WSVN-TV – 7NEWS Miami Ft. Lauderdale News, Weather, Deco
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (WSVN) — Just before the City of Miami Beach celebrates its 100th birthday, a new hotel held its grand opening.
To ring in the celebrations, the 1 Hotel South Beach was unveiled to the world for all to see. “The minute you walk into the lobby, you feel good. You feel relaxed. You feel happy,” said Richard LeFrak, President of LeFrak. “It’s just very different from anything anybody has tried in Miami Beach.”
From its coral sculpture, to the largest living green wall a U.S. hotel has ever featured, the hotel, located on 23rd Street and Collins Avenue, has already made a splash. “We have such big rooms that it’s actually gonna compete head-to-head with the finest hotels in the city,” said Starwood Capital Group CEO Barry Sternlicht.
The rooms are not only spacious but beautifully decorated and environmentally friendly. Locally sourced furniture and reclaimed wood could be seen throughout each room. Rooms have access to triple filtered water and the glasses given were made from recycled wine bottles.
Four pools are located outside, including one on the rooftop, complimented by breathtaking views and cabanas. “We’ll appeal to almost anyone, I would think,” said Sternlicht, “families and people who just like being happy. This is a happy property in a happy city.”
The hotel holds 426 rooms and 155 residences.
Along with the lavish features, the hotel has brought in 500 new jobs. Employees took part in a special photo on the beach, creating a large number one in the sand, a gift to city Mayor Philip Levine who was in attendance at the grand opening ceremony.
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