| FONTAINEBLEAU MIAMI BEACH |
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Page 1 of 2 Mid-Century Mod glamour for groups and Lady Gaga
The opening credits of Goldfinger in 1964 featured a sweeping helicopter shot of Fontainebleau Miami Beach, famous for its crescent moon design, landscaped pool and blisteringly beautiful oceanfront locale. When it was built in 1954, celeb architect Morris Lapidus said, “I don’t care if it’s Baroque or Brooklyn, just get me plenty of glamour and make sure it screams luxury.” Following a $1 billion makeover last year, Fontainebleau has ratcheted up the swankiness level to once again headline Miami’s starstruck hotel scene. From large groups to Lady Gaga, who performed here to a sellout crowd on New Year’s Eve, Fontainebleau is designed to impress. “Fontainebleau is an iconic building and a national landmark,” says spokesperson Paula Gomez. “Therefore, preserving the history of the resort was imperative throughout the renovation. The curvilinear building that has become synonymous with Fontainebleau, named the Chateau, remains structurally intact just as architect Morris Lapidus intended it to look in the 1950s when he designed it.” Many of the original features, such as the bow-tie floors and marble columns in the lobby, the “cheese wall” between the Chateau and Versailles buildings, and the famous “Stairway to Nowhere,” are subtle, wistful reminders of yesteryear. “The intriguing part of the evolution of this resort is its return to the original principals,” Gomez Points out, “It’s the transformation from the glamorous golden era of the 50s into today’s modern glamour and sophistication." DESTINATION MIAMI With 1,504 guestrooms and suites spread across four hotel towers—two of which were added during the recent renovation—Fontainebleau Miami Beach has an array of accommodation options fit for even your most discerning clients. The Chateau and Versailles buildings, the two original buildings, house 846 guestrooms and suites. The 650 junior, 1- and 2-bedroom suites make up the new all-suite Tresor and Sorrento towers. Suites feature kitchenettes with mini-refrigerator, sink and microwave; marble bathrooms with granite counters, oversized jacuzzi tub and walk-in shower; and spacious balconies boasting views of the Atlantic ocean, Biscayne Bay or downtown Miami. All guestrooms feature plush bedding, 32" flat-screen TVs and iPod docking stations, as well as a personal iMac to assist guests in customizing their schedules while creating a “paperless” hotel room. The property’s 2-level Lapis spa, meanwhile, is the ultimate South Florida wellness retreat. Centered around different elements of water, the 40,000-sf space uses water in many forms, including a rain tunnel, whirlpools, and steam room, as well as a co-ed jetted pool and lounge area with heated Hammam benches. MIAMI BITES The Cantonese-themed Hakkasan recently debuted a Dim Sum lunch option with a menu of authentic dishes that include grilled shanghai congees with meats, poultry and vegetables; stir-fried rice and noodle dishes; barbecue dishes and platters, as well as soup and vegetable sides. Prices range from $6.00-$22.00 and are meant to be enjoyed family style. Dim Sum lunch at Hakkasan is served on weekends from 12 p.m.-3 p.m. Reservations are a must. |
