Got clients who live for the sun and sand? These new and reimagined Florida hotels offer fresh reasons to book their next sun-soaked getaway.
Beach Plaza Hotel Reopens in Miami Beach
The historic Beach Plaza Hotel has reopened in South Beach following a comprehensive restoration led by Blue Suede Hospitality. Located at the corner of Collins Avenue and 14th Street—just one block from the beach and steps from Lummus Park and Ocean Drive—the 1934 Art Deco property now offers 95 redesigned accommodations, including standard rooms, spacious suites and residential-style villas with kitchenettes.
Room sizes range from 265 to 600 square feet.
The hotel spans four interconnected historic buildings arranged around a landscaped central courtyard. Blue Suede Hospitality restored original architectural features while integrating modern updates such as a fully digital, self-guided check-in system.
“Beach Plaza isn’t just another hotel to us—it’s a key piece of Miami Beach’s story,” said Kenny Lipschutz, Founder & CEO of Blue Suede Hospitality, in a media statement. “That’s why it was important for us to retain the character and spirit that have defined this corner of South Beach for nearly a century, and it’s an honor to give this landmark a new chapter for both locals who remember it fondly and visitors discovering it for the first time.”
Blue Suede collaborated with the Miami Beach Historic Preservation Board and the Florida State Historic Preservation Office, entering the project into the Federal Historic Tax Credit program to help preserve the integrity of the 1930s-era architecture.
Amenities include an elegant lobby bar and cafe curated by restaurateur Georgios Vogiatzis, offering coffee and fresh pastries. A second phase, expected to debut in September, will introduce Miss Greek, a Mediterranean restaurant serving from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily.
Beach Plaza offers a central location in the Art Deco Historic District, providing easy access to South Beach’s cultural landmarks, dining and nightlife.
For more information, visit beachplazahotel.com.
Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel Opens in September
Omni Hotels & Resorts will debut its first Fort Lauderdale property this September with the opening of the 29-story Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel, now accepting reservations. Located just minutes from the Port Everglades cruise terminal and less than five miles from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, the new-build hotel will offer 801 rooms, including 82 suites with views of the Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic Ocean.
The hotel will feature a full-service Mokara Spa, fitness center, outdoor event lawn and elevated pool deck. Dining is a focal point, with seven distinct venues including Barchetta, a fine-dining Italian chophouse; Reef 76 Kitchen & Bar for seafood; and Ibis Sky Lounge, an indoor/outdoor rooftop bar. Additional options range from a market-style cafe to a Topgolf Swing Suite–equipped sports bar.
“In partnership with Broward County, Visit Lauderdale and Matthews Southwest, we’re excited to return to South Florida with the opening of Omni Fort Lauderdale, our third property in the state,” said Kurt Alexander, President of Omni Hotels & Resorts, in a media statement. “Under the leadership of general manager Gayla Guyse, an Omni veteran of more than 25 years, we look forward to creating memorable experiences for our guests inspired by the dynamic spirit of Fort Lauderdale.”
The Mokara Spa, inspired by Florida’s natural springs, will offer massages, facials, Hammam steam rituals and more. With its convenient location and broad range of upscale amenities, Omni Fort Lauderdale is positioning itself as a full-service destination for cruise travelers and vacationers.
For more information, visit omnihotels.com.
SkyBeach Resort Unveils Property Enhancements
SkyBeach Resort, a reimagined beachfront property on the southern tip of St. Petersburg, Florida, has completed a series of upgrades as part of a comprehensive renovation that started in July 2024. The refreshed resort now features 113 redesigned guestrooms, a newly styled lobby and event center—with additional enhancements still to come.
Designed by Charleston Bay Interiors, the renovated lobby offers a coastal aesthetic with soft neutrals, wood finishes and textures inspired by the Gulf of Mexico. The resort has also welcomed the second location of Paradeco Coffee Roasters, a popular downtown St. Pete caf known for its ethically sourced, small-batch coffee. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Paradeco is located in the resort’s courtyard.
Later this year, SkyBeach will debut SouthSeas Tapas, an upscale restaurant led by Executive Chef Tom Legg. The concept will reflect the property’s past as the former Outrigger Inn, combining Gulf Coast cuisine with French and Asian influences and Tiki-inspired cocktails. The space will offer marina views and a sophisticated nautical setting.
Additional amenities include a private beach with cabanas, two resort-style pools, shuffleboard courts, fire pits, and the Azibi Stage, which hosts live entertainment on weekends. The SkyBar + Grille, an open-air beachfront restaurant and bar, serves casual coastal fare and cocktails with views of the Gulf.
SkyBeach’s upgraded marina features 29 slips for day, transient and seasonal docking, offering easy access to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and area sandbars. The resort welcomes both overnight guests and locals to enjoy its full slate of amenities.
For more information, visit skybeach-resort.com.
