Hotels on Horizon
With new facilities and service, international arrivals just got easier. Miami International Airport’s newly renovated Concourse E federal inspection facility for international arrivals is the first in the country to use facial recognition technology for expedited passport screening. The technology-driven Concourse E also offers passport clearance via automated passport control kiosks and the Mobile Passport Control app. New scheduled service includes Milan, Italy and Santiago, Chile, plus Fortaleza, and Brasilia and Salvador, Brazil.
Accommodation Expansion
Marriott Marquis Miami Worldcenter Hotel & Expo Center
Major-brand hotel flags lead the Greater Miami hotel happenings. Hilton Miami Downtown in the Downtown Performing Arts District has completed a $35 million renovation. A reimagined lobby, restaurant and guest rooms are featured. Located in the heart of Miami Beach at 39th and Collins Avenue, the 70- years in the making Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club has reopened after a multi-million-dollar renovation preserving the Art Deco aesthetic. The hotel joins Marriott International’s Autograph Collection Hotels. The Marriott Marquis Miami Worldcenter Hotel & Expo Center with an anticipated 1,700 hotel rooms will break ground in the fall of 2018 with plans to open in the first half of 2022.
Attraction Expansion
Downtown Coral Gables
New faces and new fun are found at Greater Miami attractions. The Museum of Art and Design has completed a major renovation to its gallery space. This world-class gallery space broadens the range and reach of art in Miami. The former Dezer Collection Auto Museum in North Miami has expanded and been renamed Dezerland Park. The 250,000-square-foot park is a perfect family entertainment center. Downtown Coral Gables has completed the Miracle Mile Streetscape project. An enriched pedestrian experience with expanded sidewalks, outdoor dining, improved lighting, public art and more have transformed the area. Freebee and The Coconut Grove Business Development District have partnered to provide free electric transportation. In addition to being a fun experience, each car simultaneously shares current events, discounts and promotions from local businesses. Cycle Party, a pedal-powered party, has opened in Wynwood. From a pub crawl to a sightseeing tour to a foodie adventure, Cycle Party has groups of 15 covered.
Gastronomy
Miami’s renowned cuisine and nightlife continues to expand with exciting new restaurant additions. Toronto-based Planta has come to Miami. The “plant-based” restaurant serves vegetarian and vegan dishes along with vegetarian sushi. Skorpios in Miami’s midtown neighborhood combines signature Greek dishes with South Florida flair. A fun, celebratory atmosphere blends with fresh Mediterranean offerings. The Gates Hotel South Beach has launched Agaveros Cantina, a Mexican-inspired restaurant. Unique Mexican dishes combine seamlessly with the 100 tequilas and mezcals available.