Monday, February 12, 2007

HOTELS

The hospitality industry has come a long way in Miami Beach. Gone are the sweet days when Concierge & waitstaff did much other than look 'chic & unapproachable' in that 'velvet rope' sort of way...how I miss that!

If you have even the slightest plans of catching some zzzz"s during your stay, and really, who comes to SoBe to sleep, you can do that at home, but if you must, under no circumstances should you consider staying within a 2-block radius of the uber-noisy bars on Ocean Drive, eg: The Clevelander Hotel et al. Don't be fooled by the facades of those cutesy hotels, the walls are thin.

Hotels, Miami Beach: Pricey

Casa Tua 1700 James Ave, Miami Beach 305 673-1010 Very small exclusive 5 suite boutique hotel catering to your every desire.

Delano 1685 Collins Ave, SoBe 800 555-5001. An Ian Schrager/Phillippe Stark (Morgans Group) collaboration whom are responsible for putting 'Hip' into the hotel industry more than a decade ago. Honestly, what hasn't been written about this place...it is "all that," & more!

EdenRoc Resort & Spa 4525 Collins Ave, Miami Beach 800 327-8337 A great example of architect Morris Lapidus circa 1950's. After a much needed renovation, it has been restored & updated with an excellent spa & services.

Gansevoort South, 2377 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach 866.932.6694

Loews Miami Beach 1601Collins Ave, Sobe 305 604-1601 High occupancy hotel with quick valet service and central location, especially to the convention center.

Raleigh Hotel 1775 Collins Ave, Sobe 305 534-6300 Now under new ownership, Andre Balazs Properties the folks who brought you Chateau Marmont, The Standard & The Mercer Hotel. The best pool in Miami Beach for those channeling Esther Williams...

The Setai 2001 Collins Ave, SoBe 305 520-6100 As soon as you enter the lobby, you start to feel the tension leaving your body. From a sip of the Chilli Passion Fruit Martini (their signature) at the long swanky bar to the tranquil sexy candle lit courtyard, it is the epitome of Zen-Chic...but pricey, ouch!

The Ritz Carlton, South Beach 1 Lincoln Rd, Sobe. 800 241-3333 Unlike the others, this one comes with a male model tanning butler, a treat for the ladies. David Bouley Evolution was a recent additon.

The Shore Club 1901 Collins Ave, Miami Beach
305 695-3100 Another Morgans Group hotel/condo. Featuring the oh sooo cool SkyBar and Nobu Restaurant.

The Sagamore Hotel 1671 Collins Ave, Sobe 305 535-8185 Accommodating to movie & still crews...and Diddy's slept here, why shouldn't you?

Hotel Victor 1144 Ocean Drive, Sobe 305 428-1234 This beautifully designed hotel & restaurant gives you a legitimate reason to venture onto the very touristy Ocean Drive. Check out the jellyfish at Vix...ah, so soothing.

The Fountainbleau 4441 Collins Ave., Miami Beach 305 538-2000 This newly renovated hotel is the Fab 50s at it's kitchy best - famous for the pool scene between Bond and Goldfinger. Vegas in Miami...

HOTELS/MIAMI BEACH/MODERATE:

Albion Hotel 1650 James Ave @ Lincoln Road 305 913-1000
Bentley Hotel and Beach Club 510 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach 800 236-8510
Cardoza Hotel 1300 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach 305 535-6500 Gloria & Emilio Estefan's place...once owned by Al Capone...
Casa Grande 834 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach 866.420.CASA
Century Hotel 140 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach 888 982-3688
Colony Hotel 736 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach 305 673-0088
Hotel Astor 956 Washington Ave, Miami Beach 305 531-8081
Hotel Nash 1120 Collins Ave Miami Beach 305 674-7800
Leslie Hotel 1244 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach 305 534-2135
Marlin Hotel 1200 Collins, Miami Beach 305 673-8700 U2 recorded here...
National Hotel 1677 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach 305-532-2511
Marriott Courtyard, 3925 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach 305-538-3373 Not your father's Marriott....this one's in a great historic property...
Park Central 640 Ocean, Miami Beach 305 538-1611
The Hotel 801 Collins, Miami Beach 305 531-2222 Todd Oldham designed hotel with roof-top pool & Spire Bar. Wish Restaurant & courtyard on first floor.
The Sanctuary Hotel 1745 James Ave, Miami Beach 305 673-5455
The Surfcomber 1717 Collins Ave, Miami Beach 305 532-7715

HOTELS/MIAMI BEACH/BARGAINS:

Catalina Hotel 305.674.1160, 1720-1756 Collins Ave, Miami Beach Fantastic space great location and super cool roof deck.

Crest Hotel 305 531-0321, 1670 James Ave, Miami Beach - Next door to the Albion and a block from the beach, this hotel is has low rates and the parking lot across the street is cheaper and quicker than dealing with valets

Greenview Hotel 305 531-6588, 1671 Washington Ave - Best Bargain on the beach (Includes pool privileges at their more expensive Albion Hotel just a block away)

Indian Creek Hotel 305 531-2727, 2727 Indian Creek Drive, A smallish deco hotel in a quite neighborhood is nicely restored and just a block from the beach.

HOTELS/MIAMI-CORAL GABLES/MODERATE-EXPENSIVE:

Mandarin Oriental 800-622-0404, 500 Brickell Key Dr Miami
Biltmore Hotel 305 445-1926, 1200 Anastasia, Coral Gables
Colonade Hotel Coral Gables
Hotel Place St Michell 305 444-1666, 162 Alcazar Ave, Coral Gables

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