Many senior travelers remember the glory days of Miami Beach’s Fontainebleu Hotel when it was hip and new in the ‘50s and ‘60s. While we working stiffs couldn’t afford to join the moneyed visitors from New York and Philly in their posh suites, some of us were privileged then to be there on business and conference gigs.

It was the epitome of luxury then, and famed for the roster of entertainment stars who stayed as guests and those who performed at the resort’s Tropigala Room. The Fontainebleu’s guest list included presidents, prime ministers, international mobsters, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Bob Hope, Sammy Davis, Jr., Lucille Ball, Jerry Lewis, Woody Allen, Desi Arnaz and a host of other notables.

The hotel itself has been the setting for familiar films and TV shows. In the original 1951 James Bond film, it was the setting for many scenes, most notably when the blonde heroine was murdered by being painted all in gold. In 1959, Frank Sinatra romanced girls by the pool in his film, A Hole in the Head.

The following year, Sinatra returned to present a TV tribute to Sgt. Elvis Presley, soon to be out of the Army and resume his acclaimed career. The hotel has since been the setting for many other films and TV programs.

Today’s Fontainebleu is every bit as glamorous as it was back when it was the newest sensation in Miami Beach. It boasts 11 restaurants and bars, a hip dance club LIV, upscale shops, great pools, spas, health club, tennis courts and much more.

For information about hotel rates and air-hotel packages, check with your favorite hometown or online travel agency. For direct contact with the Fontainebleu, call 305-538-2000, or online at www. fontainebleau.