When the private jet landed on the smooth runway of the Miami airport on March 28 1971 Simon and Sarah were both excited for a few sunny days after suffering from bad weather in New York.
After leaving the airplane a new Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow was already waiting for them with a designated driver. Money can really make anything possible for you in the United States of America.
Additionally the bodyguard team took over two additional black cars in which they loaded their luggage. If not for the private airport hangar this would draw the attention of many people. When Simon and Sarah was seated comfortably the convoy of three cars made their way out of the Miami airport.
Their goal was the most expensive suit at Fountainebleau Miami Beach Hotel. The Fontainebleau in 1971 is one of the great symbols of American luxury. Its sweeping curved façade, designed by Morris Lapidus, feels futuristic even today, but in 1971 it is the height of glamour.
Bellhops in immaculate uniforms move efficiently between new guests. One of them immediately arrived with a polished luggage car to unload the suitcases at the back of their convoy. One bodyguards takes over the bellhops while Dennis Miller is going with the young couple towards the concierge.
When the concierge noticed Simon Smith he immediately recognized him. Due to numerous reports in the last few months he became really famous in some circles.
"Good afternoon, sir. Welcome to the Fontainebleau. My name is Mr. Collins. If you'll follow me, I'll show you to your suite."
"Thank you. We appreciate it." said Simon, while guiding Sarah along.
Simon and Dennis give each other a knowing look, immediately realising that they've been recognized.
"I really love this hotel. The atmospere is completely different from New York. Everything feels so lively and vibrant here." Sarah said, while holding the hand of her boyfriend. She didn't even participate in the conversation with Mr. Collins because she kept looking at all the novelties and new people in the front hall.
At the elevator, the concierge presses the call button. The polished metal doors slide open with a gentle mechanical hum.
Everyone steps inside and the concierge presses the button for the top suite's floor.
For a few moments, there's only the quiet sound of the elevator ascending.
"Well, you've come at a beautiful time of year. The weather's been wonderful." said Mr. Collins.
"It's even warmer than we expected." replied Sarah absentmindely.
"Is this your first visit to Miami Beach?" the concierge chuckles.
"Yes. We've heard a lot about it. Do you have any recommandations for the next few days?" asked Simon expectantly.
He was not really familiar with the Miami of 1971 and there was no smartphone in which he could've looked for any reels from travel experts on Instagram.
Mr. Collins glanced at Simon and his entourage and went into thinking for a moment. He knew a lot about Simon Smith and what he accomplished recently. The young couple probably came to Miami just to let go of the stress and work from New York for a couple of days. There was no need to give them a full itinary just to impress them.
"People rush through holidays trying to visit every attraction. Miami is best enjoyed slowly. Have breakfast without looking at the time. Spend an afternoon with nowhere particular to be. Sit on the beach after sunset until the stars come out. I believe a quiet and relaxing beach vacation is exactly what you need right now, Mr. Smith." said the concierge.
Simon was really satisfied with this answer. He didn't really do all that much in Miami for now. There were only a couple of days until his three new management trainees would arrive in New York and he would need to work without stop until Red Bull went into financing in two months. For now he just wanted a cool beach vacation in Miami and relax with Sarah in the sun.
The private elevator rose almost silently, insulated from the bustle of the hotel below. Unlike the main guest elevators, this one was finished in polished walnut, brushed brass, and mirrored panels that reflected the soft amber ceiling lights.
The concierge stood near the control panel, holding a ring of polished brass keys.
"Mr. Smith, this elevator serves only your suit at the top of the hotel. You don't have to worry about meeting any other person while traveling." said Mr. Collins. This immediately reassured Dennis Miller, as being cramped in the elevator with foreign people seemed like the worst nightmare of a bodyguard.
The elevator slowed with barely a vibration.
A soft ding.
The doors slid open.
A spacious foyer led into an enormous living room filled with natural light. Curved glass walls wrapped around two sides of the room, making it feel as though it floated above Miami Beach.
The afternoon sun poured through the windows, turning the polished marble floor a warm golden color.
Fresh orchids rested on a glass coffee table.
A silver tray held chilled mineral water, crystal glasses, and a handwritten welcome note.
Their bodyguards quietly dispersed—one checking the balcony doors, another inspecting adjoining rooms with practiced efficiency—while the concierge continued his tour.
"This floor has always been reserved for guests who value privacy above all else. Some stay only a night, others for weeks." explained Mr. Collins while showing Simon and Sarah through the main rooms of the suite.
Sarah seemed incredibly excited and engaged in a more active conversation with the concierge:
"This room feels really welcoming Mr. Collins. We really appreciate your hotel and feel honoured to be able to live in this top suite for the next few days. Would you mind to share with us who lived here before us? It is always nice to know your predecessors. It kind of feels like a little inheritance."
"Over the years we've welcomed an extraordinary list of guests."
Mr. Collins began counting them from memory as if they visited the hotel just yesterday.
"Frank Sinatra practically made this his Miami home. He performed here many times, filmed television specials here, and was one of the hotel's most recognizable regulars.
Elvis Presley appeared here in 1960 for the famous television special with Sinatra after returning from military service. It became one of the biggest television events of the year.
Comedians like Jerry Lewis worked here as well. His film The Bellboy was shot at the hotel and helped make the Fontainebleau famous around the world."
While Mr. Collins named the different famous people residing on this floor Sarah couldn't help but kiss Simon on the cheek. She whispered to Simon while the couple followed behind.
"I really love you to death Simon Smith. My life got so much more exciting since becoming your girlfriend. Just wait for the evening and we will make our own little history inside this room".
When Sarah noticed Simon's breathing becoming a little quicker she couldn't help but be satisfied and caught up with Mr. Collins to engage in a heated conversation about the hotel and it's history which made the old concierge extremely excited.
Simon just kept standing at the large floor windows and looked straight into the beautiful waves of Miami Beach in 1971.