You'll moon over these new, and updated, Miami resorts
— -- Miami Beach will have a half-dozen new luxury lodgings this winter. Whether the economy will rain on these chic sunspots remains to be seen. Meanwhile, USA TODAY checks into two just-opened big names on the beach.
Fontainebleau Miami Beach
What's new:One of the USA's grande-dame resorts, fresh from a $500 million face lift/expansion, aims to compete with hip South Beach neighbors.
Claim to fame:In its '50s and '60s heyday, the Rat Pack partied here, and Sean Connery filmed scenes for Goldfinger. Its reopening last weekend included appearances by Mariah Carey, Usher, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Gwyneth Paltrow, Paris Hilton and a Victoria's Secret fashion show taped to air Dec. 3.
Vital stats:1,504 rooms and rentable suites in the main building and three towers (two house condos, almost all rented by the night). Recently revamped accommodations are in the main "Chateâu" and "Versailles" tower. Condo suites are 8 months to 4 years old and have a different modern look; older suites will be updated in December.
The scene:Miamians are flocking to gawk as workers put on finishing touches. The look is sleek and minimalist vs. the more mainstream style that reigned in the Fontainebleau's past incarnation as a Hilton. The lobby has stunning white marble floors with inlaid black marble bow ties, as originally designed by Morris Lapidus. Its lobby Bleau Bar, redone with white leather furnishings and glass floor aqua-lighted from below, is prime for people-watching. Servers in black halter tops and hot pants get as much attention as the mojitos. Redesigned pools are South Beach-meets-Vegas with white-curtained cabanas ($250 and up daily) boasting flat-screen TVs, circular white daybeds ($50 and up), a topless sunbathing area and blaring lounge music.
Bedding down:Frumpy rooms have turned boutique-chic with cushy, ultra-high ivory leatherlike headboards, modern art and white marble bathrooms. Billed as a hotel first: An Apple iMac is in every room. Order food, surf certain websites free, ask for extra pillows. (The system isn't fully up yet: My e-mail request for extra toiletries ASAP went unanswered.)
