Tradewinds Apartment Hotel - Living Social Escapes Deal

'Viva La Vino' - Tonight at the Catalina!

TONIGHT is the night! 'Viva La Vino' wine tasting event at The Catalina Hotel. We can't wait to see you there!

Travel Zoo Deal of The Week!

Taco Beach Shack and Travel Zoo partners to offer a great deal!

The Deal

After a day at the beach, recharge with a Mexican dinner for two people at Taco Beach Shack in Hollywood, which opened last November with Dwyane Wade's former personal chef in the kitchen. For $25, this deal includes a meal for two people, plus a pitcher of sangria, regularly up to $58.

Select from Taco Beach Shack's entire menu, which the Sun Sentinel says "rises above the usual Tex-Mex." Grab a seat on the rooftop, sidewalk patio or in the tented outdoor lounge and order:

• Chips with guacamole, pico de gallo or nacho cheese to share

• Any two entrees, like the grilled mahi taco combo (served with rice, beans and an ear of seasoned corn) that the Miami Herald called its "favorite dish." Alternately, order any combination of a la carte items (single tacos, quesadillas or burritos) up to $17 per diner

• A pitcher of sangria, made in-house with fresh fruits

Highlights
For $25, enjoy fresh Mexican fare for 2 people at Taco Beach Shack in Hollywood, regularly up to $58
Select any 2 entrees (or combo of a la carte items) plus chips with guacamole or salsa
This deal also includes a pitcher of homemade sangria
The Miami Herald calls Taco Beach Shack a "sandy oasis" with a "festive" menu

The Fine Print
Vouchers can be redeemed starting Tuesday, Aug. 9, through Nov. 30, 2011. Reservations are not required. Valid for dine-in only. Must be used in 1 visit. Tax and gratuity are not included. Must be 21 or older to drink alcohol. This deal cannot be combined with any other offers. No cash value or cash back

Here's the link. Buy NOW before time runs out!

http://www.travelzoo.com/local-deals/deal/4164?mpch=ads

This is what the Palm Beach Post had to say about this great offer...

http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/travelsmart/2011/08/04/25-s-florida-mexican-dinner-for-2-wsangria-reg-58/

Miami Spice 2011

Miami Spice 2011 is a mouth-watering restaurant promotion showcasing the very best of Miami cuisine.

During August and September, Miami’s top restaurants offer three-course meals (Lunch $22, Dinner $35) featuring signature dishes created by world-renowned chefs. Discover the tropical fusion of ingredients that makes Miami dining so wonderfully out of the ordinary. An epicure’s paradise awaits you in Greater Miami and the Beaches!

Just A Few Restaurants Participating

660 at The Angler's (D)
920 Grill (D)
1500° at Eden Roc (D)
A Fish Called Avalon (D)
Ago Restaurant (L,D)
Asia de Cuba at Mondrian (L,D)
Baires Grill Resto (L,D)
Bistro One LR (D)
Blade at Fontainebleau Miami Beach (D)
BLT Steak at The Betsy (L,D)
Blue Door Fish at Delano (L,D)
Blue Sea at Delano (D)
Bond Street Lounge (D)
Cabana (D)
Canyon Ranch Grill (L,D)
Catch 10 Seafood Bistro (L,D)
Cecconi's (L)
China Grill Miami Beach (L,D)
De Rodriguez Cuba (D)
Deco Grill (L,D)
The Dining Room (D)
Eden South Beach (D)
Essensia Restaurant & Lounge (L,D)
Fogo de Chão Churrascaria (D)
The Forge Restaurant & Wine Bar (D)
Gotham Steak at Fontainebleau Miami Beach (D)
Hakkasan at Fontainebleau Miami Beach (L,D)
Kane Steakhouse (D)
Kung Fu Kitchen & Sushi (D)

D=Dinner L=Lunch

For more information on Miami Spice visit www.ilovemiamispice.com

The Catalina Hotel: Hot Deal of the Year!

The Catalina Hotel and Beach Club partners with Groupon for the best deal of the year.

What You Get

-Four-night stay for up to two adults in an On a Budget room, a Classic Comfort room, or a B-Room
-Complimentary bottle of sparkling wine
-Resort fees included
-$20 per day hotel food and drink voucher

Amenities

-Two pools
-Popular in-house restaurants
-Tempur-Pedic mattresses
-Loaner bicycles available
-Private beach club
-Airport shuttle provided
-Happy-hour drinks included
-WiFi access included

Value
$946
Discount
50%
You Save
$473

Buy NOW! This is only a 6 day deal. http://www.groupon.com/deals/ga-south-beach-hotel?c=all&p=0

Striking Luxury Hotel Steps from the Ocean

Across the street, where the warm Floridian surf melts into the beach, the colors span the spectrum—the blue of the salt water, the beige of the footprint-dappled sand, the infinite hues of beach towels and swimsuits. But at the Catalina Hotel & Beach Club, a simpler palette prevails: pure, dazzling white and rich, ruby red. The colors of heat. For the much-talked-about hotel, a regular destination for movie stars and other celebrities, it is a signature combination, one that confronts visitors the second they step in the lobby and examine its over-the-top glam décor and plush, modish furniture.

The color scheme continues in the On a Budget rooms, with their crisp red-and-white modern stylings and their 300-thread-count Belgian linens spread out across full-size Tempur-Pedic mattresses. Slipping on the provided cotton pique robes, guests can pad about their contemporary South Beach nests, sipping now and then from the provided bottle of sparkling wine or using the in-room WiFi to Skype with a neighbor’s cat. Based on availability, rooms will be upgraded to a boutique suite—either a Classic Comfort room, gussied up in dark-wood and ivory design, or a sleekly handsome, spacious B-Room offering the same amenities.

The call of the surf draws adventurers back out of their rooms and across the street, where they can work on their tans at the private Catalina Beach Club or splash in the bathwater-warm ocean waves. Those looking to stay closer to home can cannonball into the Catalina’s two pools—the exclusive-feeling rooftop pool or the happening, palm-shaded Bamboo pool. The rooftop poolside bar keeps swimmers refreshed from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and the popular in-house restaurants Maxine’s Bistro & Bar and Kung Fu Kitchen & Sushi tackle more sizeable culinary cravings with plates such as baked-meatball parmesan ($16 at Maxine’s) and szechuan eggplant ($15 at Kung Fu). Along with the lobby's Red Bar, Maxine’s and Kung Fu also host the hotel’s daily happy hour, stretching from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., during which unlimited complimentary well mixed drinks are shaken and stirred for registered, thirsty guests.

For More Information: http://www.groupon.com/deals/ga-south-beach-hotel?c=all&p=0

South Beach Group Hotels

Guests from Switzerland enjoying their meal at the Catalina Hotel.

All smiles at Maxine's Bistro

Enjoy live music while dining at Maxines

Arguably Maxine's best dish, Chicken Parm!

Shameless Burlesque Show at Kung Fu

Juggling during Shameless Burlesque show.

Kung Fu's Happy Hour Packed!

Sneaker Con

On Saturday, July 30th, The BankUnited Center is hosting Sneaker Con. According to Gabriela Garcia, "Sneaker Con, is a one-day convention where sneakerheads buy, sell, and trade hot kicks and gear, including plenty of special-edition and vintage stuff from more than 40 vendors."

Ever since LeBron landed on our golden shores, the Magic City has become a "go-to location for sneaker culture," says event founder Alan Vinogradov.

Who's Ready For Some Football?

The NFL lockout is officially over! "Football is back," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said Monday afternoon, "and that's great news for everybody." The Miami Dolphins will report to camp Friday at Nova Southeastern University at 11 A.M.. Chris Perkins says, "The 2011 NFL Lockout is an amazing study. Wealthy owners feuded with wealthy players during a recession. People are still losing their houses, jobs haven't returned. But Americans wanted the NFL, and the NFL is delivering."

With the lockout over, Miami Dolphin fans are able to take the weight off their backs, relax, and get ready for an amazing season. The Dolphins are a huge part of the Miami community, and we'd all love to see a ring at the end of the season!

Guests Just Have a Blast When Hanging at a South Beach Group Property

Beautiful girls enjoying a cocktail at Kung Fu Sushi Bar

Kung Fu Bar swamped During happy hour. Guests love to mingle before they go out in town!

New York Crew having a few rolls at Kung Fu Sushi!

Girls Checking into Hotel Shelley for their friends 21st birthday weekend! I saw them all weekend and they were having a blast!

Burlesque Dancers put on an Amazing show for guests enjoying their meal at Kung Fu last tuesday night. Be sure to come by every weekend to see a cool, weird, freaky show! Pure entertainment!

Red Bar packed at the Catalina Hotel. Photo taken on iphone. Couldn't pass down a great shot. Also be aware that the Red Bar proudly brews Star Bucks Coffee and serves fresh bagels delivered daily from New York Bagel Deli. Come have a expresso and bagel with me in the morning!

Once again.... Kung Fu bar slammed for our 7-8 happy hour. Guest love the strong drinks and meeting new people every night! Come by and check it out! Maybe try some Mongolian Beef, or some of our amazing shrimp fried rice. Our happy hour from 5-8 has some of the best appetizers you will ever taste... Chicken Potstickers or even salted edamame! The best!

Betty Bangs Event Huge Success at the Catalina Hotel and Beach Club

World Star Red Eye Said "Miami Beach, FL – July 14, 2011 – The Catalina Hotel & Beach Club and Betty Bangs Swimwear kicked-off Swim Week with a BANG ! The hotel transformed into a rock & roll fashion mecca during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Swim Week 2012. Hosted by Hotelier Nathan Lieberman and Designer Beth Gerharts, guests enjoyed a fun night of live music, rock & roll themed cocktails, a Pop Up Shop and none other than the Betty Bangs Show Pony models. Award-winning custom choppers by Warren Lane lined the entrance to The Maxine’s Bistro & Bar while close to 100 custom motorcycles lined up on Collins Avenue. Models adorning Betty Bangs new 2011 swim suits interacted with the crowd and posed for pictures shot by acclaimed photographer Joel Venge. Guests rocked out to live music by Video DJ Tom LaRoc with a live drum performance. The Maxine’s already stylish lounge transformed into a Betty Bangs Pop Up Shop. The pop up shop featured Betty Bangs’ new line as well as some of her more coveted rock & roll inspired vintage pieces. Sponsors included Skinvas make-up, VENGE media and Elements Entertainment."

For more images of these sick bikes and sexy girls check out http://worldredeye.com/2011/07/betty-bangs-bikinis-bikes/

Taco Beach Shack

I was in the mood for Mexican Food this weekend so after reading positive reviews and press releases, I decided to hit up a Hollywood hot spot called Taco Beach Shack at Hollywood Beach Hostel and Hotel.

When I got there, I saw them slow cooking all their meats which makes the flavor of every bite more tender and enjoyable.

I really wanted to try the wings and the soft shell crab taco. The wings were perfectly cooked and had a crunchy sensation in every bite. They had this homemade delicious tangy sauce topped off with parsley which gave them a unique taste.

The soft shell crab taco was one on a kind. The crab was tempured topped with their homemade salsa. The food was just incredible. The fact that they cook their meats for 15 hours makes everything better. I also tried the short rib mexican pizza that was out of this world. There is so much more on the menu that I can not wait to try when I go back.

The whole restaurant was outdoors and had a beachy, surfer kind of atmosphere.

It was surrounded with sand and beer pong tables. The drink specials were more then reasonable. It is probably a great place to go and hang out for happy hour with some friends and just have a good time.

The website .... http://www.tacobeachshack.com/ is well done meaning they put pride into what they have done. Check it out, its interesting.

South Beach Group Hotels partners with Living Social for the deal of the year!

- Is anyone looking for a .... great escape and a fusion with South Beach’s dining, nightlife, art museums, performing arts and beach access

- Is anyone looking for a ..... premiere property in South Beach with 4 star luxury boutique hotel

- Is anyone looking for an....instant vacation immersion into the best South beach has to offer

- Is anyone looking for .... some of the best sand on earth with clear warm relaxing ocean water

The Greater Philadelphia Area QVC is showcasing the most phenomenal deal a South Beach Group Hotel has to offer. Tune into:
CBS3: 12PM - 1:30PM Live Broadcast
NBC10: 1:30PM - 3PM Live Broadcast
CBS3 & NBC10: 7PM - 8PM Live Broadcast

Or check livingsocial.com after saturday to book your stay.

http://escapes.livingsocial.com/deals/57149-south-beach-art-deco-hotel .... You think you missed it... think again. This deal was such a hit were doing it all over!

The City of Miami Beach Boys U15 Travel Soccer

South Beach Group hotels was a proud sponsor of The City of Miami Beach Boys U15 Travel Soccer. The team has concluded the 2010-2011 season with a 4th place finish at the US Youth Soccer National President’s Cup tournament!

The team advanced through the four-month long post season competition leading to the National tournament with an undefeated record- wining the South Florida Region A Cup Championship in March, which qualified them for the Florida President’s Cup in April, where they emerged as State Champions! Miami Beach then advanced to the US Youth Soccer Region III President’s Cup held in Decatur, Alabama as the representative from the state of Florida, where 12 teams from 11 different states faced off for the regional championship- and Miami Beach was again victorious, winning the Championship with a dramatic flair including two penalty shootout victories over Alabama and North Carolina! After qualifying for the US Youth Soccer National President’s Cup tournament on July 7th in Des Moines, Iowa, the team’s dream season came to a close, and Miami Beach ended the season as the 4th best team in the Nation!

Way to go guys.. we look forward to bringing it next season!

Miami Splash: Dive Into Fashion

Ladies & Gentlemen.

I wish to officially announce a very special upcoming event ... "Miami
Splash: Dive Into Fashion" Swimwear Showcase, which will take place
during the weekend of July 15th - 17th, 2011, at the Catalina Hotel &
Beach Club, in Miami Beach, FL.


Presented by Xpozure Modeling/Media and Rogues Gallery Presents.


Sponsored by NUVO Sparkling Liqueur -- www.sparklingnuvo.com




The "Miami Splash: Dive Into Fashion" Swimwear Showcase will include
... fashion show, luxury and one-of-a-kind product and service
exhibits, receptions, live internet web castings, special packages
including massage and facial at the Catalina Hotel & Beach Club in
South Beach, gourmet dinners, cocktails, parties, world-class
entertainers and fashionistas, buyers and retailers, national and
international press ... and much, much more!

Betty Bangs Party kicks off Swim Week 2011

THE CATALINA HOTEL & BETTY BANGS SWIMWEAR
INVITES GUESTS TO KICK-OFF SWIM WEEK 2011
Betty Bangs Swimwear Rocks The Catalina Hotel With A Bikini & Bike Event and Pop Up Shop
WHO/WHAT:
The Catalina Hotel & Beach Club and Betty Bangs Swimwear have teamed up to kick-off Swim Week with a fun night of live music, rock & roll themed cocktails, a Pop Up Shop and none other than the Betty Bangs Show Pony models. Award-winning custom choppers by Warren Lane will set the scene to kick-off the Bikini & Bike evening in high gear as they line up on Collins Avenue. Models adorning Betty Bangs new 2011 swim suits will participate in an interactive photo shoot with acclaimed photographer Joel Venge. Guests will enjoy live music by Video DJ Tom LaRoc and drink specials at the hotel’s Maxine’s Bistro & Bar.

The Catalina, located on Collins Avenue, directly across from the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Swim Week headquarters, will be morphing into a fashion mecca during Swim Week. The hotel will play host to a Betty Bangs Pop Up Shop. The Maxine’s already stylish lounge will be transformed into a swimsuit boutique. The pop up shop will feature Betty Bangs’ new line as well as some of her more coveted rock & roll inspired vintage pieces. Designer Beth Gerharts will be taking orders for couture bikinis.
The Bikini & Bike event and Betty Bangs Pop Up Shop will be held on Thursday, July 14th from 8 p.m. to midnight at Maxine’s Bistro & Bar and coincides with the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Swim Week, located directly across the street from the hotel. Sponsors partnering with the event include Skinvas make-up, VENGE media and Elements Entertainment.

WHEN:
Thursday, July 14, 2011
8:00 p.m. to Midnight

***Photo Opportunity***
WHERE: The Catalina Hotel & Beach Club
Maxine’s Bistro & Bar
1756 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139
305.674.1160
www.catalinasouthbeach.com

What to do on a Tuesday Night on Miami Beach

TUESDAY picks:

Maxine's Bistro & Bar- 2-for1 Drinks Cocktail Crazie
Franklin rocks Classics: Smooth Tuesdays 6 to 10PM also enjoy the 2-4-1 drinks!!

Kung Fu Sushi- 3-8PM 2-4-1 Drinks

Tuesdays @ Florida Room, Delano Hotel
Lenny Kravitz designed lounge with glass piano. Basement level of Delano Hotel.
Open Format. 1685 Collins Ave.

Tuesday @ Arkadia
Open format. Free BBQ poolside 10-12.
Text Dana 207.807.5453 for expedited entry/bottles, metion Tyrell.
4441 Collins (Fountainbleau Hotel)

Cos Play Tuesday @ Sushi Samba
No Cover. At night the sushi bar gets transformed into a runway for guest dancers and contortionists! 600 Lincoln Rd.

Tuesday @ The Wall
W Hotel 22nd & Collins

Jazz @ Jazid
Felipe Lamoglia Quinted. 1342 Washinton

Reggae w/ Jean P Jam @ Van Dyke Cafe
No Cover. 846 Luncoln (upstairs)

Mango's
Caribbean/Salsa, 9th and Ocean Drive

Planeta Macho @ Score
Latin gay night. 727 Lincoln Road

Lapdance @ Cameo
Hip Hop. 1445 Washington Ave-Passes Available at The Catalina Hotel

Karaoke @ Studio
Shelbourne Beach Resort 1801 Collins Ave.

Reggae Night @ Love/Hate
DJ and sometimes live bands. No Cover! No dress code. Ladies drink free until midnight. $1 shots, $4 beers.

Trivia Night @ A-Braxas
9PM SHARP. Groups of 4. *Win a bar tab!
407 Meridian Ave.

2 for Tuesdays @ Primp Salon
Come with a friend and you both get 20% off! 11am-11pm. DJ and free cocktails 7-11pm. Tell them Tyrell invited you!
407 15th Street (Near Washington)

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Swim Week 2011

This week Miami Beach is filling up with thousands of fashion industry professionals. The activities of Swim Week begin on July 14th at the Raleigh Hotel. Christina Neault, Executive Producer of the event for IMG Fashion says, " This season Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim brings the most international roster of swimwear designers to date. As the swimwear industry continues to grow globally, we are thrilled to provide a platform for designers from around the world to show their collections. Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim will be featuring designs from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Columbia, France, Peru and the United States."

Mariatetta, a writer on Miami.com wrote that the fashion shows will include collections from: White Sands Australia, Poko Pano, Beach Nunny Swimwear, Crystal Jin, L*Space by Monica Wish, Wildfox Swimwear, Dolores Cortes, Mara Hoffman Swim, Aqua Di Lara, A Che, Natori, Cia.Maritma, Luli Fama, Luxe by Lisa Vogel, Lisa Blue, Aguaciara, Aquarella, A.Z Araujo, Kooey Swimwear Austarlia, Nicolita and True Religion.

"Five days of "invitation-only" shows and events will see over 12,000 journalists, photographers, buyers, and VIPs pass through two full runway venues: the Cabana Grande and the Oasis, which provide an optimal show venue to over twenty designers. The Oasis will also be home to fully-decked cabanas hosted by Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim official sponsors as well as sexy and comfortable seating areas for the fun and fashionble to lounge while mingling with the industry's elite."

Polo Team Sponsored by The Catalina Hotel and Beach Club

Maxines Bistro and Bar only at The Catalina Hotel and Beach Club

Apparently breakfast isn't the only thing Maxines in known for, their lunch menu was just as amazing. I was in the mood for a burger and decided to get a late lunch. I walked up to the hostess at Maxines and was immediately seated. Although most of the tables were taken outside and seemed live, I chose to sit inside in the air conditioning! The acoustic guitar player, hip furniture, and energetic staff made me get the chills. It was such a one of a kind, unique place to eat. The menu was big and had everything from fresh squeezed orange juice to drink, chicken parm for dinner, and even 10 to 12 different burger varieties. All the burgers seemed interesting so it was hard to make a decision. They had an Obama burger with Red tomatoes, White onions, and Blue cheese. That almost caught my appetite until I saw the Israeli burger...Hummus and pickles on a burger sounds so amazing. I finally made the decision to try the Jamaican burger because Jamaica is my favorite country! It was a huge 10 oz. burger with BBQ jerk sauce and an onion ring. It sounded mouth watering and I just couldn't wait for my order to be ready. Surprisingly, about 10 minutes later, my server brought out my burger. Each bite was filled with flavor. The BBQ jerk sauce made a tremendous difference. The fries were crispy and the side salad was just right. Everything was perfect for my lunch experience at Maxines. Great service, great vibe, great music, great energy, and again, a one of a kind experience. Looking forward to trying all of the burgers on the menu...actually everything on the menu.

EVENT SCHEDULE

MAXINE'S BISTRO & BAR

Live Nightly Entertainment
6 PM to 10 PM
on the front terrace

Acoustic Mondays
an acoustic journey with Fabi playing Carribean Jazz & Reggae
$10 special on any pasta bowl and only $20 for a bottle of house wine

Smooth Tuesdays
flow with Franklin rocking classic cover songs
2-4-1 Cocktails all night long

Samba Wednesdays
enjoy the latin flavor of Brazilian Jazz by Rose Max & Ramatis
delicious Caipirinha's for only $7!!

Thursday Funk
the SoBe local's love the Miami Project Band chill jazz vibe
$10 special for a classic burger with a draft beer

Get Your Fix Fridays
the best hits of the 80's and 90's by guitarist Mike Colucci on the terrace
DJ Chris Video in the lounge spinning Hip Hop, R&B and 80's
only $10 for Quesadillas and a Mezcal Margarita

Old Skool Saturdays
Big Poppa E and the E Band delivering funk and fresh jazz on the terrace
the best old skool Hip Hop by DJ Sage in the lounge
$10 special includes chicken wings and an icy cold draft beer

Simply Sundays
the Jay Blues Band playing all your favorite cover songs
get a Simple Simon Cheese Pizza and draft beer for just $10!!

Also, don't miss out on Jazz Brunch every Saturday and Sunday at Maxine's!

Mineur de Jazz featuring Zach Larmer and Sam Hall...playing acoustic jazz, heavily influenced by the gypsy jazz style, originating in France. Every Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM.

Awarding winning musician Arthur Barron on saxophone and flute along with special guests perform an entertaining repertoire of hip mainstream jazz, blues and Latin jazz every Sunday from 10 AM to 1 PM - best jazz pick in South Beach!

"Like Us" on FACEBOOK!

South Beach Group Hotels loves all of our facebook fans. We want to show you all how much we appreciate you guys for checking out our page and "liking" us! For a limited time, YOU can come by any of our hotels, show the front desk that you now officially "like" South Beach Group Hotels, and we will give you a complimentary drink ticket! Tell all of your friends to "like" the coolest hotel group in South Beach. Help Us get to 10,000 fans! You guys mean the world to us.

Come Party At the Catalina Hotel and Beach Club this weekend!

Miss Independence July 4th Weekend Party!

Kung Fu Freak Show Thursday's

Hey all, this picture is from last nights Freak Show at Kung Fu Sushi and Kitchen. We had 5 girls dancing to exotic music and blowing fire. The girls will be there tonight doing amazing stunts while you sit back, relax, and enjoy a delicious meal by our fabulous new chef. Feel free to take pictures and videos and post them to our blog. We want to know what you think about this unique entertainment. Stay tuned for information about upcoming events at South Beach Group hotels!

Welcome

Hey guys,

Welcome to the new South Beach Group Hotels blog. We are a group of nine boutique hotels in Miami Beach. This blog will include pictures, videos, reviews, and feedback from guests staying at each property. We will also keep everyone informed of local events, activities, entertainment, and nightlife on South Beach. If anyone has any questions about these hotels, we encourage you to ask. YOUR opinion matters.

Our selection of boutique hotels in the heart of Miami Beach are all true South Beach historic hotels. South Beach Hotel Group offers accommodations from economy hotels suited for the budget minded traveler to upscale hotels that accommodate the most sophisticated visitors.