The Clevelander offers South Beach visitors fun-filled entertainment

Posted Oct. 21, 2012

By MARI CENTENO

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — South Beach is one of the country’s most visited tourist destinations, where just about anyone can find things to do according to his or her tastes. From sipping Miami vices, to shopping along ocean drive, South Beach is a one-stop shop for fun for many.

Located at 1020 Ocean Dr. is one of South Beach’s most popular entertainment attractions, The Clevelander Hotel.

The Clevelander offers South Beach visitors one of a kind, fun-filled entertainment (Photo by Mari Centeno).

The Clevelander offers South Beach visitors one of a kind, fun-filled entertainment (Photo by Mari Centeno).

The Clevelander is known for its fun-filled entertainment, a large variety of colorful drinks to choose from, amazing food and great service. Located right in the heart of South Beach, the Clevelander is the place where both locals and tourists come to hang out day and night.

“It’s fun, yet relaxing. I like to go to The Clevelander to grab some drinks and lunch after a day at the beach, but sometimes my friends and I meet there before going out to a nightclub as well,” said Dezee Rae Combs, a Miami local.

The Clevelander was born in 1938 under the ownership of the Ratner family from Cleveland. Filled with South Beach history and known for a great place to party, the Clevelander rose in popularity after a handful of renovations in the 1950s, which included the addition of an outdoor pool.

In 2009, the Clevelander went through yet another renovation, this time taking the hotel to a brand new level of service and entertainment. This renovation included the addition of the Rockstar hotel suites, 1020 (the nightclub), two rooftop terraces, a sports bar and a brand new lobby.

Here’s a little tour of what The Clevelander has to offer: A small sidewalk café right on Ocean Drive puts visitors in the center of the action. Ocean drive is always busy with interesting characters and this is the perfect place for those who are looking to do something more low-key, but still enjoy the great amenities The Clevelander has to offer.

“Working for the most unique ocean side entertainment establishment is rewarding. I enjoy providing an exceptional guest experience and making memorable moments for our guests,” said Luke Blazej, a food and beverage manager for The Clevelander Hotel.

As you make your way onto the patio deck The Clevelander has three patios with a variety of seating arrangements to satisfy all of your needs. You also have the choice of three outside bars that are within a safe distance from the famous outdoor pool, just in case you’re afraid of falling in.

Located on a raised deck on one end of the pool is the dance floor.

Now, you may be thinking a stage on top of a pool sounds a little dangerous, but not to worry, the stage has a railing that will keep you from falling in the pool, so don’t be afraid to let loose.

If you happen to go to The Clevelander on a day that is just overwhelmingly hot for you, which can be normal in South Beach, not to worry, The Clevelander can accommodate your needs as well.

Sports Bar, which is located towards the back of The Clevelander patio, features flat screens, a variety of dining tables and its own bar, all in the comfort of air conditioning (Photo by: Mari Centeno).

Sports Bar, which is located towards the back of The Clevelander patio, features flat screens, a variety of dining tables and its own bar, all in the comfort of air conditioning (Photo by: Mari Centeno).

Located towards the back end of The Clevelander patio is Sports Bar, which features flat screens on all walls, a variety of dining tables and its very own bar, all of this in the comfort of air conditioning.

Now if you’re visiting South Beach on a weekend you are looking for the perfect place to let loose, make new friends, and create memorable moments.

Many people see The Clevelander as a chill spot to have fun at, which is true, but the Clevelander does offer some great nightlife entertainment as well, such as, the 1020 Lounge, which is located inside The Clevelander.

“I always travel to Miami on business and never leave town without going to the Clevelander. It’s the place to see and be seen regardless of who you are, and what industry you’re in. It’s a great place to meet people and network,” said Sarah Vazquez, a marketing and business development manager from Orlando.

The lounge gives visitors a classy atmosphere with music, a bar, friendly staff and even the option to have VIP bottle service at your table. It also offers views that allow you to peek down at the pool patio as well.

C-Level, which is a rooftop terrace at the Clevelander, offers visitors direct ocean views and views of South Beach (Photo by: Mari Centeno).

C-Level, which is a rooftop terrace at the Clevelander, offers visitors direct ocean views and views of South Beach (Photo by: Mari Centeno).

On a hot sunny day you can enjoy yourself on the Clevelander’s C-Level, which is a rooftop terrace that offers direct ocean views and views of South Beach.

It offers relaxing day beds, a beautiful water fountain along one of the walls and the same great service you would get anywhere else inside The Clevelander. C-Level is mostly only available for hotel guests, but on the weekends they do have special events opened to the public.

For those looking for accommodations on the hotel property, The Clevelander has a few distinct rooms that fit just about everyone’s style and budget. A more classic-type of hotel room is located on the north tower of The Clevelander, which is adjoining to the C-Level rooftop terrace. The hotel also offers rooms with either ocean view or pool and patio views.

Hotel keys are unique and vary from hotel to hotel. The Clevelander uses fun, and creative designs on all their room keys (Photo by Mari Centeno).

Hotel keys are unique and vary from hotel to hotel. The Clevelander uses fun, and creative designs on all their room keys (Photo by Mari Centeno).

The Rockstar suites are for those who don’t mind splurging and want to stay and play like a Rockstar. When you book one of these rooms, you get a Rockstar host who is there to make sure you create a memorable South Beach Clevelander experience.

Other services when booking one of these suites include: flat screen plasmas, blackout curtains, dry cleaning services, 24-hour guest services, room service and complimentary Wi-Fi.

The Clevelander currently offers a wide variety of events throughout the week. Monday nights you can take your talents to the stage and show off your skills during Karaoke night.

Tuesday nights, The Clevelander takes you back in time during the 1980s Throwback party. Noche Latina is the Wednesday night party that invites you to experience a taste of Latin America and touch up your salsa skills. Friday is the ultimate Brazilian Carnival experience with fire breathers, capoeira performers and samba dancers. Saturday and Sunday offer a variety of entertainment throughout the day and night.

The Clevelander is the one stop shop for all source of South Beach entertainment. Whether you are a local or a visitor, you have a common interest, to have fun, relax, and to create memorable moments, and The Clevelander offers that and much more.

IF YOU GO

  1. The Clevelander offers happy hour deals between 4 and 7 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays
  2. Make sure to bring a valid ID or passport if you plan to sip on any alcoholic beverages. Also, after sundown you must be over 21 years old to enter The Clevelander patio, and a proper ID is required to enter.
  3.  If you plan to visit The Clevelander patio or roof top terraces in the afternoon, make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen.
  4. Ask your server or bartender about daily specials or recommendations from the menu. The menu is big and filled with delicious food and drinks, and making a decision may be a little difficult.
  5. Make sure to bring your camera, you don’t want to miss out on anything or anyone while you’re there.
  6. During big events such as famous DJs visiting or football parties, tables are a available on a first-come, first-served basis; however, you can make reservations for table prior to the date of the event by contacting The Clevelander at 877-532-4006.

Editor’s Note: Writer Mari Centeno was working part-time in a non-publicity role for The Clevelander when this feature was written.

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