As a former resident and owner at The Murano, I've experienced intimately this very special boutique luxury building.  Located at the Southernmost western end of South Beach, right where government cut intersects with the island of Miami Beach.  As the name implies, The Murano at Portofino was inspired by the beautiful Italian blown glass. The architecture of the Murano condo building very much echoes this, with unique green tinted windows and curved glass throughout.

A few of the reasons why the Murano's price points have barely been affected by South Florida's real downturn:

- An exceptionally well managed property with a long-time on-site management staff that takes pride in working at THE premier Bayfront building in South Beach.  From the moment you enter the reception area, the valet staff, the concierges, and front desk staff are almost always impeccable and provide first class service to residents and their guests.

- A boutique property with owners that are incredibly loyal and proud of the building.  Consisting of only 187 individual condominiums, this fosters a sense of intimacy and friendship among residents.  There is a very active social committee that hosts several resident-only parties during low and high seasons.

- The Piaggia Beach Club, which hosts various ultra-chic parties around a salt water pool.  The Piaggia managment and staff are professionally trained in the South of France.  The ambiance, food, and service at this beautiful beach club is unique to The Murano at Portofino (note that guests are always welcome).

- The building was completed in 2001, with relatively few condo units subject to the kind of speculative buying and selling that occurred during the real estate boom and bust cycle of recent years.

- Low maintenance dues for a luxury building, with an annual budget surplus, almost no delinquency rates, and a very strong reserve fund for replacing equipment and impeccable maintenance of common areas.

- A first class & expanded / remodeled gymnasium, spa, and main lobby.  Also, the fresh water main pool deck (facing Biscayne Bay) is one of the most beautiful and impressive in all of Miami Beach.

- Two sunken, 24 hour lit tennis courts.  As a matter of fact, these are so impressive that the building is home to serveral current and former ATP ranked tennis players.

- A contemporary and consistent interior design throughout the building- with plenty of Murano glass pieces to highlight the architectural uniqueness of the building.

- High-end contemporary cabinets and fixtures in all of the condo units.  These include Poggen Pohl Kitchens, Miele Appliances, Subzero refrigerators, and expansive floor to ceiling windows and sliding glass doors.