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RESORT MOTEL
The impressive Chateau Resort façade
Built in 1960 the Chateau by the Sea was located at 19115 Collins Avenue. Architect Norman Giller designed this building to be reminiscent of a Swiss chalet.
The spacious grounds with lush tropical foliage and stepping-stone courtyard; the “private” sandy beach; and friendly customer service made the guests feel like royalty at this 162-room resort motel.
In the early 1960s British-born Lee Leibman, now a retiree living in Sunny Isles Beach, was the social director at the Chateau Resort. It was her job to help plan programs like fashion shows and handle guest relations. She likes to say that it was her job “to guarantee guests a bang of a good time.”
Above: Lee Liebman, social director at the Chateau in the early 1960s, guaranteed guests a “bang of a good time.” |
Above: Ms. Liebman directed fashion shows like the one pictured here. |
Mrs. Leibman worked for Mr. Arthur Bookbinder who was the general manager at both the Chateau and Sahara Motels. Liebman and Bookbinder later both worked for the Paradise Resorts of Miami Beach (Beau Rivage, Chateau, and Sahara). Mr. Binder was the International Director of Paradise Resorts while Mrs. Liebman the served as Director of Guest Relations.
 With her radiant smile and friendly demeanor Liebman was considered the Pied Piper of these resorts bringing her fellow Englishmen to this tropical paradise. She was responsible for keeping the “Pamper Quotient” high.
A 1966 brochure advertised the Chateau’s “modern designed luxury accommodations, on-premises entertainment and activities… Olympic and children’s pools, cabana colony, complete social and entertainment program… A Gem of Resorts. Everyone will find the Chateau like an island paradise away from care…”
Vacationers enjoyed the lush tropical verdant courtyard.
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Other features of the Chateau included:
- Finer rooms with private terraces.
- Sliding glass panel walls.
- Baby sitting service.
- Complete social and entertainment program.
- Cocktail lounge.
- Dining room.
- Coffee shop and snack patio.
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- Solaria.
- Beauty and sundry shops.
- Free self parking.
- Free bowling.
- Free TV in all rooms, color TV in lobby.
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In December 1979 Canadian-born Victor Farkas, a builder and developer, purchased the Chateau property from the Courshon banking family-Jefferson Bank. According to Mr. Farkas by then, “…the Chateau proved to have more roof leaks then guests staying in the motel…” After a much needed renovation, the Chateau became very popular with English and German vacationers and the glowing red neon “No Vacancy” sign became permanently lit.
Fascinated by ocean-front property and enjoying the prestige of being a resort owner Mr. Farkas also purchased the Thunderbird Motel just south of the Chateau on Collins Avenue. At one time, including both properties, Mr. Farkas employed 150 people.
Above: Mr. Victor Farkas one-time owner
of the Chateau Resort and Thunderbird Motels. |
Above: Aerial view of the Chateau Motel
Above: At the Chateau in 1979 the New York Steak House offered delectable gourmet dining. One year later, after relocating from Miami, the Prince Hamlet Restaurant offered its Swedish smorgasbord.
Developer Michael Dezer purchased the Chateau by the Sea, and in 1999 the resort was demolished making way for the Ocean II Condominium.
Events of 1960
- Starring Burt Lancaster, the film Elmer Gantry opens.
It’s the story of a charismatic salesmen turned preacher set in the 1920s.
- United States launches first successful weather satellite from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The satellite, called TIROS-1, is instrumental in hurricane tracking.
- Hawaii becomes the 50th state of the U.S.
- The Beatles make their musical debut in Hamburg, Germany.
- The Sound of Music soundtrack is available.
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By David Udoff
If you have any stories or
photographs to share about the Sunny Isles Beach area call City Hall
at (305) 974-0606.
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