Carillon renovation expected to start in spring

The Carillon condo hotel and spa in Miami Beach
The Carillon condo hotel and spa in Miami Beach

Executives of Carillon Miami Beach told the South Florida Business Journal  they expect a spring groundbreaking for a $25 million renovation of the historic property, where Frank Sinatra and his Rat Pack hung out.

“In its heyday, it was the place to be. Our whole initiative is to reintroduce that 1950s look and feel and make it modern,” Lester Scott, managing director of Carillon Miami Beach, told the Business Journal.

Z Capital Partners acquired the condo hotel and spa with 750 feet of beachfront about a year ago, when it was known as Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa, and brought back its original name.

The property has positive momentum: Scott said since the Z Capital takeover of the Carillon, the property has ascended from No. 60 on to No. 2 among the TripAdvisor website’s list of recommended hotels in Miami Beach.

A  three-phase renovation will restore the property’s historic Tambourine Lounge, redesign its Thyme restaurant, upgrade its 70,000-square-foot spa and Palm Court terrace and guestrooms, and add new pool cabanas. The Carillon’s spa will be rebranded with additional services next year.

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Much of the property’s redesign will make the Carillon’s beachfront more visible to its guests and residents.

“From Collins Avenue to the beach, this entire location will be renovated, restored and opened up to the outdoors,” Michael Choinierem, director of sales and marketing at Carillon Miami Beach, told the Business Journal.

The Carillon Miami Beach at 6801 Collins Avenue has 580 rooms, including 150 hotel rooms, all suites. Daily room rates range from $400 to $1,200.

Originally opened in 1957, the Carillon will remain open while planning for the renovation continues until January 2017.

“In 2016, we’re going to be action-packed. It’s extremely exciting for us,” Scott said. [South Florida Business Journal] — Mike Seemuth