Watch CBS News

Business Booming On Miami Beach

MIAMI (CBSMiami.com) – As summer has unofficially started with the Memorial Day weekend, families and tourists are hitting the road bringing much needed money into South Florida's economy.

Miami Beach will be active all weekend with tourists from all over the world. It's keeping with a trend that area hotels and businesses have seen throughout the first half of 2011.

"Business has been very good; we've been completely sold out," said Park Central Hotel manager Neil Blakemore.

Park Central has been able to charge 40 percent more than their normal rate for an ocean view room this weekend. Currently, a room with an ocean view is going for $425 a night at Park Central.

"It seems like our best year since I've been in the hotel business here in Miami," Blakemore said.

According to the Greater Miami Convention and Visitor's Bureau, hotels in Miami and the beaches are ranked number 1 for room occupancy rates among the top 25 U.S. markets.

And for waiters and others who live off of tips, the big business Miami is generating right now is putting big money in their pockets.

"Oh it's been really busy, we like it," said Luis Diaz, a waiter at 'The Place.' "Everybody has to save money in the high season; so after in the low season, you can pay your rent."

Just how much is the recent business boon bringing people like Luis? He said he makes around 80 bucks a night during the slow season. Currently, he's making between $400 and $500 a night.

And for tourists like Nia Oliver of New York, the money is going to continue flowing into South Florida.

"We've been clubbing, shopping, just hanging out," Oliver said. When CBS4's Tiffani Helberg asked Nia if she was spending a lot of money; she replied quickly, "yeah."

The sound of cash registers and cash flowing in from tourists is the best news South Florida could get as it battles back against record unemployment and a depressed housing market.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.