The landmark Fontainebleau Miami Beach today reigns as one of the most sophisticated properties on South Beach, a far cry from the tired, has-been of a hotel it had been in recent decades. The resort gained new life with a $1 billion renovation completed in November 2008.

The property today encompasses 1,504 guestrooms and suites in the two original Chateau and Versailles buildings and in the new all-suite 37-story Trésor and 18-story Sorrento towers. The 22-acre resort also includes a 40,000-square-foot spa and 11 restaurants and lounges.

When it opened in 1954, the Fontainebleau was the resort in Miami Beach, known for both its size—the largest in Miami—and its signature architecture and luxury. It attracted the hipsters of the 1950s and 60s along with entertainers such as Bob Hope, Elvis Presley, Jackie Gleason and Judy Garland.

The resort was designed by Morris Lapidus, whose flamboyant style led to the Fontainebleau’s landmark curvilinear building. Much of Lapidus’ interior décor was restored and remains in place today. In the lobby is the famous “Staircase to Nowhere.” The winding stairs go up one level, where there was once a coat check and place to freshen up—women in gowns would go upstairs, powder their noses, and elegantly descend to make their grand entrances.