What It's Like To Run The Best New Hotel Of 2012, The SLS South Beach

SLS Hotels opened its fourth property in South Beach to much fanfare in June, and the hotel quickly became a hotspot on the Miami party circuit.

Now, the Philippe Starck-designed property in the heart of Collins Avenue's art deco district has been named the best hotel opening of 2012 by Condé Nast Traveler Network blog HotelChatter, thanks to its stylish and well-equipped rooms — each comes with a complimentary iPad, and suites were designed by Lenny Kravitz — and gorgeous public spaces and restaurants.

They include eateries from culinary giants José Andrés and Master Sushi Chef Katsuya Uechi and the latest iteration of Hyde Lounge, SLS's nightlife brand.

The 140-room SLS Miami Beach also made a splash during this year's Art Basel Miami Beach, hosting several major VIP events.

Presiding over the property is general manager Albert Mertz, who oversees a staff of 500 and makes sure everything from the poolside fare to the concierge service is up to snuff. Earlier this year, he gave Business Insider an inside look at his typical day so we could see what it's like to run one of the hottest hotels in Miami.

General Manager Albert Mertz arrives at the SLS at 7am every morning. Before arriving he's already spent an hour checking email.

Here he is greeting the lobby staff. 520 people are employed by the hotel, one of four SLS properties.

There's also a daily check-in with the concierge, to keep tabs on house VIPs.

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