[4][5] During the COVID-19 pandemic, the hotel "closed for nearly a year to redo the 116 rooms and suites in the Historic Tower and 36 Cabana units".

Behind, the Mareva 1939 restaurant looks out onto the long narrow "infinity" pool running away towards the beach, sided by cabanas, pool-side tables, and a lower section of the hotel extending.

The National makes the most of this in updated furnishings with rich cherry polished wood headboards, desks, chairs and cocktail tables.

[8]In 2021, Armin Rosen of Tablet asserted that there was a "new diaspora", partly coming to Miami Beach, of "disgruntled New Yorkers, fleeing the city’s draconian COVID restrictions and pessimistic politics."

He cited the National Hotel's hosting of "swanky" parties as one indicator of Miami Beach reopening up, in advance of New York City, in April and May.

The indoor-outdoor dining spaces at Marea 1939 offer a garden, pool, and ocean views, anchored with U-shaped banquettes in classic Miami style.