7 News Features: Star Bars

We're used to seeing them in the movies and on TV.

But on any given night here in south florida if you know where to look, you just may catch a star sighting.

Max Pierre from Privé: "P.Diddy is here all the time, Usher. We have all of the big names come here. Jermaine Dupri, Janet Jackson, everyone comes through."

And we mean just about everyone.

South Florida's becoming the popular playground for the it-crowd.

Celebrity Photographer Seth Browarnik: "I think that what we have here is really special. We have amazing weather, beaches, best nightlife."

Celebrity photographer Seth Browarnik should know.

He snapped the first shot of newlyweds J. Lo and Marc Anthony, and has taken pics of practically every star you can imagine.

Seth: "They all come to Miami for one thing, to get away, to have fun in the sun, and to party."

The fun usually gets started early in the week at B.E.D.

Club owners claim more than 500

Big names have partied here including

P. Diddy, Janet Jackson, Tom Cruise, even Gwen Stefani.

But you won't see them waiting in line - they all get to enter through a private back entrance.

Max Pierre from Privé: "Right on this spot is actually where Paris Hilton got up on the bar and performed her new single."

Want to catch Paris Hilton? How about Jessica or Ashlee Simpson, Missy Elliott or Vin Diesel?

Your best bet - Privé Night Club and Opium Garden.

Just last weekend, Miami Heat star Shaquille O'Neil held his welcome to Miami party here, along with a couple thousand of his closest friends.

"Right now everybody's coming down here and having a good time."

Just up the street at Mansion, if you're lucky, you can see J. Lo and Marc Anthony having a good time. Other frequent visitors include Cameron Diaz, Justin Timberlake, Tara Reid, Beyonce and Jay Z.

Plus after the mtv video music awards, mansion is where outkast held its' after show party.

Empire Events Promoter Perry Sasson: "Realistically we are miami, celebrities are walking up and down like it's a regular thing right now, especially here."

But while clubs and bars are where they have fun, when it's time to hit the sack, celebrities have plenty of options.

South Beach's Delano Hotel is popular with Ashton Kutcher, Will Smith and Queen Latifah.

And the shore club is a favorite of bono and lenny kravitz.

Claire Darrow, The Raleigh Hotel: "These outdoor cabanas are very popular with celebrities."

Just up the road, you could say this is the original celebrity getaway -- The Raleigh Hotel.

Pictures of Hollywood's elite line the walls of this art deco gem.

Claire Darrow: "I think we are more for the type of celebrity that likes to hide and enjoy their private time."

Jeff Lehman: "Welcome to the Cabana Suite at the National Hotel."

The National is also a top hideout.

General Manager Jeff Lehman: "The National is a bit of an oasis in the middle of all the craziness that is South Beach."

Carlos Santana set up a religious shrine in his room, while Kelsey Grammer prefers the three story penthouse.

Jeff Lehman: "What it boils down to with the celebrities is understanding in advance what their expectations are and then being able to offer to them like it's really no big deal."

So the next time you're on South Beach, go ahead, take that second look, you never know who you're going to see at one of the star bars.

So if you want to get into these star bars, doorman's best advice, have a good attitude, dress well, but your best bet, knowing someone inside.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Contact: laguirre@wsvn.com

Privé And Opium Garden
www.opiummiami.com
305-531-5535
136 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL

Mansion
www.mansionmiami.com

B.E.D.
www.bedmiami.com 
305-532-9070
929 Washington Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139

The Raleigh Hotel
www.raleighhotel.com
305-534-6300
1775 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139

The National Hotel
www.nationalhotel.com
305-532-2311
1677 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139