SLS Hotel Lands A New Home On South Beach

MIAMI (CBS4) – Off of Collins Avenue and 17th Street on Miami Beach stands a 140 room boutique hotel that is now the newest hotspot in town and it hasn't even "officially" opened yet!

The new SLS Hotel South Beach, former known as the Ritz Plaza, opened its doors about two months ago, making it the baby of the SLS franchise family and the first on the East Coast.

"Service, luxury and style; that's what it stands for," said Albert Mertz, General Manager of The SLS Hotel South Beach. "We reinvented a hotel that was an iconic property and brought it back to life."

The interior of the hotel was designed by award-winning artist Philippe Starck who used Latin, Asian and Art Deco influences to create a "A Dream World" concept.

The reception desk resembles a retro American summer camp complete with vintage pictures lining the walls.

Outside, Starck's famous giant silver duck sculpture watches the pool as the cabanas make for a private hideaway. The hotel has three restaurants that are well-known around the world: The Bazaar, Hyde Beach and Katsuya.

The Bazaar, by James Beard award-winner Chef Jose Andres, is the first restaurant showcased by the SLS Hotel South Beach. It's design reminds you of the quintessential grandmother's living room and has a menu which covers anything from a Dragon Fruit Ceviche to a Cubano Sandwich.

On the beach side is Hyde Beach, a restaurant which gives it's diners a "sexy space" right near the surf.

Speaking of sexy, Starck channeled the Ghost Bedroom of Madame Pompadour, Louis XV's legendary mistress, as he designed the guest rooms.

East meets west at the world-famous Katsuya which serves traditional Japanese cuisine for the American palate.

"When you have three concepts like that at a SLS brand hotel, you can't go wrong. We are very fortunate" said Mertz.

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