Both Delano Residences and Waldorf Astoria Miami are PMG's supertall residential towers on Downtown Miami's Biscayne Boulevard. The core difference: Waldorf Astoria delivers in 2028 as a branded ultra-luxury tower focused on prestige and service; Delano Residences delivers in 2031 with two distinct collections—one emphasizing flexible ownership and rental income, the other ultra-premium residential living with a private club. Here's the direct comparison.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Delano Residences | Waldorf Astoria |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | Property Markets Group (PMG) | Property Markets Group (PMG) |
| Total Residences | 421 units | ~250 residences |
| Height | 985 feet, 90 stories | 1,000+ feet (tallest in Downtown Miami) |
| Entry Price | From $700,000 | $1,000,000+ |
| Price Range (Top) | Up to $4.5 million | Up to $8 million+ |
| Brand Model | Delano (design-forward, flexible ownership) | Waldorf Astoria (ultra-luxury, branded service) |
| Delivery | 2031 | 2028 |
| Rental Program | Yes (Delano Collection only) | No rental program |
| Private Club | Yes (Delano Residential only) | Concierge service |
| Architect | Carlos Ott Architects + Cube 3 | Arquitectonica |
| Interiors | Meyer Davis (New York) | Architectural Digest |
Pricing & Affordability
This is where the two projects diverge most sharply. Delano Residences enters at $700,000 for studios and one-bedroom units in the Delano Collection. That's roughly $300,000 below Waldorf Astoria's entry point. For buyers seeking a prestigious downtown address at an accessible price point, Delano opens the door.
Waldorf Astoria's strength is at the ultra-premium end. Top residences exceed $8 million. If you're shopping for a $5M–$8M penthouse with the Waldorf Astoria name and concierge service, that's your tower. But if you're a first-time luxury buyer in downtown Miami, Delano's $700K–$2.2M Delano Collection is far more attainable.
Adrian's Take: Pricing
"Listen, if you're budget-conscious and want a downtown location, Delano's entry pricing is hard to beat. You get the design, you get Biscayne Boulevard, you get the brand prestige—but at a fraction of the Waldorf price. Waldorf's for buyers who want the ultimate service experience and have no ceiling on budget. Two different customer profiles."
Delivery Timeline
Waldorf Astoria delivers in 2028. Delano Residences in 2031. That's a three-year difference, and it matters.
If you want to occupy a luxury downtown residence by late 2028, Waldorf Astoria is your only choice. You'll be living in the city's tallest residential tower. Construction is already underway on Biscayne Boulevard, and the project is tracking toward its 2028 target.
If you're willing to wait until 2031, Delano offers more flexibility, lower entry pricing, and two distinct collections tailored to different lifestyle goals. The extra three years also typically means more stable pricing (fewer early-bird incentives needed by delivery).
Timeline Considerations
Waldorf Astoria: Delivers 2028. Greater sense of urgency if you want to secure inventory now at Friends & Family pricing. Deposit structure is standard.
Delano Residences: Delivers 2031. More time to evaluate, more flexibility. Deposit milestones staggered through 2027. Loyalty discounts available for prior PMG buyers.
Brand & Amenities
Delano Residences: Design-Forward & Flexible
Delano brings the iconography of one of Miami's most legendary hotel brands—reimagined for residential living. The Rose Bar, a redesigned signature social space, Café Delano, a private observation deck at 850+ feet with a cantilevered glass floor, and The Source by Delano wellness center. The brand leans into Delano's cultural heritage: design-forward, sophisticated, playful.
The Delano Collection (floors 20–47) is fully furnished, designed for flexibility. Own and occupy, rent independently, or participate in Accor One Living's hotel program and earn recurring income while receiving VIP benefits across Accor's global portfolio. That's a significant differentiator.
Delano Residential (floors 49–75) features larger units, private members' club access, and a more traditional residential feel—but still with the Delano brand.
Waldorf Astoria: Ultra-Luxury Service
Waldorf Astoria emphasizes concierge, service, and the prestige of the Waldorf name. Architectural Digest handles interiors. The residences are meticulously curated, often with hotel-grade amenities. Waldorf Astoria is more formal, more service-intensive, and more exclusive (fewer residences). It's a different lifestyle choice—you're paying for white-glove service and the Waldorf standard.
Amenity Comparison
Shared: High-end fitness, spa, pool, fine dining, observation areas, concierge
Delano Unique: Rose Bar, observation deck with glass floor, rental income option, members' club (Residential)
Waldorf Unique: Waldorf-branded service standard, Architectural Digest design, ultra-luxury finishes throughout
Rental Income & Flexibility
If you want to generate income from your residence, Delano's Delano Collection has a clear advantage. Owners can rent freely on the open market or enroll in Accor One Living's hotel rental program, earning nightly rates while maintaining access to VIP benefits globally.
Waldorf Astoria residences are not designed for rental. They're primary or secondary residences for personal use. If income generation is a goal, Delano wins this round.
Investment Perspective
Delano Residences
- Lower entry price ($700K vs $1M+)
- More units = more liquidity at exit
- Rental income option adds return profile
- Two distinct price tiers (flexibility for different budgets)
- Design-forward brand (cultural appeal)
- PMG loyalty discounts available
Delano Residences
- Delivers three years later (2031)
- Not the tallest tower (Waldorf is)
- Fewer units = more supply at exit
- Rental program may attract more transient ownership
Waldorf Astoria
- Delivers sooner (2028 vs 2031)
- Downtown Miami's tallest tower
- Ultra-luxury brand prestige
- Fewer residences = more scarcity
- White-glove service model
- Architectural pedigree
Waldorf Astoria
- Higher entry price ($1M+)
- No rental income option
- Smaller project = less liquidity at exit
- Service-heavy model may inflate HOA/fees
The Verdict: Who Should Buy Where?
Choose Delano Residences if:
- You want entry-level luxury downtown ($700K–$1M range)
- You're interested in rental income or flexible ownership
- You appreciate design-forward branding and cultural heritage
- You're willing to wait until 2031 for delivery
- You're a prior PMG buyer (loyalty discounts apply)
Choose Waldorf Astoria Miami if:
- You want to occupy by 2028 (urgent timeline)
- You prioritize white-glove service and branded luxury
- You want the city's tallest residential tower
- You're shopping at the ultra-premium price tier ($2M–$8M+)
- You value scarcity and exclusivity over accessibility
Comparing Them to Other Downtown Miami Projects
How do these two PMG towers stack up against other major downtown developments? For context, check out St. Regis Residences Miami on Brickell Avenue (iconic tower, similar price range to Waldorf). Or explore Mandarin Oriental Residences for a different brand experience in the luxury residential space.
Both Delano and Waldorf Astoria are PMG's crown jewels on Biscayne Boulevard—the highest-profile launches in Downtown Miami this cycle. They represent the next era of premium residential development in the city center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Delano Residences emphasizes design-forward living with brand flexibility and lower entry pricing ($700K+), while Waldorf Astoria is focused on ultra-luxury branded service at higher price points ($1M+). Waldorf delivers in 2028, three years ahead of Delano (2031). Both are developed by PMG on Biscayne Boulevard. For detailed guidance on which aligns with your goals, contact Adrian Sanchez at WIRE Miami: 305-321-7655.
Delano Residences has lower entry pricing—from $700,000 for studios and one-bedrooms in the Delano Collection. Waldorf Astoria's entry is $1M+. If budget is a factor, Delano is more accessible. Both offer units at the ultra-premium tier ($3M–$8M+). Adrian at WIRE Miami can discuss specific floor plan pricing and current incentives: 305-321-7655.
Waldorf Astoria Miami delivers in 2028. Delano Residences delivers in 2031—about three years later. If you need to move in sooner, Waldorf Astoria is the answer. If you're comfortable waiting and want lower pricing and more flexibility, Delano is worth the longer timeline. Call WIRE Miami to discuss deposit structures and milestone dates: 305-321-7655.
Only in Delano Residences' Delano Collection (floors 20–47). Owners can rent independently or enroll in Accor One Living's hotel rental program for recurring income and global VIP benefits. Delano Residential (floors 49–75) is residential-only, and Waldorf Astoria residences are not designed for rental. For rental program details and income projections, contact Adrian Sanchez at WIRE Miami: 305-321-7655.
Waldorf Astoria is Downtown Miami's tallest tower (1,000+ feet), offering the highest elevations and most expansive views. Delano is 985 feet but features the Southeast's first observation deck at 850+ feet—a cantilevered glass platform exclusive to residents. Both have unobstructed Biscayne Bay, Atlantic Ocean, and skyline views. For a detailed view comparison and specific floor-plan sightlines, call Adrian at WIRE Miami: 305-321-7655.
Ready to Compare in Person?
Adrian Sanchez and the WIRE Miami team have exclusive access to pricing, floor plans, and Friends & Family inventory for both Delano Residences and Waldorf Astoria Miami. Schedule a private presentation or review detailed unit options.