Last time I went to The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach they told me they’d be redoing all their guest rooms and suites. When they let me know the “new” rooms had debuted, how could I not go back to check them out and overnight at one of my top getaway places, Palm Beach (love the shopping among other things), and The Colony. The boutique hotel is very Palm Beach in its lovely design sensibilities, relaxed aura, and the graciousness of its staff. Like “PB” as I call it, it’s a haven, its own world that’s small (93 rooms) and of good taste and style. If you’re just going for the day, Swifty’s is a great bet for lunch or dinner. And speaking about shopping, look for an upcoming post on my fave shops there.
Its joyful color scheme with the PB Pink and lime green, is everywhere, from the guest rooms ,poolside restaurant décor, and pink flags marking the hotel’s bikes, to the golf cart driving guests to anywhere they want to go on the island. Celebrity watering hole, Swifty’s, formerly in New York, is here too and though it was very good before, this time we had exceptional drinks and dinner. And then there’s the privileged location – walking distance to shopping street Worth Avenue and the beach.
From the moment you drive up you feel it’s a different place. Multiple valets in pink polo shirts warmly greet you and whisk your car away. No check in counter here, rather, a more intimate table and chairs where you’re immediately made to feel at home. The lobby feels like a private living room with its plush patterned fabric sofas, floor lamps, small bar, and lovely wallpaper of its playful monkey mascot cavorting in a pastel tropical paradise.
The new décor of the guest rooms is in their classic pink and green palate and sky blue. Our suite with spacious living room, two baths, and bedroom with the comfiest bed was soothing and attractive, with lovely floral decorative designs in everything from the nightstands and ceiling cornices to the wicker chairs and curtains. Mr. W especially enjoyed the coffee table books from Rizzoli of Palm Beach architecture and interior design.
If you really want to splurge, opt for one of seven villa accommodations with two bedrooms including: Villa Aralia by AD100 interior designer and best selling author Mark D. Sikes; the AERIN Villa Jasmine by – you guessed it, Aerin Lauder; the Goop Villa reimagined by goop and designed by Ronen Lev, which mirrors a Parisian aesthetic, and is stocked with goop skincare and body products; and Chairish, decorated with antiques.
The Colony is also the home of Swifty’s formerly an “it” spot from New York. Known as “the club without dues”, Swifty’s attracted celebrities and society darlings ranging from Michael Kors and Martha Stewart to Gwyneth Paltrow. Loved the cocktail menu with names like the spicy socialite and monkey business.
We stuck with our tried and true as they make a mean martini and Manhattan. Everything we had was wonderful – the double Colorado lamb chops (had to find “Colorado” ones),
British Chef Tom’s fish and chips, the potatoes fried three times for extra crispiness with mushy peas, a best dish of the year brussel sprouts with espelette and agave, and decadent desserts.
The service was excellent as well (ask for Vinnie).Next time I want to try the cheese souffle made with twice baked parmesan and the duck a l’orange.
Swifty’s pool features live musicians, DJs, Trivia Night. This being PB, though, it isn’t just any DJ, but Pamela Tick, known as the celebrity DJ and fashion darling, having done stints for glam brands like Hermes and Veuve Clicquot.
Want to grab a cup of coffee and pastry in the morning or a salad or sandwich? The Pink Paradise Café has outdoor seating with a view onto Worth Avenue. Besides a swimming pool, I can’t forget to mention that if you want to go to the beach, they’ll take you and set you up with chairs and an umbrella.
Rates at the Colony Hotel in Palm Beach start at $899/night high season, $539 in summer. 155 Hammon Avenue Palm Beach, https://thecolonypalmbeach.com.
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4 Responses
I have been and it’s really a beautiful little gem thank you Karen!
It would be great for local residents if someone would clarify that if I drop in for an appetizer and cocktails if I’m allowed to use the pool while I’m a customer- though not actually staying in a room at the hotel. Thanks!
It would be so amazing to go lay at the pool, take a swim, have lunch and sip cocktails all day… just not sure if that’s allowed.
What you’re describing is what many luxury hotels in South Florida offer, a day pass. You pay a set fee and you can use the pool with a chair (or cabana) and sometimes the facilities at the beach. In fact, I have a blogpost about day passes, though in Miami. I checked Palm Beach hotels and day passes and sorry to say , the Colony doesn’t offer them. It’s probably because it’s a small pool area with not a lot of chairs.
And I was lucky enough to have lunch with you there. The hotel is indeed its own special world.
Thank you for bringing it to life in print and images.