Miami Beach
Florida


The Experience

What a difference a couple of high-wattage names make. When it first opened in late 2001 with a $150-million price tag and elegantly cool David Chipperfield interiors, the hotel's tropical-Zen vibe failed to take off. But nearly three years later, über-hotelier Ian Schrager added the Shore Club to his portfolio and, with the help of Philippe Starck, turned the resort into a bona-fide hipster hit. While the Shore Club retains its original lotus ponds and circular front drive, Starck has added numerous signature pieces -- from Moroccan-style lamps in the reception to oversize planters by the pool. What hasn't changed, however, is the Shore Club's clientele -- from Hollywood A-listers to well-heeled Euros.

The Rooms

Hidden from the street by a brace of bamboo, the Shore Club's 325 rooms, suites and duplex cabanas are spread over a pair of original Art Deco buildings and new 21-story tower. While their layouts vary by price point, all sport a similar design scheme: slim platform beds, floors of cool, Mexican sandstone, 400-count Egyptian cotton sheets, sexy see-through shower stalls with teak benches and, of course, state-of-the-art digital cinema/communications systems. Best bets are the duplex pool-side cabanas, with lower-floor living rooms that open onto large patios with private showers and sitting areas, though upstairs rooms are no slouches, with airy, private patios as well as bedroom and bath that have sea views.

The Service

The staff manages to remain surprisingly egalitarian when it comes to service, though can at (rare) moments succumb to the type of celebrity worship that leaves "regular" guests feeling short-changed.

The Highlights

With such a high Manhattan clientele, it would be shocking if Nobu weren't here. But equally buzzy are the modern-Mediterranean Ago, an outdoor Mediterranean-style eatery, and the Sky Bar, for after-dinner through after-hours cocktailing, mercifully open to hotel guests only. But it's the Shore Club's swimming pool that has made its biggest mark on Miami. Lushly landscaped with palms, geometric reflecting ponds and more bamboo, the "pool" is technically a Bali-esque complex of succeeding swimming pools, ringed with chaise lounges, staffed by charming pool boys and leading straight out to the Atlantic.

-- David Kaufman

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