For clients looking to escape the cold of winter, Florida beckons sun-seekers to its shores. To keep your offerings new and fresh, here are just a few of the renovated or soon-to-be-opened properties that call the Sunshine State home.
The Gates to South Beach
Blending the classic Art Deco style that South Beach is known for with more contemporary touches, The Gates Hotel South Beach revealed the completion of an extensive renovation process that included a reconceptualization and redesign of its entrance, pool deck, lobby bar and lounge, as well as the guestrooms.
“Through the rebrand, we’ve added local touches while maintaining our position as a boutique-style hotel located within one of Miami Beach’s famous shopping districts,” said Brent McNally, general manager of The Gates Hotel South Beach.
Updates to the property include the addition of a new entrance from the Collins Avenue, where guests can walk down a garden pathway before reaching the lobby where a bar, pool table, and lounge await. By the pool, guests will find cabanas, a bar, and an extended pool deck that leads to the newly launched Mexican-inspired restaurant, Agaveros Cantina, featuring more than 100 tequilas and mezcals imported from Mexico. In the 235 guestrooms, guests will find a collection of imagery from an award-winning South Florida artist, while an in-room wellness program is also available, as well as custom-branded bicycles to rent for South Beach exploring.
“We’re committed to opening the gates to new South Beach experiences, from Mexican-inspired cuisine to signature tequila cocktails and locally distilled vodka,” added McNally.
Nightly rates start at $189 per room. For more information, visit gatessouthbeach.com.
Quiet Island Getaway
Off the southwestern coast of Florida, not too far from Fort Myers, is Sanibel Island, a place known for its shell-filled beaches, 1800s lighthouse, and its historic Island Inn. Opened in 1895, Island Inn is the oldest lodging on Sanibel Island, but that doesn’t mean the property isn’t keeping up with the times as evidenced by the major renovation undergone this year.
“Inspiration drew from our mission to provide cherished memories and modern comforts in a quaint ‘old’ Florida setting,” said Chris Davidson, general manager and v.p. of Island Inn. “We feel guests should be able to experience the charm of Sanibel in a serene, updated setting.”
The most recent update includes the transformation of a 12-unit concrete block building into 12 gulf-view luxury suites, which will include private-screen balconies, dining rooms, full kitchens, and more. The suites are set to open next month.
When asked what makes the property unique, Davidson added, “The Inn is lucky enough to be on 10 Gulf-front acres with over 550 ft. of pristine beach, but has only 49 accommodations between cottages, rooms and suites. While occupancy runs over 95 percent for the year, guests frequently comment how quiet and peaceful it is.”
Nightly rates during peak season range from $359-$519, while off season rates range from $199-$449. For more information, visit islandinnsanibel.com.
A Rockin’ Vacation
Joining the ranks of other Hard Rock Hotels in Florida will be the early 2018 arrival of Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach. Like its predecessors, the 200-guestroom beachfront property will feature the brand’s exclusive music-inspired offerings and amenities, including The Sound of Your Stay music program, which allows guests to rock out on Fender guitars or fill their rooms with classic tunes using a Crosley record player and 10 vinyl records carefully chosen by the Hard Rock’s team of music experts.
“Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach will communicate the upbeat vibe for which the world-class lifestyle brand is known through dedicated music, contemporary design and unparalleled service, with the added benefit of its spectacular beachfront location—all complemented by luxury accommodations and upscale amenities,” said Kevin Hines, general manager of the property.
When the hotel makes its debut early next year, it will also feature the full-service Rock Spa, the Body Rock Fitness Center, the open-air Wave Terrace, and a resort-style beachfront pool with a party deck, as well as an outdoor pool bar and grill.
Nightly rates start at $209 per room. For more information, visit hrhdaytonabeach.com.
Boutique Hotels With A Twist
When it comes to the recently opened Washington Park Hotel, also located in South Beach, Louis Escoto, the property’s director of sales and marketing, explains it best: “Washington Park Hotel is a collection of four landmarked Art Deco hotels, reimagined and respectfully updated with a modern design sensibility and a unified boutique hotel concept,” he said. “It is inspired by the creative life, an atmosphere created in response to, and in homage to, Miami’s cultural renaissance of art, music, and food.”
The four historic hotels and one coral house that make up the property collectively offer 181 guestrooms, two bars, one restaurant, and an outdoor pool. Other highlights of the property include a front yard that spans one street block and houses the pool deck, as well as an outdoor dining area, plus the Employees Only restaurant, which, despite the name, is actually a speakeasy open to the public.
Nightly rates during high season start at $189, while low season rates start at $109 per night. For more information, visit wphsouthbeach.com.
