Menin Development Celebrates The Grand Opening Of The Ray Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton In Delray Beach

Hilton has announced the opening of The Ray Hotel Delray Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton, a 141-room design-focused tropical luxury hotel, located in the Pineapple Grove Arts District, in the center of downtown Delray Beach. The first ever hotel project by leading developer, Menin, features beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites with artistic accents, an expansive rooftop pool deck with a restaurant and bar, lush landscaping, a robust wellness program and state-of-the-art fitness center and immersive art installations throughout the public spaces. The hotel’s sustainable Tropical Modern architecture by González Architects, is punctuated with living walls, large-scale sculptures, and flexible private event space including the signature ‘floating glass cube’. Designed as a perfect retreat of upscale, playful yet comforting experiences, The Ray embodies tropical luxury in an urban beach town setting.

“The Ray Hotel sets a new standard for upscale, design-focused hospitality in Delray Beach and serves as a modern South Florida escape for visitors and residents of the area,” said Craig Menin, chief executive officer of Menin. “It has been a long year for everyone, and this grand opening is a monumental moment that we share with the city and all the incredible partners who have helped make this vision a reality.”

Designed by Virserius Studio, each room is spacious and well-appointed with signature Ray beds that are dressed in eucalyptus linens and for ultimate relaxation, all baths feature Frette towels and robes, Waterworks fixtures, and Byredo bath products. The modern and eclectic aesthetic is achieved from the custom-made furniture and hand-woven rugs to beadboard paneling and large pendant light fixtures throughout the space evoking an upscale beachside feel. The bright bathrooms introduce hand-carved marble wainscoting and The Ray’s all-natural signature bath amenities. State-of-the-art technology appears throughout the room from digital key entry, energy-efficient lighting controls and mobile device control for TV and room service.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome The Ray Hotel Delray Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton to our portfolio of hotels in Florida – where Hilton currently welcomes guests to 440 properties across the state, and has seen exceptional growth, with another 110 hotels in the pipeline, thanks to the market’s appeal for leisure, business and convention guests,” said Danny Hughes, executive vice president and president, Americas, Hilton. “The hotel’s central location, best-in-class restaurants and elevated amenities will inspire all types of global travelers to discover Delray Beach and experience Hilton’s signature hospitality.”

The hotel’s global and diverse culinary offerings are at the heart of The Ray experience. Curated by Clique Hospitality, the hotel features Ember Grill, a modern twist on the classic American grill style restaurant and Rosewater Rooftop, a premier lounge and restaurant where guests can enjoy shareable small plates, fresh seafood, and expertly crafted cocktails, both designed by Studio Munge. The 22,000 square-foot-space, Rosewater Rooftop, features one of the destination’s only rooftop pools accented with sweeping baldachins, oversized umbrellas, trellises, and pergolas married to a lush tree canopy providing shade and distinct lounging areas throughout the space. An artisanal coffee shop, Stingers, also designed by Virserius Studio, offers coffee, tea, and breakfast fare while the lobby bar provides a sophisticated and intimate backdrop where guests can relax and enjoy a signature cocktail, light bites, or end the evening with a nightcap. Akira Back, designed by Celano Design, set to open in December 2021, will provide a multi-sensory modern Japanese dining experience led by the Michelin-starred chef, Akira Back.

The rooftop, a 22,000 square-foot floating glass Cube, and 9,550 square-foot ground floor plaza makeup over 45,000 square-feet of indoor/outdoor event space. The property boasts a state-of-the-art fitness center, fitness classes offered by our local partners, Montana Method, Purlife, and Delray Beach Boxing Club, yoga in the Plaza or on the Cube Rooftop, available for hotel guests and locals to enjoy. For those wanting to venture out, the hotel is blocks from the famed Atlantic Avenue filled with boutique shops, restaurants and galleries and a short ride to the beach to enjoy complimentary beach cabanas on the hotel’s vibrantly dressed, complimentary Mokes, golf carts, or bicycles. The Ray has partnered with local small business Nomad Surf Shop to provide surfboard and paddleboard rentals.

“The charm and character of the community has been thoughtfully captured at The Ray Delray Beach, which is characteristic of the more than 100 unique hotels and resorts that make up Curio Collection,” said Jenna Hackett, global head, Curio Collection by Hilton. “The Ray Hotel is a great addition to our portfolio of handpicked, one-of-a-kind hotels, which continues to exude the sense of culture and personality of this delightful Florida beach town.”

The Ray Hotel Delray Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton is located at 233 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33444.

Newgard Development Group Completes The Sold-Out Gale Residences Fort Lauderdale Beach

Newgard Development Group has completed the Gale Residences Fort Lauderdale Beach, the 129-unit hotel-condo project which is located at 401 Bayshore Drive and part of the Gale Boutique Hotel & Residences project. Closings are expected to begin soon with a roughly $100 million sell-out. The residential part of the project, Gale Residences, first received its TCO in May 2017 and the hotel component of the project is expected to open by the end of 2018. In total, Gale Hotel & Residences will feature 129 residential suites and 96 hotel rooms. Harvey Hernandez' Newgard Development Group partnered with Dev Motwani's Merrimac Ventures on the project and construction was financed via a $35.6 million construction loan provided by HSF.

The Residences portion of the project rises 12-stories and features 122-suites ranging from one to three bedroom layouts, 800 SF - 2,100 SF, as well as 7 two-story beach homes. Amenities include a residents-only pool, gym, club room, movie theater, valet and and electric car-charging stations. Pricing ranged from $450,000 to $1.4 million and sales first launched in early 2015.

Construction is currently underway at the adjacent Escape Hotel, which helped launch Fort Lauderdale into prominence as a vacation destination upon opening in 1951, as it is being restored as the hotel portion of the Gale Boutique Hotel & Residences. Newgard Development Group closed on a $19.15 million construction loan to renovate the aging structure in early 2018. The financing, a first lien construction loan, was provided by the Dallas-based HALL Structure Finances (HSF). Menin Hospitality will manage the hotel upon opening. 

Top 10 Hotel Pools in Miami

1. Mondrian South Beach Hotel & Residences

Hands down the best place to spend sunset in Miami with unobstructed views over Biscayne Bay to Downtown Miami. A full-size pool and a splash pool with hammocks and cabanas accompanied by a DJ make Mondrian South Beach a Sunday hot-spot.

2. The Delano

Capped off with the iconic garden table and chair in the shallow end of the oversized pool, Ian Shrager's design continues to live true. A classic Miami Beach setting with pool side cabanas, bungalows and a bar keep the Delano pool a lively affair. 

3. SLS South Beach

The SLS South Beach is one of the most style Art Deco updated hotels on the Miami Beach. The dual pools in the back are not exception. A calm, hotel style pool sits right behind the hotel, followed by the crazy Hyde Beach, which features real sand in the lounge areas and a party scene. 

4. 1 Hotel South Beach

1 Hotel features one of the best pool set-ups in Miami. Upstairs, one of the largest rooftop pools in North America is matched with a full-service lounge and a surreal atmosphere and views of the skyline and Atlantic Ocean. Downstairs a huge pool deck with cabanas and beach access make the resort a must see.  

5. The Standard Lido Beach Hotel & Spa

Another bayside hotspot, The Stand Lido Beach Hotel & Spa almost blends the bay with the pool. The buzzing atmosphere, luscious gardens and amazing sunset views make the hotel's pool a special place. A full-service experience is best capped off in the spa. 

6. The Setai

3 different pools with 3 different temperatures makes the pool experience at The Setai pure luxury. A 75 degree lap pool, 85 degree adults-only pool and a 95 degree family pool make sure everyone is covered. You can even order poolside service through their app to make sure you don't have to move a muscle as you relax. 

7. W Hotel South Beach

A true Miami Beach atmosphere a W Hotel South Beach. WET provides a full menu and all the rose and cocktails you could want. Cabanas, tropical landscaping and a DJ keep you comfortable as you enjoy the vibrant scene. Slip out to the beach if you want a change of scenery right to the back. 

8. The Four Seasons Hotel Miami

It might be right in the middle of Brickell, but The Four Seasons Hotel Miami makes you feel as if you are far from any city. A full-size pool and a wading pool let you choose how to spend your time. Hammocks, cabanas, lush landscaping and access to Equinox Sports Club keeps separate it from the rest. 

9. The Biltmore

One of the largest pools in the continental U.S. with over 600,000 gallons of water and 23,000 SF have kept The Biltmore's pool one of the finest in Miami since it rose to fame in the 1930's. The Biltmore doesn't have the party scene that the pools in South Beach have, so you can relax and escape in tranquility. 

10. W Hotel Miami

After recently transitioning from the Viceroy Miami to W Hotel Miami, Club 50 has never been better. The rooftop pool is one of the only in Brickell and has amazing views of the Brickell and Downtown Miami skylines. DJ's and full-service make Club 50's rooftop pool a perfect place to party. 

Gale Residences Fort Lauderdale to Break Ground Next Week

Newgard Development Group's 401 Bayshore Drive Gale Residences Fort Lauderdale Beach has reached over 70% sold and will break ground next week. The project is a 12 story, 129 unit luxury condo residence with a 96 unit boutique hotel, all operated under the Gale brand by Menin Hospitality. The construction will preserve the beachfront landmark structure from 1948.

Units in the residences range from 1 to 3 bedrooms and 800 to 2,100 SF. Opening price points are in the low $500,000s. The building will be modern and tech savvy, amenities include smart building technology, electric vehicle charging stations and electric bikes. There will also be resort style amenities, both shared with the hotel and private for residents. a state-of-the-art fitness center, outdoor fitness enter, rooftop pool and lounge.

Menin Hospitality to Open Al's Diner in Iconic Former Firestone Service Station

Menin Hospitality continues to grow its footprint on Miami Beach as it has added yet another project to its rapidly growing portfolio. Al's Diner, a 24 our eatery with gourmet treats will replace the iconic Firestone service station at 1500 Alton Road that opened in 1939. The shop opperated as a car service station until early 2016. The announcement brings Menin to 15 projects under operation. Late July, the Miami Beach City Design Review Board approved a variance to convert the properties' zoning to mixed-use retail/ restaurant with outdoor café seating as well as take-out window. ARRP, an affiliate of Crescent Heights will fully restore the iconic cantilevered porte-cochère and the Firestone roof sign.

Menin Hospitality Enters Into Agreement to Manage The Mondrian South Beach Hotel & Residences

Menin Hospitality announced that The Mondrian South Beach Hotel & Residences would join its portfolio of Miami hot spots as management of the property would transfer from Morgans Hotel Group to Menin Hospitality. The hotel will keep the Mondrian name under a licensing agreement but Menin will add a new ballroom and has already updated and facelifted the pool and restaurant.  

This stylish 335 room hotel emulates old Hollywood glamour meets sophisticated modernism. The hotel got a $200 million renovation in 2008, charged by interior designer Marcel Wanders who aptly nicknamed his masterpiece “Sleeping Beauty’s Castle.” He mixed iconic black and white details like the laser cut floating staircase with gold, oversized fixtures to create a modern fantasy. Relax in the enchanting outdoor oasis of Mondrian that is enveloped by curtains of lush, green foliage. 

The Mondrian also uniquely offers residency, providing owners the opportunity to have the property managed by its hotel management group or rent out on your own via Airbnb.com. The high-turnover flexibility offers great returns for investors and high cap-rates. The condos offer full hotel service along with various discounts throughout the Morgan’s Group properties, and are move-in ready. They offer studios, one-bedrooms, and two-bedrooms with a bay view option starting at $271,000.