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The Tides: A Versace Era South Beach original gets better with time

September 2, 2004 at 8:13 AM | 0 Comments

As everyone knows, next to being rich, there is nothing better than traveling on a generous expense account.  If you fall into either category (or even better, both) there is no sexier hotel in Miami Beach The Tides over in SOBE.  The boutique hotel with only 40 rooms presides over the fabulously tacky yet beautiful Ocean Drive like a cool New Yorker slumming in a dive bar.

The Tides, a confection of crisp lines and white on white, was one of the first hip hotels on the Beach. Owned and renovated by Island records founder Chris Blackwell, the hotel has played host to everyone from Bob Marley, to U2 to Britney Spears.  And speaking of celebs with ill fated marriages, it was also the site of the doomed month long honeymoon of Jennifer Lopez and the star of "I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here", Chris Judd.  Unfortunately for Judd & J Lo checked out of the marriage, and the Tides, at roughly the same time.  Nonetheless, the rooms (like the bill) are huge.  Each one has an ocean view and a telescope so you can scope out your spot on the beach across the street.  There are also two excellent restaurants - One off the lobby and the other on the front terrace (which is perfect for drinks).  There is a very nice pool in back that is the ideal spot to read or just be alone as it is always deserted with people opting for the beach instead.

Finally, one small caveat to women taking their husbands here, know your boy well, this is not the place to go if you suspect your hubby might be a friend of Gov. McGreevy, as there is Ocean Drive's only outdoor gay bar next door and the gay beach is directly across the street.  But it is the place to go if you are looking for an extremely friendly staff, luxury accommodations and fantastic people watching with none of the madness of other SOBE hot spots such as The Raleigh or The Shore Club.