I thought there was supposed to be a 'W' opening in Miami or South Beach this year. I haven't heard any news or seen any ads for it yet. Anyone know anything?
Also, what other hotels are good (W-like or otherwise) in Miami/South Beach? Any good Starwoods?
From what I understand the Delano was able to enjoin the construction from going forward by getting a variance previously issued for the hieght of the building alongside the pool retracted. If you've seen the property (the old Ritz, not the RC), without the second building there's not much to the property.
Until this can be resolved I think the reopending as the W is indefintely suspended.
There are no Starwood hotels in SB at the present. There's lots of boutique hotels, the Delano which is fairly large, trendy and full fo attitude, and the Loews which is in my opinion the best hotel in SB although it doesn't necessarily have a very hip crowd.
Look for the opening of the Ritz Carlton next year, it will be The Spot for a while.
There's a Sheraton downtown Miami, then a Four Points up near the Fountainbleu/Eden Roc; further up is the Sheraton Bal Harbor, and even further up is the Westin Diplomat (by then you're in Hollywood, but this is the newest and most deluxe of the group). And by then, you're in Ft. Lauderdale.....
[This message has been edited by rrz518 (edited 06-12-2002).]
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by rrz518: There's a Sheraton downtown Miami, then a Four Points up near the Fountainbleu/Eden Roc; further up is the Sheraton Bal Harbor, and even further up is the Westin Diplomat (by then you're in Hollywood, but this is the newest and most deluxe of the group). And by then, you're in Ft. Lauderdale.....
[This message has been edited by rrz518 (edited 06-12-2002).]</font>
yeah, but South Beach proper is clearly a gaping hole i wish they would fill already. if they wait much longer they will miss the boat and SB will be "out" again.
Last stay was at the Four Points and it is my never again category. Took a walk next door to the Eden Roc and it looked nice (OK, no help for Starwood, but will fore go the points happily).
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OK, I've stayed out of this one for as long as I could...but I can't hold off any longer :-) I'm obviously a bit biased, but have to throw my 2 cents in--check out Sheraton Bal Harbour. Diplomat is a fantastic hotel, and very much the "new" Starwood property in these parts. However, here at Bal Harbour we're a bit closer to SoBeach, and have a fanstastic beach ourselves.
As far as W South Beach goes, my understanding is that it is still on hold. There is certainly quite a demand for it, but I believe our development folks are still working on the project. Stay tuned...
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ORDPLATAA: I heard that Schraeger is having a hissy fit on converting the Ritz Plaza to a W because of it's location next to The Delano......</font>
let Schraeger have a hissy fit. he doesn't: (1) have the muscle of Starwood Hotels & Resorts and (2) doesn't own Miami Beach, does he?
i believe that the downturn of the economy and the tough economics of running a hotel in south Florida probably have more to due with the tortuous delay than Mr. Schraeger.
I recall reading in the local papers that Schrager was successful in halting all forward progress on the Ritz property in the courts.
Apparently new construction would cast a shadow on his property and pool area, and the courts agreed. I believe it's under appeal, but it could take awhile.
This may be nothing, but I just did a search of Starwood properties in Miami on Orbitz, and what do you think shows up? The Ritz Plaza. I wonder if this means anything.
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