Prices that Basel the mind

SOURCES tell us that for Art Basel Miami Beach this week, almost every area hotel is sold out — or going for astronomical sums. “Hotel prices are sky-high,” gasped one attendee.

The only rooms left at the luxe W on the day of the art fair’s VIP preview on Tuesday were suites, with the cheapest going for $6,218 per night — and the highest at $27,003 for a two bedroom with an ocean view.

At 1 Hotel, a standard room was going for almost $4,000. The glittery Ritz-Carlton had a room with city views for $3,259, while the SLS had a relative bargain at $1,234.05.

“Most restaurants are either fully committed or booked for private events,” said a source. “There will be longer than normal waits. It’s not impossible [to get a table], but it will be difficult.”

Hot spot Carbone has no reservations left, and its pop-up at the Edition — for $150 a ticket — is sold out.

Myles Chefetz, of celeb fave Prime 112, told us, “I see a huge uptick in business and spending. After being canceled last year, the art crowd is anxious to be back . . . I see an increased celebratory mood . . . We actually got extremely busy on Monday, whereas in years past you don’t see the crowds until Wednesday . . . As much as [Miami has] celebrities,

Art Basel brings a crowd of ultra-high net worth people unlike any other weekend.”

Meanwhile, tables at clubs are also going for high numbers, with a range of $5,000 to $75,000, megaclub E11even’s Dennis DeGori told us. “We are basically sold out for the week and we just finalized our talent on Monday. We’re seeing guests coming into town with an appetite to spend and have a great time. We are also seeing people pay in cryptocurrency.”

After being canceled last year due to the pandemic, this year’s fair looks to be busier than ever. Previews, which opened yesterday, have already attracted Basel regular Leonardo DiCaprio, a spy told us.