Rose Rice has been advertising tourist attractions in the Sunny Isles area since the early 1960’s. Her agency promoted motels includingthe Aztec, Desert Inn, Kimberly, Neptune, Dunes, and the Sea Breeze – all popular destinations for tourists from around the world.

Spanning five decades these buildings were part of “Motel Row” – approximately 50 motels and hotels that lined Collins Avenue from 159 to 195 streets. Rose Rice, who has known proprietors of some of these establishments for more than forty years, enthusiastically organized a reunion. At the first reunion on February 10, 2005 at Christine Lee’s Restaurant Rose spoke fondly of the tourist days of “Fun in the Sun.”

Christine Lee’s was the perfect location for this reunion. Founded in 1970 this Chinese restaurant evolved with many of the motels and was very popular among celebrities and tourists. According to Mary Lee, owner of Christine Lee’s “The motel owners kept the area going. It is nice that some of those motels are still here.”

Attendees enjoyed reminiscing with Rose about the golden days on Motel Row. Owners at the reunion included: Bob Gruder, Monaco Motel, Bob Lucas and son Robert, Suez Motel, Bennett Lifter, Marco Polo Hotel, Bernie Burke, Aztec Motel, and Mel Rubel, the Blue Mist Motel. Their motels built between 1952 and 1967 were popular because of their oceanfront location, waterside activities, laid back atmosphere, and room affordability. Some of these buildings still form part of Sunny Isles Beach; while others have been replaced by the luxurious “tall and skinny” condominiums.

First reunion attendees from left to right: Bennett Lifter, Mary Lee, Mel Rubel, Robert Lucas, Rose Rice, Bob Lucas, and Bernie Burke.

Motel and Hotel Trivia:

Monaco Motel – Robert Gruder, Owner
The Monaco Motel was built in 1952 and is still located at 17501 Collins Avenue. Because guidebooks make a point of describing the Monaco’s modern appearance – known as architecture parlante “speaking architecture” it has became a popular tourist destination. The Monaco also participated in a Dine-Around, where guests at four or five motels would dine on different nights at each of their lodging’s restaurants.

Suez Motel –Robert and Bob Lucas, Owners
Built in 1953 the Suez Motel was once located at 18215 Collins Avenue, now the site of the Trump Royale. The Lucas’ people-friendly business brought French Canadians to the Suez during the winter months. The Suez Egyptian motif was illusionary with sculptured sphinxes and a pyramid. The affect made the tourists feel like they were in the Middle East.

Aztec Motel – Bernie Burke, Owner
The Aztec Motel was built in 1956 at 15901 Collins Avenue. This vibrant colorful building was one of the most popular at the south end of Sunny Isles. Aztec owner, Bernie Burke was in the audience one night at the Thunderbird Hotel when he saw comedian Don Sebastian. Bernie gave him a contract for 8 ½ years to work at the Aztec where Don had the audience laughing in stitches thereafter.

Blue Mist Motel – Mel Rubel, Owner
The Blue Mist, built in 1954 at 19111 Collins Avenue, was a family-run motel. The caryatid sculptures, “Maidens of the Sea”, emphasized a Florida nautical theme. When Hurricane Donna in the 1960’s came ashore, Collins Avenue became a lake with all these motels standing out like islands.

Marco Polo Hotel – Bennett Lifter, Owner
The Marco Polo Hotel located at 19201 Collins Avenue was built in 1967. Unlike the futuristic designed buildings of the Miami Modern (MIMO) era in the ‘50s, this hotel – like others buildings designed in the ‘60s – became allusive with a standardized and homogeneous style. Top-notch entertainers performed at the Marco Polo’s International Room, Persian Room, and Bird Lounge.

Arial View of Motel Row in 1970's

Compiled by David Udoff and Marlene Calero

If you have stories and pictures to share about the history of the Sunny Isles Beach area, call City Hall at 305-947-0606

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