The Saxony Hotel was designed by renowned architect, Roy F. France and built in 1948 as the very first completely air-conditioned luxury resort on Miami Beach. It was and named for and owned by the president of Sax Enterprises, Inc., George D. Sax. Sax, also president and chairman of Chicago's Exchange National Bank and Exchange International Corp., was a business mogul credited with the innovation of drive-through banking.

Immediate success followed after construction on the hotel was completed. It was not long before more resorts emerged on the opulent beach front.

The Saxony was famous for its complementary meals and exceptional views of South Beach. When the hotel first opened, each room was estimated to have cost approximately $21,000, which at the time was thought to be the largest sum of money ever paid for such a project. The rooms featured decks that could accommodate large groups, and the building was fully air-conditioned.

The Saxony Hotel is set to reopen in 2008 after its renovation is complete.

Facts

• The Saxony was the first air-conditioned hotel ever built on Miami Beach.
• Most expensive and lavish resort of the time.
• Dubbed "The Ivory Tower" (after a nightclub on the hotel's top floor)
• Featured an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
• 600 foot private beach and sun decks.
• Two all weather tennis courts.
• Named for George D. Sax
• Currently owned by the Patrinely Group

External Links

• The Saxony Hotel
• The Patrinely Group

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