a collaboration between Big Development, AD1, and To The Stars uniting decades of luxury real estate development and hospitality management. This partnership has developed and or managed more than 5,000 units, includes hotelier Paz Levy.