Frommer's Review
What used to be a concrete canyon, a mod-version of the eerily deserted house in The Shining, is now one of the hottest and hautest stays in South Beach thanks to a constant cadre of celebrity appearances, among other things. That, not to mention Florida's first-ever Nobu sushi restaurant and cocktail lounge (a major hit in New York, Las Vegas, Paris, and London), and a celebrity clientele that would fill up an entire issue of Us Weekly have made The Shore Club a sure thing. Because this hotel is infinitely more cavernous than its (not as) hipster neighbor, The Delano , publicity-shy celebs such as Janet Jackson and Denzel Washington have been known to call this place their home away from home because there are indeed places for them to hide. Then again, publicity hog Leonardo DiCaprio also had no qualms slumber partying with his posse here. Neither did Britney Spears, Beyonce Knowles, Jay-Z, and, well, you get the picture (and if you're lucky, you'll really get the picture and make a fortune from the tabloids, but beware of behemoth bodyguards). Stellar crowd aside, the hotel's interior still leaves a lot to be desired -- the lobby here is sorely lacking in personality. But that's all forgotten once you reach the centerpiece and focal point of the place -- the resplendent oasis of chic out back. A Miami outpost of L.A.'s celeb-laden SkyBar reigns supreme with a Marrakech-meets-Miami motif that stretches throughout the hotel's sprawling pool, patio, and garden areas. Beware of surly doormen if you're not a hotel guest. There's also a branch of L.A.-hot spot Ago (and its extremely pricey pasta), opened here with much fanfare and an appearance by co-owner Robert DeNiro, who hasn't been back since.
The Shore Club also boasts that 80% of its 325 rooms have an ocean view. Contrary to the cold, cavernous lobby, exquisite gardens draw guests toward the beach through courtyards and reflecting pools. A rooftop spa is a great respite from the hype and buzz down in the lobby and outdoor areas. Rooms are loaded with state-of-the-art amenities, not to mention 400-thread-count linen bedding, Mexican sandstone flooring in the bathroom with custom-designed glass, and an enclosed "wet area" with bathtub, shower, and teak bench. (Molton Brown bathroom amenities are worth bringing an extra bag for.) If you can't afford the penthouse or a poolside cabana, consider an Ocean View room, which is stellar in its own right, with its massive, two-nozzled shower-tub combo that's almost better than a day at the beach. If you are wondering whether to choose the still somewhat hip mainstay, the Delano, over this hotel, consider that The Shore Club is much hungrier for the hipsters, and its rooms boast a bit more personality than the Delano's.
Facilities:
2 restaurants (Nobu and Ago); 4 bars (SkyBar, Rum Bar and Redroom); outdoor reflecting pool; fitness center; The Spa at The Shore Club; concierge; 24-hr. room service
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
