Shelborne Wyndham Grand South Beach to Open this Winter in Florida Following $150 Million Renovation
MIAMI BEACH, FL - November 7, 2013 - As an ever-popular resort destination, South Beach serves as one of America's cultural epicenters where art, fashion and entertainment collide. One of its quintessential historic properties, Shelborne, will pay homage to the heyday of Miami's chic past when it reopens its doors this Winter 2013/2014 as Shelborne Wyndham Grand South Beach, after having undergone a $150 million, complete revitalization and redesign to restore its original glamour with a modern sensibility catering to today's sophisticated traveler.
Originally opened in 1940 and designed by Art Deco architect Igor Polevitsky, the resort was updated in the 1950s by design master Morris Lapidus who lent his signature Neo-baroque grace to the property and accentuated the glamour that characterized it as an iconic destination. With a dedicated passion to revive Shelborne's original grandeur, its owners, the Galbut family of Miami, have partnered with Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos and Paul Kanavos of Flag Luxury Group to implement this renovation and reintroduce the hotel to guests as part of Wyndham Grand® Hotels and Resorts.
"Everyone involved with this project could not be more excited about the extensive renovation and attention to details going into it," said George Scammell, vice president, global design, development planning and construction at Wyndham Worldwide. "Working with a talented, innovative design team has been integral in creating a distinctive, elegant environment that complements this unique hotel and will exceed our guests' expectations."
Shelborne Wyndham Grand is Flag Luxury Group's second Morris Lapidus property restoration in South Beach, having previously executed the renovation of the DiLido Beach Hotel, which is now the Ritz-Carlton, South Beach. Much care has gone to preserving the architectural integrity of the property through the team's work with the Miami Beach Historic Preservation Board. The Galbut family has developed and renovated many landmark properties in the greater Miami area and recently opened the new Gale Hotel on 17th and Collins.
Designer Meg Sharpe, whose success with notable hospitality projects has distinguished her ability to retain the significance of landmark architecture while incorporating original sophistication and contemporary comforts, is redesigning all of the hotel's commercial spaces within the public areas. Richard Mishaan's plans for redesigned guest rooms, suites, corridors, meeting spaces and ballrooms are inspired by the style and iconic culture of the 1950s, such as the vintage cars of the period characterized by artfully paired combinations of bold, retro tones. Mishaan's capacity for infusing understated luxury and timeless elegance into the spaces is only further inspired by his own appreciation for the property, having previously vacationed at the resort.
"Shelborne's history is so rich and so beautiful, we couldn't resist the opportunity to restore this property to its rightful glory," explained Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos. "This new space will reflect its authentic old-school glamour and opulence, while incorporating the modern day comforts and conveniences of Wyndham Grand Hotels and Resorts, melding the best of both eras into one extraordinary destination."
Located in the heart of South Beach's Art Deco District, Shelborne is situated in one of the most desirable areas of Miami Beach and just walking distance to Lincoln Road and Ocean Drive. The resort's elegant pool and lounge area, replete with recently renovated cabanas, leads right up to the boardwalk and a long stretch of white-sand beach.
Shelborne Wyndham Grand will have an onsite fitness center and luxury spa suites, as well as an exclusive nightclub and a flagship location for an internationally-acclaimed celebrity chef. With over 15,000 square feet of meeting and event spaces, the resort will expertly cater to a wide array of celebrations, galas, corporate functions and intimate gatherings.
"Shelborne Wyndham Grand will offer an expertly curated experience infused with art, fashion, design and local culture," said Jeff Wagoner, president of Wyndham Hotel Group Management. "We are excited to be part of this project, which reflects the excellence and unique experiences for which Wyndham Grand properties are known around the world."
Wyndham Hotel Group's management company began operating the hotel in February 2013.
In honoring its heritage while firmly embracing modern developments that complement contemporary lifestyles, the Shelborne team has primed the property to be an incomparable South Beach destination.
About Shelborne Wyndham Grant South Beach
Strategically located in the heart of South Beach, an international playground and home to some of the world's most sought after real estate, the Shelborne is reinventing its classic past to be reborn this Winter 2013/2014 as Shelborne Wyndham Grand South Beach. An iconic Miami landmark, Shelborne will be transformed into South Beach's newest luxury lifestyle resort, presenting exceptionally chic design, the most luxurious comforts, and expertly-curated experiences all in one glamorous, culturally-infused destination. Inspired by the fashion, music, art and flavors of South Beach, Shelborne's sensational array of distinctive offerings have been crafted for the most discriminating clientele. The 200-room property, situated just steps from away from the beach, will have an exclusive portfolio of leisure and entertainment options, including a world-class restaurant presented by a renowned celebrity chef.
About Wyndham Hotels and Resorts
Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, LLC, a subsidiary of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN), offers upscale hotel and resort accommodation throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East and China. All Wyndham® hotels are either franchised by Wyndham Hotel Group or managed by Wyndham Hotel Management, Inc., or one of its affiliates. Additional information and reservations for all Wyndham hotels are available by visiting www.wyndham.com. Travelers have the opportunity to earn and redeem points through Wyndham Rewards®, the brand's guest loyalty program, which can be joined for free at www.wyndhamrewards.com.
Wyndham Grand Hotels and Resorts is an ensemble of distinguished hotels within the Wyndham Hotels and Resorts® brand that represent one-of-a-kind experiences in key destinations with refined accommodations, attentive service and relaxed surroundings.
Wyndham Hotel Group is the world's largest hotel company with approximately 7,410 hotels and over 635,100 rooms in 67 countries under 15 hotel brands. Additional information is available at www.wyndhamworldwide.com. For more information about hotel franchising opportunities visit www.whgdevelopment.com
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
