MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - Emilio and Gloria Estefan have officially reopened the historic Cardozo South Beach Hotel following years of renovations.
The Estefans celebrated the Art Deco hotel’s grand reopening along 13th Street and Ocean Drive, Wednesday.
“It isn’t the first remodel, but it is the most in-depth remodel that Emilio has done to the hotel,” said Gloria, “and this is his vision.”
The grand reopening follows a prior soft opening in May after years of renovations.
“Emilio has done an amazing job in these past three-and-a-half years remodeling the hotel,” said Gloria.
Over $15 million was spent to remodel the hotel.
The hotel now boasts 41 fully refurbished rooms and suites, a beautiful lobby and a brand new restaurant called BiCE Cucina.
“I mean, after so much work … I mean, we did the whole hotel from scratch,” said Emilio, “and the way we designed things, like the hotel is soundproofed. Everything is soundproofed.”
The new and improved rooms are streamlined with a comfortable, contemporary vibe. Some of the furniture and artwork even come from the Estefans’ private collection.
“I think it’s all about service, and to be sure that people are happy,” said Emilio.
The building has a rich history and once housed U.S. Army recruits and trainees during World War II. It also served as a set in several movies, including 1959’s “A Hole in the Head” with Frank Sinatra and “The Birdcage” with Robin Williams and Nathan Lane.
“When we did the whole renovation, we were so proud that we kept everything outside exactly like it was in the ’40s, and I think that’s a great thing,” said Emilio.
The hotel is now starting a new chapter with a new look, but the Estefans still have the same goals in mind.
“There’s just so many beautiful memories for us, 25 years worth of memories here,” said Gloria, “and now, we’ll make new ones.”
“We, as always, want to give back to this incredible city,” added Emilio. “We always wanted to give back to Miami. It’s a great feeling. What a day after so much work.”
The hotel is especially sentimental for the Estefans as Gloria promised her father as a little girl that she would one day buy it for him, and she did.
“When Gloria was, I think, 7 years old, she had a picture with her dad outside,” said Emilio, “and told her dad, ‘Dad, one day, I’m going to buy that hotel for you.'”
The Estefans have owned the hotel since the ’90s.
FOR MORE INFO:
Cardozo South Beach
1300 Ocean Dr.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
786-577-7600
www.cardozohotel.com
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