There’s no place like home—unless it’s at The Colony. A motto they’ve wholeheartedly embraced since 1947 when Palm Beach’s most discerning residents and visitors decided to make the hotel its official headquarters. And ahead of their 75th anniversary, the beloved ‘Pink Paradise’ recently underwent a complete guest room and suite re-redesign, infusing whimsical, yet luxe, ambiance into their already storied spaces. Kemble Interiors & Society Social lead the revamp, introducing new decors, color schemes, and fabrics by Schumacher, but the hotel’s signature de Gournay wallpaper remains, as does the lobby’s iconic chinoiserie-style mantle. Arguably the most Instagrammable part of the property, a photo next to the alligators and panthers adorned in diamonds is a rite of passage after check-in.
Just past the lobby, you’ll encounter the hotel’s pop-up of the month—at the moment it’s Dolce & Gabbana: The Colony Edit—and then it’s upstairs to your home-away-from-home quarters. While pink and green remains the theme throughout the hallways (palm-printed carpets awash in the hues abound), behind each key a distinctly unique design awaits—and no two rooms are alike.
Modern amenities are mixed with vintage Palm Beach pieces (think dark woods, ditsy fabrics, ceramic dog side tables), and the beds…the beds are part of the DNA here. Between the upholstered headboards and dreamy Matouk linens, it’s easy to laze about all day, but then you would miss lunch at Swifty’s.
There’s no restaurant more synonymous with Palm Beach than Swifty’s and it just so happens to be located poolside at The Colony, beneath a canopy of hanging greenery and twinkling chandeliers. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, a meal here is a must—just for the people watching alone. Swifty’s is the ultimate ladies who lunch setting with always-flowing rosé, Floridian stone crab claws, and a genial crowd that seems to be living their best life.
While The Colony obviously has pool culture down pat, it’s worth noting that a similar experience can be found at the beach, which is within walking distance from the hotel. Their Beach Butler is available to colonize your experience with umbrellas, chairs, towels, and gourmet bites in pink YETI coolers alongside the refreshments of your choosing.
With all the wining and dining you’re apt to do here, it’s a given that you might need a wellness break. They’ve thought of that too, and programmed a roster of experiences which includes yoga on the beach and Isaac Boots’ fitness classes, as well as spa treatments by in-house partner Dr. Barbara Sturm.
Top Takeaways
Location: Palm Beach, Florida
Star-Rating: 4-star
The Vibe: The ‘Pink Paradise’ of Palm Beach is known for its retro-glam aesthetic, archetypal guests, and unparalleled pool scene—around the corner from Worth Ave.
Our Favorite Thing About the hotel? A cheeky monkey mascot named Johnnie Brown who runs the concierge desk via text and can be spotted in the hotel’s signature de Gournay wallpaper. Fun fact: He was the pet of famed PB architect Addison Mizner and used to be a fixture on his shoulder in the ‘20s.
Food + Drink: Swifty’s for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; Pink Paradise Café for fresh juices, coffee, and a grab-and-go menu for the beach; The Living Room for light bites and cocktails in the evenings with live flamenco music. On Mondays, Swifty’s also hosts a weekly trivia night, in addition to Sunday night bingo.
Any Neighborhood Recs? For fancified French lunches, there’s no beating La Goulue and Cafe Boulud at The Brazilian Court, while Buccan, Grato, Imoto, Elisabetta’s, and Florie’s at the Four Seasons are tops for dinner. And no trip to Palm Beach is complete without an evening at The Breakers. Begin with dinner at Seafood Bar, followed by cocktails at HMF, their grand lobby bar where everyone gathers by night’s end.
Amenities: Ladurée macarons left on your pillow with turndown service, a complimentary house car and golf cart rides into town, free-to-borrow bicycles (wicker baskets and bike maps included), and custom-branded beds for pet guests.
What’s Nearby? The beach, retail mecca Worth Avenue, the Clock Tower, Palm Beach Lake Trail, Par 3 Golf Course, Flagler Museum, and The Royal Poinciana Plaza with an eclectic mix of shops, galleries, fitness studios and eateries like Palm Beach Grill and Sant Ambroeus.
Rooms: 89 guestrooms, suites, and villas—including Aerin Lauder’s Villa Jasmine that she designed.
Pricing: Between $500-1,000+ a night
Closest Airport: Palm Beach International Airport
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