In the travel business, to hear that a hotel is renovating can be likened to hearing that a fireman has been called to put out a fire. It’s a good thing, but not that surprising. This comparison might be a little weak, but the gist of it is that hotels are constantly reinventing themselves. It is, however, pretty interesting that when a renovation is so extreme, words like “bold” and “new” become synonymous with the hotel. Such is the case with Eden Roc, A Renaissance Beach Resort & Spa. Although the name of this Miami Beach property didn’t officially change, the ad campaign has been touting it as The Bold New Eden Roc. When discovering what this “new” hotel has to offer, that name might be fitting.

Eden roc hotel pool

A view from the pool deck at the renovated Eden Roc.

After an 18-month, $200 million renovation and expansion, the 631-room property now has a new 21-story Ocean Tower. Other new additions include a lobby bar that features Brazilian rosewood columns and floor-to-ceiling glass windows, and Luster, a high-end boutique offering designer resort wear. The fresh spin is extended into the guest rooms. Each Resort Tower guest room has iPod docking stations, LCD TVs and enlarged bathrooms. Top picks are the Penthouse Suites on the 15th floor, which overlook the ocean or Intracoastal Waterway. Other nice options are the bi-level Bungalow Suites in the Ocean Tower. The first floor of these suites has a living area, while the bedroom is on the second floor. Guests might also enjoy the one-bedroom Oceanfront Suites in the new Ocean Tower. Regardless of the accommodation choice, all rooms in the new tower have balconies.

Dining options abound. Your clients can choose from the new Gia Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, which is just off the lobby and reminiscent of an Italian villa. Cabana Beach Club serves salads, sandwiches, chicken, seafood and beef while gazing out at the Atlantic Ocean. To be a little closer to the water, have clients opt for a lighter meal at The Waterfall Grill. This casual outdoor restaurant is beneath a waterfall on the oceanfront lawn.

eden roc hotel oceanfront suit

An Oceanfront Suite has a balcony with a panoramic view of the ocean

Fun and Relaxation

For a fun take on the bar experience, the new lobby bar has introduced Cocktail Culture, which includes custom Renaissance Cocktail Blocks. Each block features different cocktail ingredient “building blocks,” including barware, spirits, ingredients, method of preparation and flavor profile. The aim of this activity is for guests to interact. Guests experiment with the blocks and the bartenders by rolling different combinations to create a signature cocktail. The bartender then picks the winning combination—named for the guest who created it—and features it as the drink of the evening.

In 2009, the property will introduce a 21,000-square-foot spa, with 17 treatment rooms and a state-of-the-art fitness center. For those who can’t wait till next year for their pampering fix, spa products and treatments are currently available in a temporarily designated area of the hotel.

And for business-minded clients, the resort has 43,000 square feet of indoor and 20,000 square feet of outdoor event and meeting space.

The travel agent contact is Diane Jezdimir ([email protected], 305-451-7144).