A revered Miami Beach landmark since 1954, Fontainebleau Miami Beach stands as a glamorous mid-century playground and one of the country’s most sought-after beachfront hotel properties. A spectacular blend of Golden Era elegance and modern luxury, the resort merges striking design, contemporary art, music, fashion, and history into a vibrant, unforgettable guest experience.
The hotel’s origin story begins with a grand vision. In 1952, hotelier Ben Novack purchased the Firestone Mansion, former home of auto tire magnate Harvey Firestone, for $2.3 million. Determined to create one of the world’s most opulent hotels, Novack enlisted architect Morris Lapidus, known for his modernist flair and theatrical sensibilities. When Fontainebleau Miami Beach opened its doors in 1954, it was the largest and most luxurious hotel in South Florida. Among its standout features were a 17,000-square-foot lobby with the now-legendary “Stairway to Nowhere,” six acres of formal gardens inspired by Versailles, and antique furnishings that authentically captured the hotel’s French period theme.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Fontainebleau reigned as Miami’s leading resort. Lapidus’s gently curving façade became an icon of glamorous Miami Beach, so recognizable that for nearly 25 years, the hotel didn’t even need a sign. It became a magnet for celebrities and entertainers, hosting the likes of Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Bob Hope, Lucille Ball, and Judy Garland, firmly entrenching the hotel in the fabric of Hollywood and popular culture.
After decades of defining Miami’s luxury hospitality scene, the hotel embarked on a transformative journey. In 2005, Fontainebleau temporarily closed to undergo a sweeping $1 billion renovation and expansion. Over the course of two and a half years, the property was reimagined and revitalized, reopening in fall 2008 to rave reviews and a new generation of admirers.
Today, Fontainebleau Miami Beach boasts 1,504 guest rooms and suites spread across two all-suite luxury towers, Trésor and Sorrento, as well as the original Château and Versailles buildings. The accommodations have recently been refreshed to seamlessly blend timeless sophistication with modern flair. Soft hues of tranquil blues evoke a serene ambiance, while high-tech enhancements such as RFID locks add a layer of convenience and security. Subtle design details, like bow tie motifs, nod to the resort’s storied past. For the ultimate in luxury, the five Presidential Suites offer up to 2,400 square feet of grand accommodations with sweeping views of the Atlantic, hosting everyone from A-list celebrities to world dignitaries.
Culinary experiences at Fontainebleau are just as impressive. The resort is home to 12 restaurants and lounges, including the AAA Four Diamond-rated modern Cantonese destination Hakkasan; Mirabella, a coastal Italian concept by Michelin-starred Chef Michael White; and Prime 54, a contemporary steakhouse. Guests can also enjoy casual dining at La Côte, the Mediterranean-inspired poolside hotspot; Vida, offering new American cuisine; Blade, with fresh sushi and seafood; and Fresh, ideal for quick bites. Other options include Arkadia Grill, a vibrant hub for games and music; Chez Bon Bon, the in-house patisserie and coffee shop; and the late-night Le Rond Food Truck. In-room, poolside, and beachside dining options further enhance the experience. Elevating freshness to a new level, the resort’s exclusive Bleau Fish program brings live catch seafood directly to its restaurants, including fish, lobster, and Florida stone crab claws.
For rest and rejuvenation, the two-level Lapis Spa delivers a sanctuary of serenity. Spanning 40,000 square feet, the spa embraces the natural qualities of water through mist, rain, and steam, in 30 private treatment rooms, a co-ed jetted pool, and tranquil lounge areas. The result is a restorative and renewing wellness experience in a setting as luxurious as it is calming.
Beyond leisure, Fontainebleau is also a premier destination for meetings and events. With 200,000 square feet of combined indoor and outdoor event space, the resort accommodates everything from executive board meetings to large-scale conventions with ease and sophistication.
In December 2024, Fontainebleau ushered in a new era with one of the most significant expansions in its seven-decade history: the opening of the Coastal Convention Center. Spanning five stories and 45,000 square feet, this state-of-the-art venue was designed to host everything from intimate gatherings to major conferences, positioning the hotel at the forefront of Miami’s booming convention tourism industry.
This expansion was spearheaded by Fontainebleau Development and brought to life by Miami-based Nichols Architects, with interiors by Jeffrey Beers International. Designed to reflect the elegance and architectural heritage of the original Morris Lapidus creation, the Coastal Convention Center infuses modernity while honoring the Fontainebleau legacy. It represents a bold new chapter in the resort’s ongoing story.
“The Coastal Convention Center will be a jewel in the crown of Fontainebleau Miami Beach and also this city’s social and tourism sector – a new, magnificent home for business and leisure events along the oceanfront,” says Fontainebleau Development Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Soffer. “This is the next evolution of our brand, further solidifying our role as a global hospitality leader, and we look forward to showing guests the world-class features and unparalleled service that are synonymous with the name Fontainebleau.”
Inside, the Coastal Convention Center exudes sophistication as one of the most versatile venues in Miami Beach. Art installations and murals by Kevin Barry Art Advisory and Jean-Paul Philippe add a vibrant, curated touch. Key features include a 16,500-square-foot divisible ballroom with an outdoor terrace, a 9,500-square-foot junior ballroom, 15 meeting rooms, and 15,000 square feet of pre-function space, and a spacious 7,000-square-foot rooftop deck with sweeping views of downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay. LED walls and wayfinders allow for digital experience customization throughout. To seamlessly move from space to space, the Coastal Convention Center is connected to Fontainebleau Miami Beach via a pedestrian sky bridge, the only one of its kind on Collins Avenue.
With sustainability a top priority, the Coastal Convention Center is LEED certified, including features such as insulated glass to control internal temperatures and reduce energy use, and a rainwater collection and recycling system to increase water efficiency.
Ideally located overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Fontainebleau Miami Beach spans 22 oceanfront acres. It is just one mile from the Miami Beach Convention Center, South Beach, and the Art Deco District, with both Miami and Fort Lauderdale airports conveniently nearby.
The resort’s commitment to excellence is reflected in honors and accolades from the most trusted voices in Travel and Lifestyle, such as the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, Michelin Guide, and Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards.
From its glamourous legacy to its modern status as a cultural icon, Fontainebleau Miami Beach remains a beacon of luxury, innovation, and timeless allure.
