I want to get away… I want to fly away… Miami, you won’t want to fly anywhere after you heard what sex-symbol-musician Lenny Kravitz has rolled up his sleeves. Our Miami native is teaming up with legendary hotel designer Philippe Starck, to embark on the long-awaited SLS hotel come spring 2012 to South Beach at 17^th and Collins Avenue.

Founder and CEO Sam Nazarian—who came into the hospitality scene as a Los Angels club operator, has certainly built up his reputation as well as his company—sbe over the years and blown up the L.A restaurant and hotel industry. With the first SLS hotel in Beverley Hills, this will be the second location while the brand quickly expands west again, back to Las Vegas (soon to be 3^rd location). The lush yet trendy hotel plans to open up its doors in March of 2012, just in time for spring break and bikini time in scorching hot South Beach.

So, why choose Lenny Kravitz at of all people? Simply because that’s what Nazarian has envisioned when he thinks about creating a hip cool hotel on one of the hottest blocks South Beach has, putting forth that cool-sexy vibe that SOBE needs around town

Though, Kravitz isn’t the only thing big name that Nazarian has rolled up his sleeve, aboard he has people—like Philippe Starck, who originally helped develop the boutique hotel concept back in the 80’s along side hotel entrepreneur Ian Schrager. Next on the list Nazarian also has, Jose Andres, or nationally known, ultimate chef behind the Beverly Hills SLS restaurant Bazaar. And last but not least he brought along Katsuya Uechi, which is the sushi chef that created the brands ever growing and popular Katsuya restaurant.

Oh! But wait, we can’t forget about who’s going to be running the joint—well as for a general manager Nazarian managed get his hands on Albert Mertz (former GM for the W South Beach). Mertz comes from a well-established hospitality background, before joining the W South Beach he was managing the Raleigh Hotel, which is also part of the Andres Balazs’ lux hotel group as well as his worked with the Mandarin Oriental and The Ritz-Carlton brand.

Kravitz Design Inc. is the rock-stars seven-year old design firm that is tasking in creating an elite bungalow and penthouse suite that will be a high demand with Miami Heat team players, local celebrities, along with socialites who call Miami their play town.

In the latest press release—Starch claims Lenny to be a “weapon of massive construction.” Kravitz is a true and Loyal Miami local, having Miami be his rocket launcher for his musical career. Kravitz Design Inc. helped come up with the concept for the Delano’s famous Florida Room lounge.

The polish SLS hotel will be located directly across the Delano (the Schrager-Starch masterpiece that helped shaped South Beach), will grace guest with 132 rooms, and plus 10 sleek bungalow suites close by the pool. The décor include white-on-white palate with color accent flooring, stone and or artwork. The boutique hotel will surely be like something South Beach’s other boutique hotels haven’t seen before, embellished with psychedelic styling and moody lighting. The hotel is one that’s meant for the art inclined personal.

Seems like the SLS will have some tough competition, contenders like the W South beach as well as other boutique hotels in the area.

[Source: ww.usatoday.com]

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