How Miami 1 Hotel Found the Best Window Film Without Sacrificing Views
Miami’s 1 Hotel South Beach is a study in luxury: wide-open spaces flooded with natural light, soaring floor-to-ceiling windows, and uninterrupted views of the Atlantic.
The design is intentional; every element invites the outdoors in. But with so much exposed glass facing directly toward the beach, that architectural beauty came with a challenge: heat.
Guests and staff alike were battling uncomfortable interior temperatures, and the hotel’s HVAC system was working overtime.
Finding the best window film for hotels in such a setting meant carefully reviewing different window film types to manage heat while preserving the signature feature that made the hotel famous, its crystal-clear, oceanfront views.
The Challenge: Cooling Without Compromise
The South Beach location that makes the property so desirable also means constant, high-intensity sun exposure.
Every day, large glass panels absorbed and transmitted heat directly into guest rooms, common areas, and penthouses, some more than 3,600 square feet in size.
The hotel's facilities manager, who had worked with Solar Tint Inc on previous commercial window tinting projects, understood the stakes.
The requirements were clear:
- Cut heat gain significantly to create a cooler interior environment
- Avoid dark tints that would reduce the bright, airy feel of the spaces
- Zero reflectivity, preserving the direct ocean views for guests
- No distortion of natural light or colors
- Stay on schedule despite tight deadlines and high guest occupancy rates
Any compromise in one area could have meant the difference between a satisfied guest and a disappointed one.
Why the Solution Had to Be Precise
Hotels in the luxury market sell more than just rooms; they sell experiences. And for 1 Hotel South Beach, a key part of that experience is waking up to panoramic views of the turquoise Atlantic. A poorly chosen film could have:
- Dimmed or dulled the glass, muting the ocean’s natural blues and greens
- Added a mirrored finish, breaking the visual connection between indoors and outdoors
- Produced visible seams or film bubbles that draw the eye away from the scenery
The stakes were high, not only for comfort but for maintaining the hotel’s brand promise.
The Answer: 3M Prestige 70
After evaluating multiple products, the Solar Tint Inc team recommended 3M Prestige 70, a high-performance window film specifically designed for spaces where clarity is as critical as comfort.
Key reasons for the choice:
- Approximately 50% reduction in heat gain without noticeable darkening
- Non-reflective surface that preserves the glass’s original appearance
- Maintains natural light transmission so interiors remain bright and open
- True-to-life color preservation, ensuring the ocean remains vivid and inviting
Guests would feel cooler, but their view would be as breathtaking as ever, something cheaper or more heavily tinted films couldn’t guarantee.
Execution Under Pressure
Luxury hotels don’t close for renovations, and every installation had to happen without disrupting the guest experience.
That meant working within narrow time windows, coordinating around check-in and check-out times, and completing sections of the project while the hotel remained fully operational.
For large units and penthouses, the team faced logistical challenges: accessing tall, continuous glass panels, ensuring safety for workers and guests, and keeping the installation areas pristine.
Each piece of film had to be applied flawlessly to avoid visible imperfections and ensure the long-term durability of window film on such high-profile glass surfaces.
Deadlines were tight, sometimes tighter than the original plan allowed. Still, we followed our motto: “We’re going to do whatever it takes to get the job done right.”
The project was completed on time, with no corners cut on quality.
Why This Film Was the Best Window Film for Hotels Like 1 Hotel
This project underscored what high-end hospitality properties should look for when evaluating window films:
- Performance Meets Aesthetics - Cutting heat while preserving clear, beautiful views.
- Guest Comfort - Lower room temperatures lead to better reviews and repeat bookings.
- Energy Savings - Less heat gain means less strain on HVAC systems and lower operational costs.
- Longevity - Films like the 3M Prestige Series are built to last, resisting peeling, bubbling, or discoloration.
- Brand Consistency - For luxury hotels, visual presentation is non-negotiable.
In short, the right film should work invisibly in the background, delivering measurable benefits without changing what guests see and love.
Maintaining the Oceanfront Experience
For 1 Hotel South Beach, the view is as much a part of the property as the lobby or the spa. Guests pay a premium for rooms that open up
to blue water and bright skies.
By installing a film that’s virtually invisible to the naked eye, Solar Tint Inc ensured that nothing about the guest experience changed, except the temperature and comfort level.
The ocean still looks like the ocean. The rooms still glow with natural daylight. But now, they’re cool, quiet, and efficient.
The Miami Advantage
Being able to execute a high-profile job like this required more than just technical skill; it required local knowledge and quick response times.
With a Miami-based office, Solar Tint Inc could be on-site for planning meetings, respond immediately to changes, and work closely with the hotel’s management team without long delays.
This local presence made it easier to navigate permitting, coordinate deliveries, and work seamlessly within the unique pace of Miami’s hospitality industry.
More Than Just a Tint Job
At first glance, commercial window film might seem like a small upgrade. But for a property like 1 Hotel South Beach, it’s an operational and brand decision rolled into one.
The right film improved guest comfort, reduced operational strain, and preserved the hotel’s most valuable visual asset, all while meeting challenging deadlines.
That combination of problem-solving, precision work, and commitment to the client’s vision is what makes projects like this a showcase for the industry.
Your Property Could See the Same Benefits
This local presence made it easier to navigate permitting, coordinate deliveries, and work seamlessly within the unique pace of Miami’s hospitality industry.
In addition to premium solar and decorative films, Solar Tint Inc. offers some of the best window tinting Miami can provide, along with other specialized solutions for both residential and commercial properties.
Contact us to learn more about our services and how we can help enhance your space.
