Welcome to Gale Miami Hotel & Residences: A New Chapter in Downtown Miami’s Hospitality

Downtown Miami is set to elevate its hospitality scene with the grand opening of the Gale Miami Hotel & Residences on June 1st. This eagerly awaited development promises to enrich Miami’s dynamic urban landscape by offering a blend of luxury accommodations and top-tier amenities.

The Gale Hospitality Group, celebrated for its iconic Gale South Beach, brings this new property to life with a commitment to celebrating Miami’s rich history and bright future. The Gale Miami Hotel & Residences honors the city’s past, with nods to landmarks like The Freedom Tower. Throughout the property, guests will find photography from the Miami History Museum, paying homage to the original Gale location and inviting exploration of Miami’s captivating history.

The hotel boasts a range of accommodation options, from studios to one- and two-bedroom units, catering to both short-term visitors and long-term residents. Many units are outfitted with full kitchens and washer-dryers, ensuring all the comforts of home are at your fingertips.

Keith Menin of Gale Hospitality Group shared his excitement for the new property, stating, “With Gale Miami Hotel & Residences, we aim to redefine the benchmark for hospitality within Miami’s urban landscape. We are excited to offer an unmatched guest experience that combines the energetic ambiance of Downtown Miami with carefully curated amenities and services.”

Spanning three floors and covering 70,000 square feet, Gale Miami offers breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline. Guests can indulge in the Gale Wellness program, which includes a co-ed hammam, steam room, sauna, fitness facility, yoga lounge, and spa services. High-speed internet access, a 24-hour attended lobby, valet parking, and several dining options further enhance the guest experience. Notably, Gale Miami is one of the few downtown hotels to offer exclusive beach club access to its guests.

Dining at Gale Miami is a notable experience, featuring 9,000 square feet of restaurant space on the ground floor, including an outdoor garden, an Italian concept, and a street-front restaurant. The 9th floor offers an American steakhouse and lounge, alongside a Mediterranean-style restaurant with a retractable roof and outdoor terrace.

For event planners, the Gale Miami Conference Center on the 8th floor provides over 20,000 square feet of space, including conference rooms, breakout rooms, and a grand ballroom. Additionally, three floors of exhibition space make it one of Downtown Miami’s largest conference venues.

Situated just steps from the Kaseya Center, Port of Miami, and the Brightline station, Gale Miami Hotel & Residences is set to become a cornerstone of the city’s hospitality and residential sectors.

Two Miami Hotels Named Most Romantic in the United States Just in Time For Valentine’s Day

In the realm of romance and luxury, South Florida emerges as a premier destination, boasting two of the nation’s top romantic getaways. As Valentine’s Day approaches, or for any special occasion throughout the year, these exquisite hotels offer unparalleled experiences. Let’s explore these gems as highlighted by Condé Nast Traveler.

1. 1 Hotel South Beach, Miami Beach: A Holistic Retreat Nestled in Miami Beach, 1 Hotel South Beach stands out as a holistic haven, blending luxury with an eco-conscious ethos. Condé Nast Traveler applauds its unique approach, describing it as a “holistic retox-detox Miami fantasy.” The hotel’s crowning glory is its rooftop swimming pool, the largest in Miami Beach, offering breathtaking ocean views. Guests can also enjoy the serenity of ocean-view balconies and take pride in the hotel’s commitment to 100% carbon neutrality. Adding to its allure is Tala Beach, an outdoor bar, restaurant, and beach club, open from Thursday to Sunday.

2. W South Beach, Miami Beach: Artistic Elegance Following a $30 million renovation in 2020, the W South Beach redefines luxury. Distancing itself from the typical W brand, this hotel boasts a multi-million dollar art collection in its lobby and offers an array of activities including yoga, high-interval training, and cocktail-making classes. The W’s Away Spa and the tropical outdoor bar, Irma’s, are perfect for indulging in relaxation and enjoying sunset cocktails.

Miami’s luxury hotels offer more than just a stay; they provide an experience that intertwines romance, luxury, and unique charm. Whether it’s the holistic allure of 1 Hotel South Beach or the artistic elegance of W South Beach, these destinations promise an unforgettable romantic getaway.

Strategic Real Estate Moves by Qatar’s Royal Family in Miami’s Financial District

In a significant real estate transaction that has captured the attention of the global financial community, members of Qatar’s esteemed royal family, the Al Thanis, have divested their interests in the SLS Brickell hotel, located in the heart of Miami’s bustling financial district. The property, which stands as a testament to luxury and opulence, was acquired for a sum of $55 million by the Kastrati Group, a conglomerate with Albanian roots.

The SLS Brickell, an architectural marvel situated at 1300 South Miami Avenue, encompasses 124 rooms, translating to a valuation of approximately $444,000 per room. The transaction was facilitated by Miami’s renowned broker, Jordan Karp, who represented both the Al Thanis and the Kastrati Group. Stefano Santoro, a notable figure in the disruptive real estate sector, played a pivotal role in assisting Karp from the buyer’s side. However, the brokers have maintained discretion regarding the intricate details of the buyer’s identity.

This acquisition is particularly noteworthy as it marks the Kastrati Group’s inaugural venture into the U.S. real estate market. Under the leadership of Shefqet Kastrati, the conglomerate boasts a diverse portfolio, spanning sectors such as oil, insurance, construction, and infrastructure.

The SLS Brickell’s history is as intriguing as its architecture. In 2018, an affiliate of the Al Thanis procured the hotel for $43 million from its original developer, the Coconut Grove-based Related Group. The hotel, a 54-story mixed-use edifice, was conceived by the visionary French architect Philippe Starck in collaboration with Miami’s own Arquitectonica. Its offerings include a sprawling 58,000 square feet of event space, gourmet restaurants, upscale bars, a rooftop pool terrace, and grand ballrooms. The management of the hotel is under the aegis of Accor Hotels, a global leader in the hospitality sector.

The real estate landscape of Miami continues to evolve, with the Al Thanis recently divesting an SLS Brickell restaurant space, which was acquired by Robert Rivani’s Black Lion Investment Group for $10 million. Furthermore, the Related Group, in partnership with the Allen Morris Company, has also developed the nearby SLS Lux Brickell Hotel & Residences.

In a broader context, the Miami real estate market has witnessed several noteworthy transactions. Michigan-based hoteliers Malik Abdulnoor and Sahir Malki recently invested $21 million in the Hampton Inn Fort Lauderdale/Plantation. Additionally, the Nakash family from New York, in collaboration with Michael Palmer, acquired the Beacon South Beach Hotel in Miami Beach for $23.5 million.

For hedge fund managers and investors, these transactions underscore the vitality and potential of the Miami real estate market, offering lucrative opportunities for those with a keen eye for value and growth.

Developers Compete to Open Luxury Hotel at Miami International Airport

Miami International Airport may be entering a new era as two developers compete to construct a new hotel close to the busy transportation hub. The Miami International Airport Hotel, which connects to Terminal E, may soon have a rival after more than 60 years without one. To build a new hotel close to the airport, the county is now considering 50-year lease applications from FDR Miami Hotel LLC and Parmco Airport Hospitality LLC.

According to memoranda from Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, the chosen developer will be in charge of planning, constructing, financing, running, and maintaining the new hotel. A total budget of about $265 million has been proposed by FDR Miami Hotel LLC, while a budget of about $241.7 million has been offered by Parmco Airport Hospitality LLC. Each proposal has particular benefits and strengths.

The proposed Hilton hotel by Zyscovich Architects. Parmco Airport Hospitality LLC is to be credited.

Two well-known developers have submitted opposing plans for a new hotel connected to Miami International Airport. A proposal for a 451-room Westin hotel designed by Arquitectonica has been made by FDR Miami Hotel LLC, a joint venture between Fontainebleau Development LLC, directed by Jeffrey Soffer, and The Related Companies, fronted by Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross. The prestigious Westin name would be present throughout the upmarket development’s assortment of amenities, which would include meeting rooms, restaurants, and a pool. In contrast, the construction of a Hilton hotel with the famous architectural skills of Zyscovich Architects has been offered by Parmco Airport Hospitality LLC, a Miami-based development company specifically established for this project and led by developers Paul Lambert and Darryl Parmenter.

The memos estimate that during the course of the proposed 50-year lease, FDR Miami Hotel LLC will earn around $240 million in revenue for the county. The county would earn more than $20 million in rent in exchange for leasing the site to the chosen developer. The mayor’s staff emphasized the project’s potential community advantages while highlighting the financial features of FDR Miami Hotel LLC’s proposal, notably its increased rent payments.

The new hotel complex would have a pedestrian bridge connecting it to Terminal D. It would be built on a 1.8-acre property next to the Dolphin parking garage on the airport’s northeast side. The goal of this prominent position is to provide travelers with comfort and accessibility. Although the new hotel won’t take the place of the Miami International Airport Hotel, it will improve guest lodging options and expand the airport’s amenities.

The selection process for the winning plan, however, took a while. In December of last year, Mayor Levine Cava rejected all early offers and demanded a fresh round of discussions that would put the needs of employees, local employment, the environment, and the community first. After some time, the proposal from FDR Miami Hotel LLC was accepted, and on June 14 both FDR and Parmco submitted their ideas to the Aviation and Economic Development Committee of the county commission. The commission meeting set on July 18 is anticipated to produce the ultimate verdict.

To accommodate all types of travelers, from those who have lengthy layovers to business people who need conference space, the Miami International Airport has long needed more hotel rooms. There has only ever been one hotel connected to the airport, the more than 60-year-old Miami International Airport Hotel. Miami’s airport would solidify its position as a dynamic and active transportation hub with the probable addition of a new hotel.

The hotel project’s building schedule is still up in the air and dependent on funding and municipal planner permission. Unique difficulties arise when constructing an integrated hotel inside of an airport, such as strict security and safety regulations. The chosen developer will be able to design Miami’s new airport hotel, which will give tourists from all over the world access to contemporary conveniences, cozy lodgings, and first-rate service.

The opening of a new hotel at Miami International Airport will have a significant impact on the development of the airport’s economy and the hospitality industry. This project is an important step in providing travelers with the high-quality hotel options they want and in improving the overall travel experience for those taking flights into and out of Miami.

Miami River Dream Hotel Officially Approved by Voters

Voters in Miami approved a new 100-year lease for the builders of a proposed mixed-use project on the Miami River with the Dream Hotel as its anchor in a low turnout election.

The restaurant and entertainment complex Wharf Miami is currently located on a 1.5-acre city-owned site at 114 Southwest North River Drive. MV Real Estate Holdings, led by Alex Mantecon and Guillermo Vadell, and its partner Driftwood Capital, led by Carlos Rodriguez Jr., can now move forward with their plans to transform the location.

A majority of 34,745 voters approved the referendum, allowing the Miami City Commission to forgo competitive bidding and negotiate the lease with MV and Driftwood.

Voters had approved a deal in 2016 providing Riverside Wharf a 30-year lease with the possibility of two additional 10-year lease terms. MV agreed to construct a 30,000-square-foot entertainment center in exchange for paying the city a minimum of $195,000 in rent each year and spending at least $7 million to rehabilitate public space, including a new riverwalk in front of the construction.

Under the Dream brand, the joint venture plans to construct a $185 million mixed-use development anchored by a 165-key hotel. The 200,000 square-foot Riverside Wharf project, designed by John Cardello of Cube3 architects, would also have 16,000 square feet of eateries, a 12,000 square-foot event hall, a 30,000 square-foot nightclub, a rooftop day club, and 600 feet of river frontage. The new building would house Wharf Miami as a tenant.

MV and Driftwood agreed to pay 50 percent more rent than the city was expected to receive in a previous development proposal that was approved by Miami voters in 2016 in exchange for the new lease and development rights. They also agreed to raise the minimum amount of private investment from $7 million to $30 million.

According to campaign finance disclosures, the developers invested $311,000 in advertising, phone banks, and other voter turnout initiatives. The Riverside Wharf political action committee inundated voters’ mailboxes with pamphlets touting the project in the weeks running up to Tuesday’s primary election.

According to the mailers, Riverside Wharf will generate 600 new jobs and is a “state-of-the-art sea level rise program for future generations.” Before election day, there was not much opposition to the idea.

Because MV and Driftwood drastically altered the scope and size of the development that voters initially approved six years ago, the project—which never got off the ground—needed another referendum.

CitizenM Hotel in Brickell Officially Opens

On Monday, CitizenM, a hotel chain with headquarters in the Netherlands, formally unveiled CitizenM Brickell in Miami, its newest hotel, and its official opening to the public!

The 252 rooms spread over the hotel’s 20 stories with each room identical in size and design, with king beds, wall-to-wall windows, free WiFi, and streaming TVs. As a result of an Open Art Call that CitizenM held earlier this year with 70 different artists, the rooms include artwork from ten different artists, both local and international.

The hotel’s unconventional living room-style lobby welcomes visitors with furniture from Swiss designers Vitra, which is meant to evoke the feeling of being at home. Eight SocietyM meeting rooms with break-out areas are located on the third floor.

The hotel provides CanteenM, one of the brand’s hallmark eateries, which is open 24 hours a day in the lobby and serves food and beverages. The hotel also provides two terraces for guests to use, one facing S. Miami Avenue and the other facing one of the greenest gardens in the city.

Robin Chadha, CMO of CitizenM states, “We’re thrilled to be opening the first of two citizenM hotels planned in Miami this year. With Jen Stark’s striking facade artwork and the interior curated with a selection of works from artists celebrating Miami’s diverse and vivacious spirit, we are excited to be able to provide guests with an unparalleled and culturally robust experience, making this property a landmark in Miami’s Brickell neighborhood.”

The former Perricone’s building on the land started to be demolished in April 2019, and immediately after that, foundation work for the new hotel tower started.

The tower itself was designed by Concrete, a company based in Amsterdam with Gensler as the executive architect. The ground floor restaurant will feature a Negroni restaurant.

This year, CitizenM, which describes itself as an “upscale hotel” company, will eventually open another hotel in Miami at the Miami Worldcenter in late 2022. The hotel chain currently operates 27 properties across 17 locations, including London, Amsterdam, Paris, Geneva, New York, Boston, San Francisco, Taipei, and Kuala Lumpur.