Cool Hunting

The latest addition to South Beach's strip of bigger, hotter and hipper hotels is the Gansevoort South, sister to the four year-old Gansevoort in Manhattan's Meatpacking district. Boasting a 110-foot roof deck pool, a David Barton gym (not yet open) and two restaurants by Philippe Chow (also soon to open), visitors familiar with the original Gansevoort will recognize a few features. While co-developers William and Michael Achenbaum and Arik Kislin may not be the first to import pieces of NYC to the south, their version is a slicker, splashier, more candy-colored experience compared to the lush gardens of the Raleigh down the street or the neighboring Setei's nouveau Zen.

Courtesy of the hotel, we recently had the chance to take in the new spot, located at the Northernmost end of South Beach. Pluses include spacious rooms (334 in all) with beds on par with the most luxurious and outfitted for the digerati with free WiFi, iPod-friendly sound systems and the requisite 40" flat screen. We also liked the mini tee-pees dotting the Stephane Dupoux-designed private beach level (the largest in Miami) and a stunning 50-foot fish tank in the lobby. (We were disappointed it wasn't filled exclusively with sharks, as pictured in magazines, but the rumor is that they're coming soon.)

The rooftop area has a few details worth noting as well, namely an 18 and over policy that makes for a more relaxing place to take in the sun and swim. Teak decking (also at the lower pool) and palms set the scene for taking in the sweeping views (it's on the 18th floor).

Rack rates start at $595, check out their site or call +1 305 604 1000 for details.