Fontainebleau Hotel, Miami

One of the biggest stories in the world of hotels is the “refresh” of the famed Fontainebleau Hotel on the narrow spit of Miami Beach, Florida.

Built in 1954, the Fontainebleau was designed by famed architect Morris Lapidus. For years it was considered the crown jewel of “Millionaires Row” and was the setting for films like the James Bond classic Goldfinger and Al Pacino’s Scarface.

For all of that glamor, the years took their toll on the Fontainebleau. I stayed there in 2004 for a work conference, and by then it was aging behemoth. Although the curving facade of the exterior was still dazzling, the inside was a frumpy mess of worn carpeting and dowdy furnishings.

The property was purchased in 2005 by developers, and all but shut down between 2006 and 2008. One billion — yes, with a “b” — dollars later, the Grande Dame has been transformed back into the Sexy Vamp of her younger days.

The renovation and expansion brings the number of guest rooms and suites up to 1,504 across 22 oceanfront acres. There is a 40,000 square foot spa, and a pool with private cabanas. The new Fontainebleau boasts 11 restaurants and nightclubs, for some of the most talked about dining in all of Miami Beach.

It’s a luxury hotel, with rates to match, starting at $399 between December 22, 2008 and May 31, 2009. If that’s a little too rich for your blood, but you’re dying to see the updated classic, you can take advantage of the “Rediscover Fontainebleau” promotion. If you make a reservation before January 20th, and stay for two or more nights between now and May 31st, the Fontainbleau will give you a $50 daily resort credit which is good for all of the restaurants, spas and hotel shops.

Photo: Oh_Candy on flickr

I grew up in San Diego, California, and when I lived in the Bankers Hill neighborhood near downtown, I used to drive the short ten minutes over to Coronado Island and the Hotel Del Coronado about twice a week. Sometimes I would bring my laptop and work, sometimes I would stroll around the gorgeous grounds and sometimes I would just nap or read on the beach. In August, my sister and I stayed in one of the Del’s supposedly haunted rooms – the Kate Morgan room. It was a fun (and spooky!) way to have some sister bonding time.

The Hotel Del Coronado (or “The Del,” as locals refer to it) is one of the world’s most beautiful hotels, and it sits on one of the country’s most beautiful beaches. I adore Victorian-period architecture, and The Del captures every romantic aspect of the time.

The lobby feels dark, plush and well, old – but in a good way. It’s one of those hotels which, although it is kept up extremely well, every so often a creaky board or an extremely narrow hallway will remind you that the hotel is aging, though gracefully. When you step outside though, you are greeted by bright San Diego sunshine being reflected off the ocean and the hotel’s whitewashed exterior. It almost feels as though you are on a ship – I can’t help imagining I’m on the Titanic when I stroll around!

The rooms feature dark woods, small bathrooms with stand alone sinks and plush, comfortable beds. Seriously, the bed was amazing, I never wanted to leave! And of course, the service is second to none. About ten minutes after we had arrived at our room, before we had even begun to unpack our bags, there was a knock at our door. We both jumped, as we were already getting into the haunting mood. But, I opened up the door and found a man standing there with a wine bottle and two glasses. “Um, I don’t think I ordered any wine…” I began. “Oh no, this is a complimentary gift to all guests who check in.” Score!

My sister and I only stayed at the Hotel Del Coronado for one night, so we weren’t able to try out any of the three restaurants or the wine bar, but we still had a great time. We explored The Shops, this cute little shopping area beneath the hotel. At night we walked down the street for a great meal of pizza and pasta at one of Coronado’s dozens of eateries within a five minute walk from the hotel. During summer, the hotel has live bands playing until late in the evening so we enjoyed a bit of that as well.

But mainly, we just hung out at the beach and relaxed. Coronado beach is a wide, lovely beach. You can find sand dollars in the mornings if you’re lucky! And as for the haunted room? Yes, we did hear some strange things…but that’s a story for another blog!

Thank you to Jlantzy for the photo from Flickr.