Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/37469
gram. Today, however, “We are in the center of the new performing arts and entertainment district,” said Arellano, noting that the hotel hosted the NFL during the 2009 Super Bowl. Several of the new features include a new executive boardroom and updates to the 20,000 sq. ft. of indoor space, with its 23 meeting rooms. The hotel also has updated its 9,300-sq. ft. Grand Ballroom and its outdoor bay and pool terrace that also serves as meeting and event venues. In an effort to provide even better service to its guests, the hotel also has updated its Concierge Lounge on the 26th Floor. The 2,000-sq. ft. lounge serves conti- nental breakfast and cockatiel service daily (Monday- Friday). If visiting Miami, be sure to check out some of the great restaurants, shops and attractions located nearby, many accessible by the MetroMover, bus or cab. Highly recommended are Michael’s Genuine Food and Drink for brunch in the Design District and Half Moon Empanadas, a South Beach icon. Be sure check out, as well, Dolores, but you can call tration of art deco buildings in the world. If you’re lucky, tour guide Susan Fernandez, with the Miami Design Preservation League, will be out and about thrilling visitors with her delight- ful 90-minute guided walking tour. You’ll see the hotel once owned by Al Capone and learn why Miami was never “dry” during Prohibition. You’ll learn about the five main architectural styles n the area, including Mediterranean Revival; Classical Art Deco; Streamline Modern; Tropical Deco; and Mimo, short for Miami Modern. Highly recommended also is a visit to Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, at 3251 South Miami Ave. The winter home of International Harvester Vice President James Deering, Vizcaya was built between 1914 and 1916 and was designed to resemble a typical northern Italian village. Vizcaya contains one of the finest collections of 16th through 19th century European decorative arts and the surrounding grounds and formal gardens are only surpassed by a breathtaking view of the Biscayne Bay. Be sure to stop by the dining room to view the stunning tapestries that were once owned by the English poet Robert Browning. Also look for the lion griffths that support the marble table nearby. They are said to be from volcano-ravaged city of Pompeii. me Lolita, a funky international fusion cuisine restaurant built in the Mediterranean Revival style of the time. If you are a history buff, you’ll enjoy a visit to the Miami Beach Art Deco Architectural Historic District in South Beach that has the largest concen- Finally, if you like cruises, Island Queen Cruises will take visi- tors on a 90-minute cruise where you can see incredible homes owned by celebrities such as Julio Iglesia, Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs; Oprah Winfrey; and Gloria Estefan. For more information about Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay, visit www.marriottbiscaynebay.com. Black Meetings & Tourism July/August 2011: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 15