Historic Miami Beach Hotel Is Building a Massive New Water Park

In a city that often razes its past in favor of development, the Fontainebleau stands out for consistently celebrating its history. Opened more than 70 years ago, the hotel has hosted stars like Frank Sinatra and Elvis, appeared in films like Goldfinger and the Bodyguard, and been seen in revered television series like the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and the Sopranos.

But even a property with as much cachet as the Fontainebleau needs to keep up with the times. In that spirit, Fontainebleau Development, the firm that owns the property, announced this week that it will build a new water park onsite, a project it calls "one of its most ambitious investments to date."

The firm says the project's primary focus is on overhauling the hotel's outdoor pool deck. In a statement announcing the renovation, the Fontainebleau says, "The resort will be transformed into a destination for all ages, with all-new pools and water features, family attractions and slides, food and beverage offerings, and elevated poolside entertainment that complements the current resort’s luxury amenities."
The Miami Herald reported this week that the upgrade includes a new water park with 11 slides, including "a 120-foot waterslide, one of the largest drops in the country." The paper reported that the indulgent new water park would be open to the public, but New Times reached out to the property to request more details about community access.

"Fontainebleau has always welcomed the community," a rep for the property told New Times. "While the new pool experience is designed first and foremost for resort guests, we anticipate developing programs that allow for local access as well."

Hotel guests will also enjoy an "all-new to market lineup of water slides, family attractions, and upgraded poolside amenities," and the hotel adds, "the expansion will enhance the resort’s existing poolside food and beverage experiences, with La Côte Restaurant and three signature bars."

The property calls the expansion "the first large-scale, family-friendly attraction of its kind in Miami Beach." Construction is expected to start in early 2026, with the project slated for completion the following year.