Behind the Inexplicable Return of the Chic and Cheeky Lifestyle Motel

[gallery ids="150181,150188,150182,150184,150187,150190,150295,150189,150183,150185,150186"] The sign on the building facade overlooking the palm tree-lined pool and pool bar says “Vagabond Motel,” but the name online reads “The Vagabond Hotel.” So why is that? Originally built in 1953, the newly reopened Vagabond property on Biscayne Boulevard in Miami is most definitely a retro motel with everything that defines a motel. There's the typical two-story, low-rise building with connected wraparound balconies, doors with direct outside access, and the quintessential little motel office below the last room at the end of the building. Owner Avra Jain says, while she would prefer to call the Vagabond a motel as it should be, she’s not about to fight Google search. To compete well online, the property is positioned as a “boutique lifestyle hotel” to rank alongside the Curio and Canopy flags of the world. However, the vintage motel design and guest experience are th