This is the first hotel in North America to implement this kind of technology in a meeting and events space.
MIAMI BEACH – W South Beach, Miami’s most iconic hotel, unveils its $6 million ballroom and meeting space renovation. Equipped with innovative 360 projection technology, the space, a
first-of-its-kind for a hotel in North America, can recreate virtually any ambiance and experience – from a fully immersive underwater oceanic moment to the backdrop of any city around the world – ushering in a new era of elevated events and experiences.
The 3D-mapping technology combines the art of storytelling, visual and audio effects, and technical precision to transform the 4,300-square-foot blank canvas ballroom into any setting, allowing guests to embark on a captivating journey, likened to L’Atelier des Lumiéres in Paris.
“Imagine stepping into the ballroom and being instantly transported to the streets of London, the beaches in Rio, or the enchanting gardens of Kyoto,” said Rick Ueno, General Manager of W South Beach. “For a decade, we’ve been the social center of Miami’s major cultural events – Art Basel, Miami Swim Week and others – so it was time to up the ante and transform the way events and meetings are conducted on the beach.”
The built-in projection system requires light only – no complicated sets, heat, or UV emissions – and is fully customizable with pre-set color scenes and also offers a digital library of stills and video displays fit for weddings, parties, meetings and corporate gatherings including abstract digital art, lush green foliage, sunny beaches, still wallpaper effects, and celebratory party effects.
Technical Highlights
The ballroom space is more than 4,300 square feet and has the capacity to hold up to 250 people. It can be divided into two spaces for those looking for a more intimate setting. Customizable LED lighting is built into 12 ceiling coves and six wall arches, creating an energy efficient system that bypasses traditional venue-specific limitations to make the projection mapping come to life.
Four presentation projectors are built into the ceiling and can be used simultaneously with environment projectors. 24 built-in microphones (12 for each room) are affixed to the ceiling and provide state-of-the-art speech reinforcement and recording, allowing for seamless presentations. 32 audio speakers (16 for each room) offer a discrete design, premium aesthetics, and ultimate high performance. Each of the 52 pin spots (26 for each room) have an adjustable 6’ radius beam that is easily controlled and programmed to provide an elevated performance for the projection mapping.
W South Beach also offers three renovated studios that can each hold up to 60 people. The studios are equipped with 75” LCD monitors, wireless internet and HDMI connectivity, Ensenio Hotel TV channel for leisure viewing, and dimmable soft white LED and recess lighting. The three studios can be combined into one larger space as needed.
Known for its timeless allure on Collins Ave., W South Beach opened its doors in 2009, and quickly set the hospitality standard in Miami with the largest guest rooms on South Beach, each with balconies and expansive ocean views. Over the course of the decade, the hotel established itself as a celebrity magnet, played host to countless events for global brands and became a second home to the most discerning travelers from around the world. In November 2020, a $30 million renovation infused its 357 guest suites and best-in-class Away Spa, with a sense of calm that feels in-tune with Miami’s evolution. The hotel’s two iconic swimming pools, WET and Mini WET were refinished with the renovation with refreshed poolside cabanas.
The transformation also birthed a new guest experience that thoughtfully infuses the essence of Miami through curated programming. Programming includes weekly cigar tastings with General Manager Rick Ueno, cocktail and cooking workshops, live music, fitness offerings by NYC celebrity gym DOGPOUND and Ahana Yoga who host wellness workshops covering chakra balancing & activation, breathwork, ayurveda, sound healing, and new/full moon ceremonies. For the tennis and basketball lovers, the hotel has South Beach’s only rooftop basketball court and tennis court, SWISH & SWING.
Hotel guests receive complimentary access to Bass Museum, one of South Florida’s most prestigious art institutions. Each guest at W South Beach receives access to a dedicated W Insider, available 24/7, who will take care of whatever, whenever during their stay.
In the food and beverage space, W South Beach is home to South Beach’s most innovative bars and restaurants. RWSB (Restaurant W South Beach), one of Miami’s most authentic Italian restaurants is run by Italian Chef Vincenzo Borriello. The indoor-outdoor restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily and offers an array of classic dishes with local produce, fresh fish and signature pastas. The hotel’s outdoor craft cocktail outpost, IRMA’s was given a new look by Urban Robot in 2017 with reclaimed materials by Hurricane Irma. One of Miami’s favorite after-dinner bars, LIVING ROOM BAR offers an impressive mixology program run by Lucas Winkler. For those looking for authentic Beijing cuisine, the opulent MR CHOW is a must, off the hotel’s lobby.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
