The Hottest Hotels for Miami Fashion Week
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If you wear a stylish monokini, stay at the W South Beach
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If you wear a vintage malliot, stay at The Raleigh Hotel -- South Beach
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If you wear a sexy string bikini, stay at the Delano Hotel -- South Beach
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If you wear a sporty Speedo, stay at the Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa Miami Beach
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If you wear a modest Mommy-approved one-piece, stay at the Fontainebleau Resort Miami Beach
Miami Fashion Week kicks off this Wednesday, and while other cities like New York and Milan focus on the coming sesason's ready-to-wear, Miami's Fashion Week celebrates swimwear. (And really, are you surprised?) And if you're flying South to check out the latest ready-to-swim styles, you'll need to pack a few that you already own. But don't worry, it doesn't have to be skimpy. We've picked out the best hotels to, errr, suit your style. [Ed. note: We couldn't help ourselves with that one, it was just too easy.] Check out the best hotels (for every style) for Miami Fashion Week!
The upscale W South Beach has a sleek, modern vibe that attracts a beautiful crowd more focused on lounging in the sun than partying or forced family fun. Dense palms, colorful cushions set along the grass, and sexy wood-latticed cabanas (that cost extra, of course) surround the pool. There's no club-minded DJ, but rather ambient spa sounds and mellow, remixed classic rock floating through the speakers. But the large, meticulously-designed rooms, with white ceramic floors with a wood-grain finish, metal-studded doors, and rock-and-roll photography, the W rooms rival the best in South Beach, especially given every room's ocean-angled terrace.
The Raleigh's cool, vintage vibe is 100% authentic. After all, the stunning free-form pool (surrounded by old-school lounge chairs and umbrellas) became a Miami landmark when former swimmer and movie star Esther Williams leapt from its waterfall diving board in a sequined bathing cap. And this vintage motif continues throughout the hotel's restaurants and funky rooms, decorated with retro light fixtures and bright curtains. Even the sky-blue bathrooms seem vintage too -- but not in a good way.
If you're looking for a raucous time in Miami, the Delano is a sure bet. With a hip Philippe Starck design, this hotel is a popular party spot, featuring celebrity-favorites like Rose Bar and the Florida Room. Forget your top? No problem! The sexy pool is topless-optional and even the beach area, with signature white umbrellas and lounge chairs, seems to embrace the motto of "less is more."
Getting in a workout while on vacation is always a good idea -- especially with bikini season coming up! The Canyon Ranch is the perfect spot for a healthy, athletic retreat. The peaceful Cabana Pool is a nice spot for swimming laps, the restaurants serve up calorie-conscious (yet still tasty) fare, and every day some 40 free fitness classes are offered throughout the property, from Sunrise Yoga to Beach Conditioning.
Among the Fontainebleau's eight pools are several shallow pools for kids to splash around in, as well as a swing for the water-shy. The kids' club -- for 4- to 12-year-olds -- features supervising instructors to lead various sports, art, and drama activities. Full-day programs are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and include a lunch while half-day programs (without lunch) are held twice daily; mom can get some R&R by the pool knowing the kiddies are enjoying themselves.
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