Memorial Day Weekend: Where to Stay
Miami Beach, FL – May 18, 2013 – Memorial Day Weekend is one week away. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy the sunny South Florida weather over a three-day weekend. Sure, there will be plenty of parties and clubs to hit up, mostly of the hip hop variety, but more on that next week. If you’re looking for an alternative to all that, we’ve got eight great hotels on Miami Beach that have all you need right there. No need to leave these properties if you don’t want to venture into the South Beach madness. There’s more than enough to do here for a lovely little vacation if you’re coming from outside the state, or a staycation for all you local Miamians.
Fontainebleau
There’s no denying the fact that the Fontainebleau Miami Beach might just be one of the most iconic hotels on the beach. Its reputation and history precede its name, with many notable celebrities and stars having stayed, visited, sung, and hung out here in the past 50 years. The huge pool area offers enough sun and fun during the day, along with the Lapis spa. There’s also a kids club for the little ones. Plenty of dining options here include top-notch Chinese at Hakkasan, savory steaks at Gotham, and exquisite Italian at Scarpetta. During the day, they’ve got the outdoor restaurant La Cote poolside, along with Blade sushi and Vida among more casual lunch and dinner options. By night, have a drink at the gorgeous Bleau Bar in the lobby, hang out at one of the restaurant’s lounges, or hit up the clubs Arkadia and LIV if you’re up for it.
George Clooney & Rande Gerber at Hakkasan for Casamigos Tequila Launch on January 8, 2013
Chris Bosh & Erick Morillo at Scarpetta on October 21, 2011
Flo Rida at the Flo Rida Press Conference on March 5, 2012
Delano
The Delano South Beach is one of the most architecturally recognizable art deco buildings on Collins Avenue. Part of the Morgans Hotel Group, the Delano brings the utmost elegance to a casual weekend. From the long, sheer drapes in the lobby to the giant chess set by the pool, the Delano creates a secluded experience. The pool and cabanas are enough, but it’s also right on the sand if ocean time is what you want. They’ve got the brand new rooftop spa, Club Essentia, for all your health and wellness needs. For food, there’s Umi Sushi & Sake Bar right in the middle of all the action in the lobby, serving up delicious, fresh fish. Then there’s Bianca, the white, pristine Italian restaurant with light, flavorful fare and a beautiful setting for eating dinner either indoor or out back on the patio. Grab a drink at the lobby’s Rose Bar, or out back by the lit-up poolside at night, Delano Beach Club. And if you want to venture downstairs to FDR, you won’t have to go far for a memorable night.
SLS South Beach
Just about a year old, the SLS South Beach has already made its mark. Bringing in exceptional design aesthetics and celebrity chef components, the SLS has a recipe for nothing less than a great time. The splendor of the lobby and poolside area alone are worth the stay. The pool, beach access, and Hyde Beach area provide enough fun for day and nighttime. As the sun goes down and things fade to night, the two stellar restaurants The Bazaar by José Andrés and sexy sushi spot Katsuya by Starck are a must-try. Head outside to Bar Centro and the Terrace for an exceptionally creative cocktail and cafe cuisine.
W South Beach
If you want to be near the 20th Street neighborhood on Collins Avenue, the W South Beach is the place to be. From the outside in, this hotel is an ideal spot with everything executed to a T. The pool area, WET, is great for drinks and casual food to accompany swimming day or night and secluded by plenty of trees and greenery. Head up to the rooftop for a game of tennis or basketball, or to the in-house Bliss Spa for a mud or scrub treatment. By night, restaurant imports Mr. Chow and The Dutch bring the absolute best in Chinese and American food to your plate. Have a drink at Living Room, the bar offshoot from the lobby that has gotten wide acclaim as the best cocktail bar on the beach. And if you want to get wild, WALL is right around back for you to pop bottles at.
Loews
The Loews Miami Beach is an art deco gem of the highest degree. Not only does it bring the quality of the Loews brand to the beach, but it’s also right in the middle of all the action near Lincoln Road. It’s the landmark location for the South Beach Wine and Food Festival and the Girlfriends Getaway each year, making for a very star-studded experience. The property is so expansive, from the distinct driveway to the huge pool and patio area and beach access, you have all you need. Daytime lounging and spa and fitness regimes give way to delicious dining at night. Sushi SoBe is the lobby sushi bar and lounge perfect for a refreshing meal. Preston’s is the oceanfront indoor/outdoor restaurant that boasts a huge menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner of “Floribbean” cuisine.
Brad Goreski at the Girlfriends Getaway Weekend Day 1 on April 21, 2012
Raleigh
A South Beach landmark, The Raleigh has been around for years. The hotel still maintains its old school glamour feel with its art deco design mixed with modern elements. The iconic pool has been used for many a Mercedes-Benz Swim Week fashion show. Enjoy a private cabana in the sandy lounge area, or head to the ocean. There’s even a boutique in the hotel for shopping without going far from your room. The most recent and exciting addition has been famous Miami chef Michael Schwartz’s first South Beach restaurant to open here. Restaurant Michael Schwartz occupies the upper lobby and romantic pool deck area, bringing his renowned cuisine to you for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Gale South Beach
One of the newer additions to the Collins Avenue strip, the Gale South Beach is already a hotspot. As the rebirth of the famous 1940s hotel, the Gale’s retro vibe lends itself as nothing less than a cool place to be. From the lobby to the rooftop, every part of the Gale has a boutique hotel feel with the execution and excellence of a mega brand. Lay out on at the rooftop pool with a great view and bar. Then head to the lobby bar to experience Dolce Italian, the hotel’s restaurant mainstay. There’s lobby seating, an outdoor cafe, pizza bar, as well as a modern, chic dining room. Take your pick. The Regent Cocktail Club has become the swanky, cool place to get the best crafted cocktails. Head downstairs to Rec Room for an underground lounge with great music.
James Royal Palm
Having just had its grand opening a few months ago, the James Royal Palm reinvents a classic South Beach hotel. A welcome addition to the strip, the James brings back retro glam with modern elegance. Upon arrival, you’ll pull up to the expansive driveway with huge, oversized chairs in the median. The lobby greets you with a casual staff and decor that feels as if you’ve stepped back into the 1950s, but in a good way. The property includes a boutique, huge patio and pool area with beach access, and the featured restaurant- Florida Cookery– from Miami’s own with a cult-following, Kris Wessel. Feast on his savory Florida cooking three times a day, with trips to the upstairs spa in between. Then there’s the second building next door that houses the seafood-focused NYC outpost restaurant, CATCH, and the downstairs intimate club, another NYC import, SL Miami.
Kris Wessel at the James Royal Palm Grand Opening on February 27, 2013
