• The George V

• The Ritz

• The Hotel Du Bois

Miami Beach

• The Ritz-Carlton

• The LOEWS

• The Delano

Underwent a $200 million renovation in 2000 after it was bought by another Arab sheikh. The Arab sheikhs all have their own luxury hotels now, became sort of chic to have that in the late 1990s. It made business sense because they would always book half of the hotel anyway when they travel with their 50+ personal staff. At the same time, they tried to top each other in terms of luxury and decadence. The George V was the latest of these adventures, so expect plenty of expensive marble, gold, and luxury.

It's still in walking distance from my place (about 15 mins).

Since 1898 the most exclusive address in Paris. Amazing old building, superb decoration and excellent restaurant. THE place to be! www.ritz.com

Hotel Ritz
Place Vendôme
F-75001 Paris

phone +33 (1) 43 16 30 70
fax +33 (1) 43 16 36 68
email resa@ritzparis.com

Double room around $500. You can even stay at the Coco Chanel Suite, where the famous fashion designer used to live for over 30 years (that is slightly more expensive :-). 

Hotel Du Bois

Just across the street. Small Parisian rooms - not very luxurious, but close. The place to go if you are on a budget.

Hotel Du Bois
11, rue du Dôme (angle 29 av Victor-Hugo)
F-75116 Paris

phone +33 (1) 45 00 31 96
fax +33 (1) 45 00 90 05
email hoteldubois@wanadoo.fr

Rates from $82 (small room w/ shower) to $115 (superior room w/ bath). Definitely take the superior room, even that is small enough.

Ritz-Carlton

In 2003, after 5 years of construction and multiple stops of construction due to financial problems, the Ritz-Carlton opened in the historic DiLido building.

LOEWS

American-style hotel: BIG (800 rooms) & new (1998).

Delano

Still the "hippest" hotel on the beach - due to the the joint efforts of "club scene hotelier" Ian Shrager and famous French designer Philippe Starck. Celebrity crowd at the bar in the evenings. Too expensive for what you get, but hey, isn't coming to Miami about forgetting that you are on a budget?

Delano Hotel 1685 Collins Ave. Miami Beach, FL 33139 phone +1 (305) 673-2900