When two Ws are set to open within 24 hours of each other in South Florida, you know the hotel industry has been on a bit of a building binge.

That was going to be the case May 1 when two of South Florida's hippest and most expensive new hotels were scheduled to debut only a day apart -- one in South Beach, the other in Fort Lauderdale.

Construction delays in South Beach prevented that moment in hospitality synchronicity, but the message remains the same: South Florida is winding down a major hotel construction and renovation spree that has left local travelers with more options than ever.

And in case you didn't need to be told: hoteliers aren't happy about all these new rooms, given the economy. It's forcing them to lower room rates to compete. That's good news for you. It means fancy new hotels that once counted on Bear Stearns conferences to make their May profit goals now are hoping you'll stay there instead.

And why not oblige? The price is right, the drive is short and you can cancel if they call for rain that weekend. Here are some of the new (and newly renovated) hotels you might consider for a local vacation.

CANYON RANCH

MIAMI BEACH

What's new: The 1950s era Carillon Hotel was gutted to create this beachfront outpost of the famous medical resort in Arizona. Next door is a condo tower for residents drawn to the resort's centerpiece: a 70,000 square foot spa, including a wing of medical offices that includes Chinese medicine experts and a high-tech body scanner. There's also a fitness center where the exercise machines upload workouts programmed into your room key by a Canyon Ranch trainer.

Public spaces: Serenity governs the look of this resort, with rich woods and soft lighting conveying the idea of an oceanfront cocoon. The public is actually banned from the best part of this 150-room hotel: the spa, and its full-time medical team on staff. (You have to actually check-in to use it.) Same with the health club and its three-story rock wall. The gym overlooks the ocean, and the spa winds through a series of water treatments and elaborate showers designed to revive the body. Anyone can eat in the restaurants, and yes -- unlike the resort's namesake in Arizona, this Canyon Ranch does serve alcohol.

Rooms: Because this is a condo-hotel, each unit is roomy (the smallest starts at 720 square feet) and comes with a kitchen done in granite counters and high-end appliances.

Bragging rights: Probably the most extensive spa offerings in South Florida, including elaborate shower systems, and a menu of treatments from a cardiometabolic stress test to a Japanese bathing ritual. The grounds are worth exploring, including a meditation garden on the first floor and a rooftop deck overlooking the ocean.

Caveat emptor: Paying for the room is just the beginning at Canyon Ranch, where spa treatments -- the main reason for checking in -- can cost $300.

Details: 6801 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-514-7000; www.canyonranch.com

Deals: Through Sept. 30, stay two nights and get a third free. (Introductory rates start at $250.)

CASA MARINA

KEY WEST

What's new: Railroad magnate Henry Flagler's 1920s masterpiece has been retuned with a $43 million renovation that includes in a contemporary update to the historic lobby, sleek new pool area and changes to all 311 guest rooms -- some completely new, others updated. It has been rebranded as part of the Waldorf Astoria Collection, part of the Hilton group.

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