Although hotels in Miami-Dade County were allowed to open this week, business was off to a cautious start. Several South Beach hotels have yet to begin operation.
The SLS in South Beach will not immediately open for guests due to concern over George Floyd’s death and ensuing protests, said security team member Dane Hinds.
“We’re just waiting for everything to calm down,” said Hinds.
Miami is one of several cities enforcing a curfew in response to looting and rioting during protests. Locally, it starts at 10 p.m. tonight.
Mayor Carlos Gimenez has yet to establish when beaches will reopen.
Lincoln Road Mall operated at a slow pace last week with very few shoppers. Some shops were seen boarding up their storefronts.
The Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel on Collins Avenue and 17th St. is also closed for now.
“We are aiming to open on June 10, when our guests can comfortably enjoy the beaches and other activities in South Beach,” says Jason R. Jones, general manager of restaurants and bars.
At the W South Beach, security personnel told SFMN the hotel is closed to guests and only residents may enter.
The Setai announced on its website that it would be accepting reservations, but its front entrance was blocked by sandbags.
The Sagamore, The Gale, Nautilus by Arlo, and The Shore Club also had locked doors and no visible employees.
Maria Salima contributed to this report.
