We will be staying in the Tower.
Have the renovations been completed?
Is it within reasonable walking distance to SoBe?

Can't comment on the renovations as it was several years ago when I was there but it's not reasonable walking distance to SoBe by most folks' standards. I'm guessing it's close to two miles to the heart of the action. IIRC there are shuttle buses that run regularly and cab fare is nominal.

Not a reasonable walk to SoBe.
I hope the re-do was extensive.
This has been a classic convention hotel with no class or character, horrible service, and run down rooms.
Let us know if it's gotten any better Bill.

Sorry to say tha it was a little long in the tooth around this time last year. Better call them & see if renos are complete. I was not aware tha tthey were about to commence reno but this place sure needed it!

A number of years ago Florida put on the ballot an option to legalize casino gambling. Hilton bought the Fontainbleau about that time, expecting to make a fortune once casino gambling was approved, but it failed. Since that time the general belief is that Hilton has never begun to put the money into the old property that it would take to make it a first class property. I stayed there a number of years ago for a conference. My favorite story is that when we checked in on Friday, there was a tray of half-eaten room service food on the floor at the door to the room next to us. When we checked out on Sunday, that same tray of food was still there. And no, it is a long walk to SoBe as the other posters have said.

In case any of you are not aware of it, there is a BRAND NEW luxury high rise building that is now part of this hotel and it is quite sublime!!

Just had to reminisce...my family stayed at the Fountainbleau back in the 60's one night while visiting my Aunt, Uncle and nieces who were staying there. I remember that time it was the grandest place I'd ever seen! (Uncle had the big bucks, we surely did not)

We stayed with them one night because my uncle gave us all tickets to see the Beach Boys at the Convention Center. The opening band was some unheard of group called the Grateful Dead.

bring some funky bathing suits, suntan lotion, film and be ready to salsa....it's still a pretty special hotel with a nice pool area.

Allen, can you confirm that your comments are correct from personal experience?
I called Hilton and they stated that there were no rooms added during last year's renovation project, that they simply reworked the existing buildings.

Well, Bea, my comment did seem to convey the idea that the building was complete when in fact, it is not! And the Hilton operator probably knows zero about it anyway, so that shouldn't be much of a surprise! But it IS in the process of going up as I have seen ads for the property in many publications including the Wall Street Journal. The building will be one of those condo/hotel combos that are springing up all over, i.e., such as with some of the new Ritzes and Four Seasons properties. Even Rosewood Hotels and Resorts has a new, gorgeous condo/hotel complex going up near Williams Island on Sunny Isles Beach called Acqualina, and I will definitely be one of the first hotel customers there when it opens! By the way, if you're interested in more info on the Fontainbleau property -- called Fontainbleau II -- you can reach them toll-free at 1-866-531-8480. I'm sure they can give you more info as to when the property will open. Now, as far as my opinion on the ORIGINAL Fontainbleau -- well, all I can say is, DON'T ASK!!! Enough said!

Thanks for the useful update, "Allen".

Great story Lisa.

I was in Miami in Sept of '62 or 63. Didn't get to stay at the Fontainbleau but it was all the rage at the time. I stayed at a place at 17th and Collins - it was called the Fontana. Anyone know if it is still operating (with a different name I'm sure.)

I was there last December and tried to determine which "new" SoBe place it was and what the price was. It was $5 (yes, $5 a nite at the time and was really quite nice)

Thanks,

gep

Geo: From what I could find on the web, unfortunately the Fontana Hotel burned down in 1990. At least you still have your good memories of the place, and that's whats important.