Loews Corporation Secures $305 Million Refinancing for Miami Beach Resort
Loews Corporation is poised to receive a $305 million refinancing package for its premier oceanfront Miami Beach resort. The financing, which backs the 5-acre, 790-key hotel located at 1601 Collins Avenue, is being originated by Wells Fargo, National Association, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, as reported by Fitch Ratings. The transaction is expected to close on September 10th.
The 10-year, fixed-rate, interest-only loan will serve to refinance the existing $300 million debt and cover approximately $5 million in closing costs. Despite multiple inquiries, a spokesperson for Loews has not provided any comments on the matter.
Loews, which is led by the billionaire Tisch family, has a long-standing history with the property, having acquired it in 1998. The resort encompasses two towers, including the historic St. Moritz building and a 17-story tower. The property boasts approximately 46,000 square feet of meeting space, six food and beverage outlets, retail spaces, a pool, and cabanas. Among its dining options is the renowned Rao’s restaurant, which has become a key attraction for guests.
Fitch Ratings has valued the property at just over $400 million, translating to about $507,000 per key. With a loan-to-value ratio of 74 percent, the new financing will strengthen the resort’s financial foundation while ensuring its continued operation as a luxury destination in Miami Beach.
This refinancing follows a similar move earlier this month by BDT & MSD, a merchant bank created through the merger of Trott’s BDT & Company and MSD Partners, the private investment arm of Dell Technologies founder Michael Dell. The firm secured a $1 billion refinancing for the Boca Raton Resort & Club, a 1,047-key luxury hotel located at 501 East Camino Real in Boca Raton. Citi Real Estate Funding provided the two-year, floating-rate interest-only loan for that transaction.
The Miami Beach resort refinancing marks yet another significant investment in South Florida’s luxury hotel market, reflecting the region’s robust real estate and hospitality sectors. As Loews continues to enhance its premier properties, the future looks bright for this iconic oceanfront destination.
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.
Nobu Hotel Miami Beach Made the List of the Top 100 Best Hotels in the World
Photo Credit: must.com.mx
A hotel in Miami Beach made the list of the 100 Best Hotels in the World just published by Travel & Leisure. Nobu Hotel Miami Beach, which came in at number 81 on the list and is styled to resemble a Japanese beach house, was hailed for its comforts.
According to the Travel + Leisure article, “The list of world-class amenities at this David Rockwell-designed beachfront hotel is impressively long: exceptional epicurean delights, a beautiful 22,000-square-foot spa, three pools, a private marina, and luxurious penthouse-level villas.”
Nobu also made the Best 15 Resorts in the Continental US coming in at #8. Faena Miami Beach also made this list at #14. These two resorts also topped the list for the 15 Best Resort in Greater Miami, followed by Ritz-Carlton South Beach, the Four Season Hotel at the Surf Club, The Setai, and the Standard Spa.
The rankings are weighed by consumer opinions and travel experiences, which are rated by the location, services provided, food services, facilities, and value.
According to Nobu’s website, Nobu Hotels create the idea of a lifestyle hotel by fusing contemporary cool luxury with modest Japanese culture. Together, Nobu Hotels, Restaurants, and Residences offer goods and services that are representative of the distinctive culinary experiences offered at Nobu.
Each offers a distinctively local experience in a space with a cutting-edge design. The Nobu Hotel idea is a tailored experience with each hotel being unique, under the direction of Nobu Matsuhisa, a well-known chef, Robert De Niro, and Meir Teper.
The Historic Deauville Beach Resort Miami Beach Set to be Demolished
The Deauville Beach Resort located in Miami Beach, will be finally be demolished after years of neglect and decay, the mayor of Miami Beach announced this week.
The order for demolition was delivered in a letter to the Miami Beach City Commission on Wednesday, after a report by the building’s owners concluding that the structure is hazardous to the public. An assessment was completed after the letter by the city that confirmed the results to the demolition order.
The hotel forced to close in 2017 due to an electrical fire, and it has been closed ever since.
The hotel was purchased in 2004 for only $4 million by Deauville Associates LLC, a business managed by Belinda and Richard Meruelo. For years, the 540-room hotel at 6701 Collins Avenue has been the subject of lawsuits and other disputes between the city and its owners.
According to a Miami Beach Historic Preservation Board meeting last week in which the board considered options for moving forward, the North Beach hotel has piled up fines totaling roughly $1.8 million since last year.
According to the Miami Beach’s deputy city manager, Eric Carpenter, said that the demolition process may take one to two months to complete once the permit is issued. Approval will come after the Miami-Dade County’s Department of Environmental Resources Management Department determines that the site is safe for demolition, which will include the process of asbestos removal.
Some locals have stated that the property was purposely left unattended and that there was no maintenance ever completed on the hotel.
There are currently no plans for the 3.8 acre site after the hotel is demolished but the property will no longer be considered an historic site once the hotel is removed.
The Deauville features many historic components from 1957, including a large swimming pool, hairdresser, ice skating rink, ballroom and radio station.
This historic hotel housed some of the most iconic performances ever made. The Beatles’ in 1964 on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” and Frank Sinatra. The hotel was also a spot for big names like Joan Rivers and President John F. Kennedy.
Luxury Travel Magazine Names Miami Beach One of the Best Beaches in the U.S.
According to Condé Nast Traveler, a luxury and lifestyle travel magazine, dubbed Miami Beach as one of the best beaches in the United States. Miami Beach stands next to three other beaches in Florida including; Grayton Beach State Park, Dunedin, and Sanibel Island.
The magazine stated, “The siren song of Miami’s South Beach is undeniable…beautiful people, flashy cars, Art Deco architecture: It’s all here.” Condé Nast Traveler highlights that Miami Beach is one of the popular and liveliest areas for tourists in Miami.
The magazine also states that the most touristy areas run parallel to Ocean Drive and locals tend to hang around the South of Fifth neighborhood. “But we say those famous white sands are worth bumping elbows with a few fellows,” according to Condé Nast Traveler.
About Miami Beach
It is no debate that Miami Beach does offer some of the most beautiful properties and beaches in the world. Situated on a barrier island, the coastal city is between the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay.
The Bass Museum of Art and the New World Symphony are both located in Miami Beach. Other options to visit include a cultural center called the Faena Forum. This cultural center hosts an array of events including; lectures, performances, and large-scale events. Miami Beach is also home to the largest art fair along the east coast.
Miami Beach also has some of the most luxurious condo developments in Miami. Faena House is a 47-unit ultra-luxury condominium tower located at 2901 Collins Avenue. The condos at Faena House are some of the most prized pieces of real estate in South Florida.
Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach located at 4701 N. Merdian Avenue features 15 stand-alone villas comprised of 8 waterfront villas with private boat docks and 7 landside villas surrounded by lush, tropical landscaping. Each of the villas has its own private pool and an air-conditioned two-car garage. Ritz-Carlton Residences features 125 total units.
The lifestyle of Miami Beach is like no other. With its fabulous art and cultural options, luxury condominium buildings, and its vibrant nightlife, there are so many options for every visitor as well as a potential buyer.
BVLGARI is Expected to Launch its First US Hotel Location in 2024 in Miami Beach
Bvlgari is known for its one-of-a-kind luxury products but that isn’t limited to its line of watches and accessories. They also have 11 branded hotels in Milan, London, and Dubai, just to name a few. With their recent expansions in Moscow and Paris, the brand has also decided to open its first location in the United States at none other than one of the hottest cities in the country, Miami Beach.
Located at 100 21st Street, the hotel will be waterfront with direct Miami beach access. The location will place Bvlgari just a few steps from the Miami Art Deco district. Bvlgari originally purchased the property for $140 million.
Because of its location, the project was recent approved by the Miami Historic Preservation Committee. Bvlgari Hotel will feature its signature Italian luxury brand while still celebrating its 1950’s style and historical significance.
The Italian architectural firm Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel will be finalizing the design and restoration of the property in the coming months. The hotel will feature 100 rooms with most of them suites, a spa, outdoor pool, fitness amenities, a restaurant by Chef Niko Romito, and a Bvlgari branded bar.
According to the CEO of Jean-Christophe Babin, “We are particularly proud to have secured such an extraordinary location for the new Bvlgari Hotel in Miami. This will be our first property in the United States which is a key market for our Brand and we are delighted to add the vibrant and glamorous Miami Beach to our Collection.”
Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts is expected to begin construction in quarter 4 of 2021 with an anticipated opening date in 2024.
Four Seasons Miami Sold for $130 Million
Developer for the Four Seasons Surf Club in Surfside recently purchased the Four Seasons Miami in Brickell for $130 Million. With this purchase, Fort Partners (developer for Four Seasons) now have full control over all of the Four Season properties in South Florida.
The deal was financed through a New York company Madison Realty Capital for a $105 million loan. The full purchase price is unknown but according to the press release, the property traded for close to $130 million. This selling price equals $588,000 per room.
The hotel located at 1435 Brickell Avenue is a part of a 70-story tower that includes residential units, retail, parking, and a gym. The hotel was completed in 2003 and was considered then the tallest tower in Miami.
According to the Managing Principal and Co-found of Fort Partners, their plans are to renovate the hotel. They also want to ‘modernize’ the hotel rooms, lobby, and pool deck. They are also looking for additional food and beverage restaurants/bars to join the brand.
The sellers for the hotel include Westbrook Partner, a New York-based company. They purchased the property 10 years ago with a 3 part deal to eliminate debt on another Miami Property. They originally acquired the property for $40 million. Fort Partners was represented by JLL’s Jim Dockerty, Kevin Davis, and Mark Fisher.
Last year, the tourism industry stood at a pause as well as a dim future. Now, that states have opened up and are allowing travel, we are seeing more hotel transactions. In June, Pebblebrook Hotel purchased Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort for $270 million. Allen Morris Company, Stormont Hospitality, and Black Salmon teamed up to purchase a Miami Beach hotel for $25.5 million. TPG Real Estate Partners have also purchased 2 hotels in Edgewater for $61 million.
Photo Credit: resortpass.com
Pharrell Williams and David Grutman Debut the 7-Story Goodtime Hotel in Miami Beach
The 7-story Goodtime Hotel is located at 601 Washington Avenue in Miami Beach and will feature 266 rooms spanning a full block with 100,000 square feet of indoor space. This Deco-style hotel features a pool deck, restaurant, private lounge, and main floor retail.
Grutman and Williams also partnered with New-York based real estate development firm, Imperial Cos. for this project. They have previously collaborated on a Miami Design District restaurant, Swan & Bar Bevy which has been a huge success. Ken Fulk who assisted with the interior design for the Swan Bevy restaurant was also the lead designer for this hotel project.
Grutman stated, “I always wanted to be a hotel [owner] to try to complete my ecosystem in hospitality.”
The hotel restaurant, Strawberry Moon, is a 30,000 square foot Mediterranean restaurant which will also flow into a bar and pool deck, all located on the third floor. The ground-floor retailers have not been released.
According to The South Florida Business Journal, The Goodtime Hotel is expected to be the largest hotel in Miami Beach by rooms.
Property records also show that Imperial Cos. purchased the property for $5.75 million in June 2015.
Since people are wanting to spend more time outdoors due to the pandemic, Miami is now seen as the “go-to” destination. Imperial Cos. owner stated “If there is a net winner coming out of this pandemic, Miami is top of that list.”
Art Basel Special: Top Miami Trophy Properties Day 2
Last week, we were invited for a tour of the Penthouse Collection at 1 Homes South Beach and WOW! The way that the residences and hotel have been redesigned by internationally renowned Brazilian interior designer, Debora Aguiar, it is as though you are living in nature in the most glamorous way.
Ms Aguiar used an abundance of plant life in the most creative ways, driftwood finishings to bring the feel of a beach house into the development and oversized windows and terraces to really celebrate the project’s oceanfront location. She also tied in all of the modern conveniences and elegant touches that you would expect in a South Beach trophy property. To be honest, after the tour, I could have filled the entire week-long series with trophy residences here, but let’s start with one.
For those who have not yet visited 1 Homes, it is located along Collins just between the W South Beach (where Zaha Hadid lived) and the Faena District. It is walking distance to the Bass Museum of Art as well as the Miami Beach Convention Center, which makes for another reason it should be included on this week’s list.
Penthouse 1610 is located on the southeast corner of the building, offering amazing sunrise views of the ocean and plenty of large windows for those who enjoy the afternoon breeze. It has 4 bedrooms, 5.5 baths and a den over two levels. There is 3,955 square feet of interior living space and 745 square feet of terraces overlooking the pool area and beach. The apartment is fully finished and furnished by Rose Ink Workshop, a local interior design company founded by Liubasha Rose, the famed former Vice President of Design at Starwood Capital Group. It is estimated that $150,000 was spent on furnishings in each room of this penthouse.
Owners enjoy all the privileges and conveniences of resort living at this LEED certified property while having access to four elevated oceanfront swimming pools, an onsite SoulCycle studio, a 18,000-square-foot spa and fitness center, priority seating at three exceptional restaurants and bars from award-winning chef Tom Colicchio, and a stylish rooftop pool and restaurant-bar with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Miami skyline.
The penthouse is available for purchase for $20 million including all of the services offered to members of 1 Homes. You are also welcome to use any of the other 1 Homes locations, which include Brooklyn and Central Park in New York as well as Cabo San Lucas in Mexico and will soon include West Hollywood, Haitang Bay China, and Silicon Valley.
Call For Offers Issued On Miami Beach’s Historic Bath Club
A call for offers has been issued on Miami Beach’s historic Bath Club, according to an offering memorandum we have received. The property was built in 1926 as an oceanfront estate, then converted to a private club. It is comprised of over 15,000 square feet of interior space with a total of 5 acres of land and 500 linear feet of ocean frontage at 60th Street and Collins Avenue.
While the terms of the deal are not defined, a new owner would have several options of income streams including:
A club operation with membership plans. A charter remains that allows up to 200 members and their families. This would allow income through equity memberships, initiation fees, annual dues and food/beverage..
Private event space. The property is currently being used as this function. They have recently hosted events for corporations including HBO, Macallan, Pandora and Bacardi. A one night event currently runs $13,500 per night, give or take some depending upon the season and availability.
Restaurant or lounge. The large commercial kitchen is designed to accommodate simultaneous banquet service and restaurant operations. Several of the rooms are well-suited for dining and lounge areas with a historic setting and the food and drink service can run until 5am.
Cabana sales. There are 60 cabanas on site, of which the usage rights of 14 have been sold at prices up to $90,000. The new owners could sell the remaining cabanas or lease them to generate recurring revenue.
The club was purchased in 2000 for $10 million and a portion of the lot was developed into The Bath Club condominium in 2004. Prices of the condominiums currently range from $1.6 million up to $8.4 million, or $1335/square foot. Owners of the condo units have access to the shared amenities of the club.
Offer terms and letters of intent are due to the seller by May 19 at 5pm. The seller anticipates that the offers will fetch north of $25 million. Please contact us for the full offering memorandum.
