Starwood Hotels and Resorts added to the W Hotels Worldwide portfolio on July 2 with the opening of Miami’s first property, the W South Beach on Collins Avenue. The 20-story hotel has 312 guest rooms and 96 residential suites designed by architect Costas Kondylis, design firm Yabu Pushelberg, and Anna Busta of Studio B Design.
The property has 10,000 square feet of meeting space, including two ballrooms and a beachfront lawn for 1,000. Several nontraditional meeting spaces are available, like a 2,500-square-foot fitness center, a Bliss Spa (opening December 15), and penthouse suites for intimate gatherings. For outdoor events, there’s a basketball and tennis court, the main pool deck, and the Grove, an eco-friendly garden that can accommodate 150 and is designed to conserve water, support indigenous flora, and provide a habitat for sea turtles.
The Opium Group has teamed up with Nicola Siervo and Karim Masri (co-owners of Mokai and Quattro restaurant) to debut Wall, the hotel’s nightlife entity this weekend. The 3,500-square-foot nightclub is outfitted with a copper mesh ceiling, black leather banquettes, and gold and black patterned walls. An oversize gold sofa with room for 32 will serve as the space’s centerpiece.
There are two dining options at the W: Soleá and Mr. Chow Miami. Just off the lobby, the former is a Mediterranean restaurant with hardwood floors, communal tables, and two expansive walls of wine bottles. The space seats 180 and has a V.I.P. area for 12.
Chinese restaurant Mr. Chow’s is scheduled to open at the hotel in August. The Michael Chow-designed space will boast the chain’s signature screens, black lacquer furniture, and a 125-foot gold leaf and Swarovski crystal chandelier. Tables will be spread throughout the dining room and patio to seat as many as 300 guests. Formerly of the Grand Hyatt Bejing, chef Nick Du will helm the kitchen, dishing out regional Chinese cuisine. Buyouts at both restaurants are available on a case-by-case basis.
