As a preservationist, I am pleased when developers renovate an older hotel up to modern standards, but I really get excited when the strip down and rebuilding results in awarding winning new hotels.  Miami Beach has two new resort hotels in this category.

In the heart of hectic South Beach is The Redbury, a 69-room Rock and Roll freestyle resort built from the vacant and totally gutted old Fairfax Hotel on the corner of Collins Avenue  and 18th Street.  Lorenzo’s Restaurant provides the pizza and pasta for parties perhaps at the cool rooftop pool.  The only shortcoming for the Redbury, you must share facilities across the street with the Raleigh to have beach facilities.

The Redbury Is A Travel & Leisure pick

Further North the old Traymore Hotel at 2445 Collins Avenue was stripped down and rebuilt into the Metropolitan by Como, the first American-based resort by that chain.  This is a quiet paradise for couples who like rooftop hydrotherapy pools, luxurious rooms, and a meal at the laid-back Traymore Restaurant.

The Traymore Restaurant

Although its brand new, I have to happy to announce that after years of hotels turning into condos, Saint Petersburg Beach finally has a new hotel, the Hotel Zamora, at 3701 Gulf Boulevard.  And this is not a noisy family resort – it on the Intracoastal Waterway, not the beach.  The Castile Restaurant is right on Boca Ciega Bay, but its lounge is on the rooftop with amazing views of Long Island and the wide beach.

The Zamora Caters To Romantic Vacations

Orlando always has new hotels but let me point out two.  The Aloft Orlando Downtown gives Orange County the type of boutique hotel facility that will boost the area’s nightlife and help Amway Center events.  As a Starwood Hotel, it’s even dog-friendly.

Orlando’s New Boutique Downtowner

While most of the activity at WDW has been with doubling Disney Springs (Downtown), it was nice to see the old Royal Plaza Hotel at 1905 Hotel Plaza turned into the B Resort and Spa, a more luxurious alternative for Buena Vista visitors.  As a new hotel, there are a lot of good deals being offered.

 I would be remiss to the kids and parents if I didn’t tell you (or is it warn you) that next month Florida’s Legoland will be opening its Legoland Hotel right at the main entranceway to the park.  You can expect the 152-Lego themed rooms and facilities to live up to the expectation of Lego fans.

If You Love Lego