The condo hotel concept provides benefits for the developer as well as for the buyer. Developers find it easier to obtain financing with condo hotels than with traditional hotel projects, plus the cash infusion of the sales helps their bottom line.

Buyers benefit by owning a property in a luxury resort that they can use for themselves, and take advantage of the high level amenities.

When they are not using the condo hotel, the unit is put in the managed pool and rented out for them. The buyers have what is considered "hassle free" ownership.

The condo hotels unit owners also benefit from having a professional onsite management company to handle to marketing, booking of their room and general expertise that they bring to the table. If a problem should arise with their condo hotel unit, the management company will take care of it instead of the owner having to worry about it. This makes the traditional landlord tenant issues a thing of the past.

The condo hotel buyer sees the benefit to owning a vacation property that also has the potential to produce income for them. The typical condo hotel produces higher levels of income than the traditional vacation home (and less headaches), making it all the more appealing to buyers.

Developers are finding it hard to keep up with the demand. Many of the condo hotels are selling out before ground breaking occurs. Condo hotels are different from traditional condos because the are sold "turn key". This means buyers do not have to worry about hiring a designer or contactor to come in to finish out the unit. Everything is included from linens, dishes, pillows etc

The South Florida condo hotel market is leading the way with many of the names you know such as the Four Seasons, Starwood, Sonesta, Ritz Carlton and the Regent to name a few. Pricing for condo hotels can range anywhere from $400,000s up to $8 million for larger luxurious oceanfront properties. Of course the pricing depends on location, views and types of finishes.

The Cheeca Lodge in Islamorada (Florida Keys) has enjoyed great success for its clientele. The Cheeca Lodge is currently converting rooms in the existing hotel but has plans to add more to the property. The property sits on 27 lush acres and has 203 guest rooms, including 48 suites that all have full kitchens. In addition, Cheeca Lodge offers an extensive range of services and amenities.

The W Hotel and Residences South Beach will soon be ready to launch. The W is one of the hottest names in the hotel industry. The development team for the W Hotel and Residences South Beach combines some big names in the field Tri Star Capital, Related Urban Development (The Related Group of New York and The Related Group of Florida) and Starwood Properties. Expect a Wow lobby spectacular interior design and some ultra deluxe hotel rooms designed by Costas Kondylis of Kondylis & Partners. All units are sold completely finished and furnished right down to the table settings; price range, $800,000 to $5 million.

Starwood and the Related Group of Florida have announced that they are joining forces to develop the St. Regis Resort & Residences in South Florida's most exclusive enclave, Bal Harbour. The St. Regis Resort & Residences will be built on the existing site of the Sheraton Bal Harbour, will be located on the pristine sands of the Atlantic Ocean directly across the street from the legendary Bal Harbour Shops. The St. Regis Resort and Residences is one of the most highly anticipated project to ever hit the South Florida market.

Canyon Ranch Living is the next step for Canyon Ranch's evolution and will be located on a 6 acre oceanfront parcel in Miami Beach. Canyon Ranch Living will offer 151 condo-hotel suites and 467 one, two and three bedroom and penthouse condominium residences, plus a 60,000 square-foot Spa & Fitness Center.

Turnberry Associates is bringing the Fontainebleau to a whole new level with the addition of the Fontainebleau II and Fontainebleau III Ocean Club.

Turnberry is leading the way with condo hotels anchored to existing very successful hotels such as the Residences at MGM Grand Las Vegas, and the Residences at Atlantis Paradise Island Nassau Bahamas.

The MGM Grand Residences Las Vegas broke ground recently on its first 40-story tower, spearheading a wave of condominium-hotel growth that has begun to sweep the Las Vegas Valley. The Residences at Atlantis is a joint venture between Turnberry and Kerzner International that will bring 500 luxurious new rooms to the project.

With so many condo hotel projects on the market or in the planning phase, you need someone who can find the one that is right for you. The new condo hotel section at www.HansenHomesAventura.com can help keep you on top of the latest projects so you can be one of the first to buy.