Michael Westen at the Fontainebleau
Oyster at the Fontainebleau
The oh-so-resourceful former CIA agent Michael Westen — the main character of the USA Network’s cult hit, Burn Notice, now in its third season — isn’t the only one with spying skills. In last night’s episode, we couldn’t help but notice that the meet with big baddie Gilroy took place at the sexy Fontainbleau pool. (We’d know those curves anywhere.) In fact, Westen’s life of well-intentioned crime has taken him to real-life Miami hotels fairly often. We did a little tactical research to find out some of the other hotels that have aided and abetted.
The FontainebleauWesten headed to this sprawling Art Deco icon in last night’s episode, but the real-life actor Jeffrey Donovan, who plays Michael Westen, likes it as well: It’s where he got a little drunk before getting arrested for driving under the influence.
Beacon Hotel- Price: $274/night
- Rating: 3.0 Pearls
- Location: South Beach, Miami
In the pilot episode, Westen stops to catch his breath under the Beacon’s awning, where there’s terrace seating for the restaurant Rendezvous. (Good thing he didn’t stop to eat — we thought Rendezvous was mediocre and overpriced.)
Hotel Victor - Price: $364/night
- Rating: 4.0 Pearls
- Location: South Beach, Miami
In the episode “Unpaid Debts,” sparks fly when Westen’s mom, Madeleine, goes on a date at the Hotel Victor with Sam’s friend, Virgil. Victor has two great date restaurants: the trendy Vix, in an elaborate space on the first floor with chandeliers and metal-bead curtains; and the outdoor Vue Terrace, which overlooks Ocean Drive.
The Gansevoort South Hotel and Spa
- Price: $441/night
- Rating: 4.5 Pearls
- Location: South Beach, Miami
In the episode “Truth and Reconciliation,” a dolled-up Fiona ensnares a killer — the son of a Haitain dictator — at this chic hotel. The hotel also appeared in the episode “Double Booked,” and the super-sleek infinity pool is featured in some of the Burn Notice promos.
Shelborne Beach Resort- Price: $251/night
- Rating: 3.0 Pearls
- Location: South Beach, Miami
In the episode “Seek and Destroy” Fiona gets herself invited back to the room of bad guy Jacob Orr so she can plant a bug in his cell phone. We weren’t a fan of the old, worn rooms when we stayed — they reminded us of a nursing home and the plastic wrap on the mattress made creepy rustling noises throughout the night.
Tides South Beach- Price: $482/night
- Rating: 4.5 Pearls
- Location: South Beach, Miami
Madeleine and Sam stake out Eddie, who stole money from hip-hop Mogul Valentine and framed Westen’s client, Ricky, at Tides’ La Marea restaurant in the episode “Bad Blood.”
Cardozo Hotel- Price: $213/night
- Rating: 2.5 Pearls
- Location: South Beach, Miami
Crime boss Concha Ramirez meets with Michael at the hotel’s Cuban restaurant Oriente in the episode “Broken Rules.” We found Oriente’s entrees to be overpriced and poorly prepared –not a bad place to take an enemy.
When it comes to hotels, Michael Westen really gets around, and we’re sure this is just the tip of the iceberg. Any other Miami hotels you’ve spied on the show? Let us know in the comments section.
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Virgil does not take Madeline to the Victor in Unpaid Debts as you state. He takes her to the Albion Hotel, 1650 James Ave. Miami Beach. The USA network website had that wrong also which I assume may be where you obtained the wrong information and were mislead. Be careful of their location guide. The person who wrote it is very careless and it contains numerous mistakes. Check out http://www.sffl.comcastbiz.net for accurate info on South Florida Filming Locations.