I'm looking out through the sliding glass doors of my room at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach. I'm here attending the Governor's Conference on Tourism as a partner with Visit Florida. The view is spectacular. The Atlantic Ocean is emerald green and dotted with cruise ships, freighters and cargo ships. From my balcony I can also look toward downtown Miami and see the many skyscrapers, the Intracoastal Waterway and the main entrance drive for the hotel. The entrance drive is fascinating.I've never seen so many Ferrari's and Lamborghini's in one place in my life!
The hotel is instantly recognizable from the beach side by any James Bond movie fan. The opening scenes from Goldfinger were shot arou
nd the pool area and the curved main building looks just as it did in the early 60's. The famous curved Stairway to Nowhere still graces the main lobby. The staircase was used so the rich and famous could make grand entrances to festivities and be photographed by the paparazzi.
The hotel has been completely remodeled to its original glory. The Art Deco architecture is beautiful. Marble and soft pastel colors and lighting make for a pleasing visual effect and instantly take you back to a time of martinis, the Rat Pack and Marilyn Monroe. The pools and lounge areas make up an oasis of private cabana getaways. I can now mark another place I've always wanted to visit off the list but I have a feeling I'm going to have to return!
Observations:
1. There are more beautiful women per square foot here than anywhere in the world and most have learned to walk on very, very high heels.
2. There is no such thing as a bad tasting cup of coffee in Miami.
3. Cigars taste better here.
4. Ocean Drive in South Beach is worth cruising in a red 2010 Chevy Camaro SS with the sunroof open.
5. I've been to both Las Vegas and Miami Beach. Boob jobs are big money in both cities.
6. The clubs don't open until 12 midnight and it cost more to enter if you are male.
7. The IHOP in Miami Beach has the best service of any restaurant in the country. I've never seen so many happy servers.
