THE FACTS ABOUT THE TIDES HOTEL SOUTH BEACH

USA Florida

The multi-million-dollar renovation of Miami's Tides Hotel by the LA-based Kor Hotel Group has created one of the city's most stunning properties and provided a platform for a new luxury-hotel brand in the process. The hotel and its celebrated restaurant, La Marea, are now beacons of sophistication on a stretch of Ocean Drive known as much for its tourist traps as its landmark Art Deco buildings. A thicket of potted plants creates a buffer between the street and the hotel's travertine terrace, just steps above. Inside, designer Kelly Wearstler has abandoned her signature Hollywood Regency style for an eclectic mix of seaside objets and museum-quality antiques. The centrepiece of the stunning Coral Bar, for example, is a marble bar-top, refashioned from an old French shop counter, and oversized faux tortoise shells line the walls above. High-backed 1940s 'senator' chairs hold court in the lobby. The 45 spacious bedrooms and suites are decorated with original art and antiques, augmented by curious design elements such as 'petrified wood' side tables. All have ocean views. The second Tides-branded hotel has already opened on Mexico's Riviera Maya, with more to follow. WHEN TO GO From early December for Art Basel Miami Beach, through to early spring. ROOM TO BOOK One of the Signature suites on the ninth and top floors. 1220 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, Florida (00 1 305 604 5070; www.tidessouthbeach.com). Doubles from $399; Signature suites from $499 Find out more about Miami in our city guide