No, that is not a misspelling in the headline. The folks over at B Hotels and Resorts have a goal -- for the letter "B" to be as familiar in front of the word hotel as the letter "W."
The company's Broward location opened just 18 months ago on Sunrise and A1A, but they've already become a local favorite. Now the hotel is plotting locations in downtown Miami and South Beach.
"The B Hotel is a brand based on self-expression that seeks to be inclusive and not pretentious," said B Hotel senior vice president of marketing Chris Tompkins, who spent seven years as a cruise director for Princess Cruises. "A 15-year-old will enjoy staying with us as much as a 30 or 60 year-old."
On Friday, the hotel released renderings of the first b2 value hotel in downtown Miami and details on the South Beach branch, both to be opened by 2013.
The South Beach building on 18th and Collins was known as The Continental, a Morris Lapidus design and therefore a historical building. They are working with the Historical Preservation Board during the renovation to ensure some of the design elements are restored and conserved, so the rendering has not yet been modified to meet the preservation standards.
"We are probably most excited about the pool area," said Tompkins. "It is an infinity pool surrounded by cabanas and are a large dining area that will transform into a lounge at night. It makes for a nice vibe because even the lobby has a lounge feel."
The downtown Miami location at 146 Biscayne will be a "b2" hotel, meaning it will offer "value full-service" class. The b2 brand offers value-conscious guests access to full-service amenities found at the B Hotels, but at a more affordable price. They manage to offer the more affordable price without sacrificing "self-expression hospitality and a tailored guest experience." One of the most unique services offered by the hotel is the ability for guests to check out an iPad at the front desk to use anywhere in the building with free wi-fi.
For more information on B Hotels, visit bhotelsandresorts.com.
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