The Palm Beaches are known as America’s First Resort Destination™, it’s the birthplace of iconic beach holidays and still home to some of the most stunning Florida resorts today. Here’s our pick from beachfront luxury to good value and great design.
The Tower, The Boca Raton
Wake up to the beach every morning
When it comes to choosing where to stay, Florida’s beachfront resorts always edge out in front of the rest. Nowhere does those quite like The Palm Beaches, after all this is where luxurious beachfront hotels were practically invented.
Maison Rose, The Boca Raton
The Boca Raton: one of the original Florida resorts
The Boca Raton first opened its doors in 1926, which makes it one of the original Florida resorts and part of the reason why The Palm Beaches lay claim to the title America’s First Resort Destination™.
You won’t find this fabulous, luxury 5-star resting on past glories. Quite the opposite in fact. After its recent multi-million-dollar makeover The Boca Raton now offers the choice of five hotels in one, as well as Palmera Spa: named Florida’s Best Resort Spa at the World Spa Awards 2022. If you want to make the most of a flawless shoreline, The Beach Club is the place for water sports or simply lazing in the sun. And Harborside Pool Club with its waterparks, lazy rivers and excellent Banyan Bunch kids’ club was clearly designed with families in mind.
The Colony, The Palm Beaches
The Colony, Palm Beach
When none other than Architectural Digest describes a Florida resort as an ‘iconic destination’, you can be sure it’s worth a closer look.
The Colony, also known as the ‘Pinkest Hotel in The Palm Beaches’, opened in 1947 and it’s been delightfully eccentric ever since. Kids will love the story of Johnnie Brown, the spider monkey and resort mascot who once ran for election as Mayor of Palm Beach. However, despite its historic status, The Colony couldn’t be more 21st century when it comes to perfecting family holidays.
Not only does it sit steps from the beach, Beach Butlers make sure you have everything you could ever need for a day by the sea. There are free to borrow bikes for cycling round town. And if you want to stay put, the lovely hotel pool is the place for that.
Fun and games at Hilton West Palm Beach
The Palm Beaches’ cool take on luxury Florida resorts
Way back in the 1920s, The Palm Beaches’ architectural style was born in West Palm Beach. You can see it at its finest in the graceful colonnades and courtyards on elegant Worth Avenue. But it’s also a signature theme in several luxury hotels which mix the cool of great locations with incredible design and a laid-back mood that works well for families.
Heritage style at The Brazilian Court Palm Beach
The Brazilian Court, Palm Beach
There are plenty of Florida resorts designed in the Spanish Colonial style, but few that come with the heritage of The Brazilian Court Palm Beach. This historic landmark hotel is the real deal from its elegant courtyards and gently splashing fountains to the insistence on impeccable service.
Family pool time, Hilton West Palm Beach
Hilton West Palm Beach
Hilton West Palm Beach might be right at the heart of lively downtown, but it’s also something of an oasis, with tropical pools, gardens and play areas for kids. Although thoughtful touches for families don’t stop at outdoor fun. As well as three restaurants and bars, you can also stop off at Provisions to pick up picnic supplies or just grab a locally roasted coffee – this you have to try. And they definitely were thinking family-friendly when they designed rooms and suites which sleep up to five. If you can tear yourself away, The Square is practically on the doorstep and you’re a short stroll from the beach here too.
PGA National Resort, The Palm Beaches
Golf resorts your kids will love
The Palm Beaches goes by the name of Florida’s Golf Capital, and it goes all out when it comes to Florida resorts which combine freedom to play all day for grown ups with space for kids to play – the way they want – too.
PGA National Resort, Palm Beach Gardens
Home to not one, but six, championship golf courses as well as a glorious spa, zero-entry swimming pool and the fun Banyan Buddies Kids Club, PGA National Resort is far from an ordinary golf hotel.
Children’s activities here range from junior yoga and tennis lessons to skill building at the junior golf clinic. You’re only 20 minutes away from the beach, but the resort is also perfectly located for easy visits to local favourites like Rapids Water Park and Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse.. However, what most families really like here is the choice of accommodation with covers everything from luxurious rooms and suites to family cottages.
White Elephant Palm Beach
The Palm Beaches do boutique Florida resorts beautifully
Kids’ clubs and mini-waterslides are very appealing for younger children, however, if you have aesthetically aware teenagers to consider, you might want to think boutique hotels.
White Elephant Palm Beach
This is the one to impress the most design-conscious older kids. Originally built in 1924, but completely reimagined for the 2020s, White Elephant mixes a warm Mediterranean vibe with the distinctive character of Palm Beach. The result is a fabulous boutique hotel, packed with intriguing details and beautifully designed right down to its hardwood floors, handwoven rugs and art-laden walls.
West Palm Beach Marriott
Pick The Palm Beaches for good value Florida resorts
The gentler side of Florida can also go easy on family holiday spending, without compromising on essentials like great swimming pools, good resort restaurants, outstanding locations and quality service.
West Palm Beach Marriott
When it comes to a holiday base, West Palm Beach is hard to beat. West Palm Beach Marriott offers excellent value right in the heart of downtown, minutes from The Square. Of course, beaches are nearby too, although you might be just as tempted to hang out at the hotel’s outdoor swimming pool. And not only are the spacious hotel suites or concierge-level rooms ideal for families, on-site Bistro Ten Zero also serves up classic American eats which kids love.
Hyatt Place West Palm Beach
Hyatt Place, West Palm Beach
Great value doesn’t deprive families of iconic locations in The Palm Beaches. Hyatt Place West Palm Beach delivers cool, clean and contemporary style in a great downtown setting, just a short walk from the sea and even closer to The Square. Kids will like the 24/7 eats at The Market, which has mastered the art of grab ‘n’ go. Breakfast without fuss is another plus for families. And teens will appreciate the funky design from reception area to the spacious family rooms.
Now you know where to stay, visit The Palm Beaches, Florida for everything else you need to plan a family trip.
