by | October 3, 2025
Pretty in Pink: Palm Beach’s Palm House is About to Turn One
Discover what makes this still-under-the-radar boutique hotel stand out.
According to my GPS, we had arrived at our destination. But despite the two-story pink facade presiding over Royal Palm Way, I drove right past what looked like a private residence. There’s no sign announcing Palm House’s presence, in a nod to the quiet-luxury-IYKYK-ethos of Palm Beach. And clearly, we didn’t know—yet. I had made the four-hour drive to Palm Beach with my two teenage daughters for a quick weekend getaway before sending our oldest off to college. I was excited to spoil them for a couple of days and let them try on a bit of the glamor of Palm Beach—a stark contrast to the laid-back beach town where we live in Northeast Florida. I wasn’t sure what would impress them more, the luxury or the service. It turned out to be both.
Decades before becoming Palm Beach’s newest boutique hotel (with 79 guestrooms and suites) and the first US-based property in L&R Iconic Luxury Hotel collection, the site was home to a motor-court-style motel. Today, not a hint of the drive-up era remains. In its place stands what is fast becoming a treasured addition to the long-established icons of hospitality on the island—and one that prioritizes quality over quantity.
Poolside & Lunch
Upon entering the hotel, a grand Murano-glass chandelier with hundreds of pink leaves arranged into a diamond shape welcomed us into the lobby, which is wrapped in spectacular seashell murals and anchored by a sleek art deco bar. Bellmen immediately whisked our car and luggage away, and the three of us were escorted to the pool for a patio lunch. With its chic loungers and striped umbrellas and a splash of Palm Beach whimsy, the pool made for great tanning and people-watching as the half-dozen other guests dipped their toes in the water. Lunch on the pool deck included a hit parade of all our favorites—guacamole, truffle fries and pasta Bolognese—and the staff never missed a beat, keeping our drinks topped off and our towels refreshed.
Rooms & Suites
On the walk to our guest room, the hallways doubled as a gallery of Slim Aarons’ photography with his signature sun-kissed scenes of retro Palm Beach resort life. Our room, a grand double queen floorplan, was stylish and comfortable with two queen beds, a spacious marble bathroom and a balcony with a partial pool-view. Mid-century modern design details like lattice work behind the beds gave way to contemporary art and plush furnishings. More penthouse than hotel room, the Presidential Suite (currently running around $3,600 per night) boasts 25-foot ceilings, an enormous chandelier shaped like a set of twisted pearls and a small kitchen with green custom cabinetry. The two-story quarters sleep two quite comfortably and center on what may be Palm Beach’s largest bed—an Alaskan king in the primary suite—and a balcony overlooking the pool.
Exploring Palm Beach
Although you may not want to, Palm House makes it easy to venture beyond its chic lobby and quaint pool. The girls and I peddled to breakfast at Greene’s Pharmacy one morning on beach cruiser bikes, provided by the hotel, before scooting down the Intracoastal Waterway trail for breezy views of PB’s yachts and mansions. If you prefer luxury leather seats and AC over a little humidity and wind in your hair, call the house car service, and a well-informed chauffeur will take you anywhere on the island while sharing local lore (cosmetics mogul Estée Lauder lives nearby) from the comforts of a hotel Land Rover Defender.
Dining & Nightlife
For dinner, we donned our maxi dresses and headed to the Palm House Dining Room, which holds the hotel’s best-kept secret—locals know it as Palm Beach’s “secret Nobu.” The special for the night—caviar tacos topped with gold leaf—was pure theater. My college-bound companion and I tried them, while the 14-year-old passed, but both girls were captivated by the presentation. Later, they took selfies on the pool deck while I slipped over to the Palm Bar for a lychee martini, surrounded by pink marble—a scene worthy of Slim Aarons himself.
Final Thoughts
Palm House, which turns one year old in November, is the perfect still-under-the-radar stay in Palm Beach. The thoughtful, elevated design truly feels like you’re staying in one of your most stylish friends’ homes, and while standard room rates are on par with the island (starting around $600 per night) they still ring in slightly less than competing area hotels. From lounging poolside to nibbling caviar tacos to cruising the town by bike to sipping martinis in style, the hotel delivers luxury with a wink in a sophisticated yet playful Palm Beach atmosphere.
Know Before You Go: Palm House
Location: Palm Beach Island, one block from the beach and steps from area dining and shopping.
Price Range: Starting at about $600 per night (rates vary seasonally but expect boutique luxury pricing). Fall is the time to go, with multiple promotions, including a Fall Escape package, FL GA resident rates and a Suite Life package with up to 30% off.
Must-Try Amenities: The pretty-in-pink pool, Palm Beach’s “secret Nobu” dining room and happy hour at the Palm Bar (don’t miss the lychee martini).
Best Room: The two-story Presidential Suite with 25-foot ceilings, a pearl-inspired chandelier, a green custom kitchen and a poolside view.
What’s Nearby: Royal Poinciana shopping plaza, The Breakers, Buccan restaurant, Worth Avenue, Greene’s Pharmacy and the Intracoastal Waterway trail—perfect for a beach cruiser ride.
For more travel inspiration and boutique hotels, click here.
About the Author
As an editor and journalist, Jamie has covered travel and culture around the world. Her work has appeared in national and international publications. She spent much of her professional life abroad and worked in newsrooms from The Moscow Times to The Times of London. She holds degrees from Florida State and Georgetown. She founded Flamingo in 2015.
