You’ve probably seen the wallpaper. It’s that lush, oversized banana leaf print that seems to cover every square inch of the internet whenever someone mentions Florida high society. But honestly, The Colony Hotel Palm Beach is way more than just a backdrop for an influencer’s Saturday afternoon. It’s a living, breathing piece of history that has somehow managed to stay relevant since 1947 without losing its soul.
Palm Beach is weird. It’s a bubble. Within that bubble, The Colony is the epicenter of a very specific kind of American glamour that doesn't really exist anywhere else anymore. While other historic hotels often feel like stuffy museums where you're afraid to touch the velvet, this place feels like your richest, most eccentric aunt’s living room. It’s loud. It’s pink. It’s unapologetic.
The Pink Paradise That Almost Wasn't
Most people think The Colony has always looked like a Wes Anderson movie set. Not true. When it opened right after World War II, it was sophisticated, sure, but it didn't have that iconic "Pink Paradise" branding dialed up to eleven. That came later, as the hotel leaned into its role as the unofficial clubhouse for the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and basically every Kennedy who ever swung a golf club.
The architecture is British Colonial, designed by Simonson & Holley. It sits just steps from Worth Avenue and the Atlantic Ocean, occupying a prime piece of real estate that developers would literally kill for today. But the magic isn't in the bricks; it's in the vibe.
Sarah Wetenhall, the current owner and visionary behind the recent massive renovations, understood something very important: you can’t just "modernize" a legend. You have to curate it. She brought in Celerie Kemble and Kemble Interiors to refresh the space, and they went all in on the "Palm Beach Chic" aesthetic. We’re talking custom de Gournay wallpaper that features indigenous Florida flora and fauna, including the hotel’s unofficial mascot, Johnnie Brown the monkey.
Johnnie Brown and the Weird History of Pet Monkeys
If you look closely at the murals in the lobby—lovingly nicknamed "The Living Room"—you’ll see a spider monkey. That’s Johnnie Brown. He belonged to Addison Mizner, the legendary architect who basically invented the look of Palm Beach in the 1920s. Johnnie Brown was a local celebrity, often seen riding on Mizner's shoulder.
By featuring him in the decor, the hotel isn't just being cute. It’s a nod to the deep, often eccentric roots of the town. This isn't corporate branding; it's tribal knowledge for people who actually know the history of the island.
Why the Rooms Feel Different Now
Standard hotel rooms are boring. They’re beige boxes designed to offend the fewest number of people possible. The Colony went the opposite direction. Each room is a masterclass in texture and color. They use high-gloss lacquers, rattan, and more shades of pink and green than you’ll find in a Lilly Pulitzer factory.
The 2022 renovation was a huge deal. They didn't just swap out the carpets. They collaborated with brands like Society Social and Matouk to create custom furniture and linens. It was a massive logistical undertaking. Imagine trying to renovate a historic building while maintaining the integrity of the original structure. It’s a nightmare of building codes and historical preservation hurdles. But they pulled it off.
Honestly, the "Aisling" suites are probably the peak of the experience. They feel like a private residence. You've got your own entrance, a kitchen, and enough space to host a small cocktail party. This is where the real "Old Money" stays when they're in town for the season and their own mansion is being renovated.
Eating and Drinking at Swifty’s
If you want to understand the social hierarchy of Palm Beach, just go to Swifty’s for lunch.
Swifty’s was a legendary Upper East Side haunt that closed in 2016. The Colony’s owners basically resurrected it and moved it to the poolside. It was a genius move. It brought that specific New York "see-and-be-seen" energy to the Florida coast.
- Order the Meatloaf. Seriously. It was a staple at the original Swifty’s and it’s still the most famous thing on the menu.
- The Cobb Salad is also a big deal, mostly because everyone there is perpetually on a diet but wants to look like they’re eating.
- Drink a "Pink Paradise" cocktail. It’s cliché, but you're at a pink hotel. Just do it.
The pool area is where the action happens. The pool is shaped like the state of Florida, which is both incredibly tacky and strangely charming. On any given afternoon, you’ll see billionaire philanthropists sitting next to 22-year-old models and local socialites who have been coming here since the 60s. It’s a mix that shouldn't work, but it does.
Breaking the "Stuffy" Stereotype
Palm Beach has a reputation for being exclusionary. The Colony is trying to change that, or at least soften the edges. While it’s still incredibly expensive and high-end, the atmosphere is surprisingly welcoming. They have a "pink golf cart" that shuttles guests to the beach, complete with umbrellas and chairs. They host trivia nights. They have a DJ by the pool on weekends.
It’s an attempt to attract a younger demographic—the "New Palm Beach" crowd. These are people who want the luxury of a five-star hotel but don't want to wear a sports coat to breakfast. You can wear your Gucci slides and a caftan and fit right in.
Common Misconceptions About The Colony
People often get a few things wrong about this place. First, they think it's right on the beach. It's not. It’s a block away. You can see the ocean from the higher floors, but you aren't waking up to waves crashing against your window.
Second, some people think it’s just for the winter "season." While Palm Beach definitely thins out in the summer when the humidity hits 100%, The Colony stays open. They’ve done a great job of making it a year-round destination for Floridians looking for a staycation.
Third, don't assume it's just a place for "ladies who lunch." The business crowd is huge here. You’ll see major deals being discussed over espresso in the lobby. It’s a networking hub dressed up in floral wallpaper.
The Logistics of Staying Here
If you're planning a trip, keep in mind that the hotel is boutique. It only has about 89 rooms and suites. This means it books up fast, especially during the "Social Season" which runs from November through April.
- Price Point: High. Expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $3,000+ per night depending on the season and the room.
- Location: 155 Hammon Avenue. It’s walking distance to the best shopping on Worth Avenue.
- Pet Policy: They are famously pet-friendly. They even have a "Pet Menu" at Swifty’s.
The Verdict on the Recent Refresh
Some purists were worried that the 2022-2023 updates would strip away the character. They didn't. If anything, the hotel feels more "Colony" than ever. By leaning into the heritage brands and the specific Florida color palette, they’ve created a space that feels timeless.
It’s hard to find a hotel that can balance being a historic landmark and a trendy hotspot. Most fail. They either become a museum or they become a generic luxury hotel that could be in Dubai or London. The Colony is stubbornly, beautifully Palm Beach.
How to Do The Colony Right
If you really want to experience the hotel like a pro, don't just stay in your room. Spend time in the lobby. That’s where the "theater" happens. Bring a book, order a coffee, and just watch. You’ll see the pageant of Palm Beach life unfold in front of you.
Check out the "Vespa Boutique." They have a partnership where you can rent pink Vespas to zip around the island. It’s the best way to see the massive estates on South Ocean Boulevard without getting stuck in traffic.
Lastly, pay attention to the details. Look at the tassels on the room keys. Look at the trim on the staff uniforms. Every single element has been thought out by a team that clearly loves the property. That kind of passion is rare in the hospitality industry these days, where most hotels are owned by massive private equity firms that care more about margins than monkeys on the wallpaper.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Book Swifty’s Reservations Early: Don't wait until you arrive. If it’s a weekend during the season, you won't get a table. Call a week in advance.
- Visit the Beach via the Pink Buggy: It’s a signature experience. Let the staff set up your chairs and umbrellas; they have a dedicated "Beach Butler" service that makes the whole process seamless.
- Explore the Penthouse and Villas: If you're traveling with a group, the villas are actually a better value than booking multiple individual rooms. They offer a much higher level of privacy.
- Walk Worth Avenue at Night: After dinner at the hotel, walk a few blocks over to Worth Avenue. It’s beautifully lit and much quieter than during the day, allowing you to appreciate the Mediterranean Revival architecture without the crowds.
- Check the Social Calendar: The hotel often hosts pop-up shops with high-end brands like Dolce & Gabbana or specialized fitness classes. Check their Instagram or website before you arrive so you don't miss out on a limited-time event.
The Colony Hotel Palm Beach is a testament to the idea that more is more. In a world of minimalist "greige" hotels, its commitment to color and whimsy is a breath of fresh air. It’s expensive, it’s a bit over the top, and it’s absolutely worth it for anyone who wants to see the real Palm Beach.