Review: Fontainebleau

Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe? Even amid the architectural exhibitionism of Miami Beach, the gleaming curved main tower of the 1,500-room Fontainebleau Miami Beach is a knockout. The design of this essentially launched the so-called Miami-Modern style, and the resort dominates its stretch of Miami Beach. It’s a clean and classic escape where contemporary vibes meets retro in a flash of glamour.

What's the backstory? The original Fontainebleau opened in 1954 and was an immediate magnet for the celebrities of the day; the Rat Pack spent enough time there to make it the it-place to be. Its modern redevelopment began in the 1970s, with its current incarnation—rumored to have cost $1 billion—revealing itself to the public in 2008. The hotel has been the background to several movies and TV shows, notably the James Bond movie "Goldfinger."

Tell us all about the rooms. Any tips on what to book? Our Deluxe Bay View Guestroom was bright and airy with discernibly urban design touches—particularly noticeable in a sea of coastal-chic South Beach hotels. Whites and earth tones gave it a clean, contemporary feel, and tan accents delivered a stylish flourish. The oversized leather armchairs felt especially luxurious, as did the marble bathroom. Rooms in towers like Versailles, Sorrento, and Tresor are all pretty quiet; Chateau, on the other hand, has a little more of a party vibe.

Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? The Wifi is included in $36 resort fee, and it was suitably fast.

Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? The resort has bountiful dining options, with a few signature restaurants that are worth visiting in their own right, including Hakkasan, a famous Michelin-starred brand that presents high-end dim sum and Cantonese cuisine, and Mirabella, a glitzy Italian affair with Chef Michael White (who has earned Michelin stars for his restaurants under the Altamarea Group umbrella) at the helm. Menu highlights include bone-in veal parmigiana, risotto di mare, and a seafood program that includes crudo misto, tuna tartare, grilled octopus. Steak 54 is an elevated chophouse with a striking two-level, glass-enclosed wine tower. Five more casual spots promise everything from French pastries to contemporary Asian to all-America.

How was the service? The sheer volume of rooms mean that things get busy, but the line at check-in was quick and professional. A plentiful staff takes care of everyone's needs.

What type of travelers will you find here? It’s a real mixed bag here, with everyone from conference delegates to families to party crowds. But the hotel seemingly absorbs them effortlessly and delivers the experience everyone's looking for.

What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in? You're on Millionaire’s Row, almost its own neighborhood, and you could easily stay here and not leave the property grounds. That said, you're in reach of South Beach.

Any other hotel features worth noting? There’s everything you could possibly need: Lapis, a luxurious spa with eucalyptus steam baths; a salon; a gym; a huge, freeform pool that spreads out among the gardens; and, of course, nightlife. The club LIV is a hotspot among the young, beautiful, and famous.

Bottom line: Worth it? This hotel is an iconic part of Miami Beach, one that defined a style and an era. Although it has been upgraded at no small expense, guests still feel like they’re part of that history, and the hotel really does have everything you could need for a Miami Beach vacation.