Palm Beach beacon—and Leading Hotels of the World member—The Brazilian Court Hotel opened its Spanish Colonial doors on New Year’s Day in 1926 and has been steeped in history and glamour ever since.
These are the very halls Marlon Brando, Audrey Hepburn, and the Kennedys used to roam in America’s First Resort Destination, mind you, and the family-owned and operated property has only peaked since then.
What began as a tropical, tucked-away oasis for the rich and famous has slowly morphed into a revered boutique hotel nestled on Florida’s Gold Coast. A Palm Beach paradise that doubles as an epicurean playground and social hub for in-the-know travelers. Even after a few facelifts, The Brazilian Court has never lost its innate character and charm. Or those iconic Pecky Cypress wood ceilings in the lobby.
As for the hotel’s 80 well-appointed guest rooms, a cluster of recently redesigned suites have been recast in a palette of rich greens and saffron hues. The same Provence-style shutters and Mahogany millwork remain, but custom raffia lampshades flank the new Sapele cane beds and grass cloth palm murals; a nod to the swaying trees outside.
In keeping with the Old Hollywood theme, black and white Terry O’Neil photographs adorn the walls, paying homage to The Brazilian Court’s impressive list of notable visitors. Besides Hepburn and Brando, Greta Garbo, Ingrid Bergman, and Cary Grant have all stayed, as well as many high-profile presidents, politicians, and Palm Beach power players—many of whom you can spy in The Brazilian Court Salon today.
Their full-service beautification refuge is hidden behind a veil of lush vegetation but features the best team in town for French balayage coiffures and private poolside treatments with their beloved esthetician Elle “L” Glass. An hour in her hands will leave you rejuvenated, glowing, and ready for dinner at Café Boulud.
Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud has been at the helm of the hotel’s restaurant for 21 years now, which is why locals and well-heeled newbies flock to the fine-dining establishment for white cosmopolitans and classic Floridian fare. His signature dinner dishes include stone crab claws with Key lime aioli, CB gazpacho verde, and potato-crusted sea bass en paupiette with leek sauce, but afternoon tea in the courtyard is a PBI ritual here.
This past season saw the arrival of several shiny new amenities like BC ONE, the hotel’s 44-foot, kitted-out Italian Solaris Power Yacht designed by Brunello Acampora. The Brazilian Court is the only hotel in South Florida to offer a private yacht for guests, where their captain will take you on a stylish spin around the Intracoastal waterways (and massive mansions that front them) on a two-hour complimentary cruise.
Lily’s, their posh poolside bar also debuted with a bespoke cocktail menu and specialty light bites. If you prefer happy hour with your toes in the sand, however, their dedicated beach butler would be happy to zip you over to S Ocean Blvd with a luxe setup and Café Boulud picnic in tow.
Top Takeaways
Location: Palm Beach, Florida
The Vibe: Palm Royale
Rating: 4.5-star
Food + Drink: Café Boulud for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and brunch; Boulud Bar; Lily’s at the Brazilian Court Pool
Amenities: 24-hour fitness center; yoga and pilates classes; Linus bicycles for guest use; hotel car and golf cart for lifts around town; 24-hour valet & concierge; game room; outdoor pool and hot tub; The Brazilian Court Salon; Casa by Brazilian Court boutique curated by Five Story New York and hotel owner Courtney Schlesinger
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: Location and legacy.
What’s nearby? Worth Avenue for shopping and art gallery hopping, Kravis Center for Performing Arts, the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, plus the top restaurants and bars: Buccan, Imoto, Florie’s, Swifty’s, BiCE, Seafood Bar, and HMF at The Breakers. The Royal Poinciana Plaza is also a hop, skip, and a jump away, where more high-end retailers and must-try eateries await.
Any personal neighborhood recs? A visit to Mounts Botanical Garden is worth the short drive, for their super-sized origami sculpture exhibit—and to observe over 7,000 species of exotic plants.
Rooms: 80
Pricing: Rates start around $509 per night.
Closest Airport: Palm Beach International Airport
