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Celebrities know about posh digs and coddling service, so it’s no surprise that many are trying to cash in on the second-home market. But a boldface name doesn’t guarantee success: George Clooney saw his condo-hotel project in Vegas go bust before builders broke ground. Here, four aspiring moguls on the hospitality bandwagon.
Who’s Behind It Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf
What It Is The tennis duo’s latest venture is a condo-hotel flagship in Idaho’s Payette River Mountains. The nine-story contemporary chalet has 294 units—from 600-square-foot hotel rooms to 3,000-square-foot penthouse suites—priced between $700,000 and $4 million. Construction of the lodge should be completed by 2009. Whitewater, a mid-mountain complex with a ski lodge, restaurant, and pool, offering two-, three-, and four-bedroom condos from $1.5 million, will also open in 2009.
The Draw The retreat includes its own ski mountain with more than 80 trails, a 17,000-square-foot spa, and a Robert Trent Jones—designed golf course.
Contact 877/826-7376; www.fairmonttamarack.com.
Who’s Behind It Donald Trump, Jr.
What It Is Following in his father’s footsteps, the real estate investor-turned-reality TV star has partnered with architect David Rockwell to create a new condo-hotel in SoHo. The 45-story glass-tower will house 413 condominium hotel units, ranging from 480 to 890 square feet. Although serious controversy has surrounded Junior’s pet project—the next tallest building in the neighborhood is 12 stories—construction has forged ahead. Condos are slated to open in 2009; prices will likely be in the $2 million range.
The Draw Besides its location, the tower will house Manhattan’s largest spa (at 50,000 square feet), a library spanning the entire second floor, and a pool with private cabanas open year-round.
Contact 877/878-6700; www.trumpsoho.com.
Who’s Behind It Giuseppe Cipriani
What It Is Restaurateur Giuseppe Cipriani is bringing his family’s trademark elegance to South Beach. The landmark 1948 Saxony Hotel—on three oceanfront acres off Collins Avenue—will be converted to a 209-room condo-hotel with one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites starting at $700,000. (A new 19-story tower will house 65 private residences.)
The Draw Michele Bonan, interior designer for Italy’s Ferragamo hotels, is the brains behind the interiors. On-site amenities include a spa and signature restaurant.
Contact 888/233-8700; www.ciprianimiami.com.
—Stirling Kelso and Meeghan Truelove
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