It was a long time coming, but the recent opening of the Palm House hotel near the ocean in Palm Beach has generated plenty of buzz among locals and visitors.
The hotel at 160 Royal Palm Way opened just before Thanksgiving, having undergone three years of renovation under the owner that paid about $40 million for the property in a sale approved by a bankruptcy court nearly five years ago.
Guests and visitors to the property have found the lobby-and-bar area decorated in pinks and greens with a vaulted ceiling, Murano-glass chandeliers and a striking wall installation featuring thousands of seashells.
Before the opening, the hotel had not welcomed a guest in 17 years, mired before the 2019 sale in a tangle of code violations, SEC investigations, a foreclosure action and criminal charges. The latter ultimately sent former owner Robert V. Matthews to federal prison after he pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit fraud and money laundering while using investor funds earmarked for his failed renovation of the hotel. Matthews is serving a 65-month sentence in Pensacola.
But that was then, and this is now, according to the new owner, an affiliate of London-based hospitality investment and management company L+R Hotels, also known as London and Regional Group Hotel Holdings.
Palm House is the first U.S. hotel to be branded as part of the company’s Iconic Luxury Hotels collection, which includes Cliveden House in Berkshire near Windsor, England. That property drew international headlines when Meghan Markle stayed there on the night before her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018.
Other English properties in the Iconic Luxury Hotels portfolio include The Lygon Arms in Worchesterchire; The Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa in New Forest, Hampshire; and, in London, 11 Cadogan Gardens, The Mayfair Townhouse and The Chelsea Townhouse. The company also owns the Excelsior Venice in Italy.
Palm House’s opening in late November occurred with fewer than half of its 79 guest rooms approved for occupancy by town officials. But two days before Christmas, Town Hall signed off on almost all of the renovation work. The project was designed by the Atlanta architectural firm Cooper Carry, built by Hedrick Brothers Construction of West Palm Beach and decorated by Muza Lab of London.
Among the hotel’s features are a chic dining room and an expansive pool courtyard overlooked by many of the rooms, which include 21 suites. There’s also a poolside ballroom for events.
Double-occupancy room rates start at $1,289 during the “peak season” and drop to $499 for the off-season, according to hotel officials.
Palm House is being overseen by Francisco Macedo, senior vice president of Iconic Luxury Brands International.
“It’s been a journey, but the Palm House is now an exceptional destination in itself, with a distinctive character that fits seamlessly into the Palm Beach experience,” Macedo told the Palm Beach Daily News.
He added: “Palm House is open to both our guests and the local Palm Beach community. We want it to feel like an extension of your home. We invite all to come and see the property for themselves and experience the care and attention we’ve put into it.”
In late December, Macedo discussed the hotel and its amenities in the following interview, which has been slightly edited for style and space requirements.
Q. In early 2020, before COVID-19 arrived and shortly after the sale of the Palm House property was completely finalized, L+R executive Desmond Taljaard, who is today the company’s deputy chair, said the goal was to turn the Palm House into one of L+R’s “spectacular destination hotels.” Has that goal been achieved, in your view?
A. Absolutely. We all have worked hard to bring Palm House to life as a true destination hotel, and I believe we’ve succeeded. From the moment guests arrive, they experience the sophistication, history and charm of Palm Beach. We’ve ensured that every detail — from our guest rooms and amenities to the personalized service — is of the highest standard.
Q, What are you most proud of at the Palm House?
A. I’m most proud of the transformation of this iconic property. The Palm House has been reimagined not just in terms of its physical space, but also in how it embodies the spirit of Palm Beach.
Our aim was to create a property that could welcome those who have called Palm Beach home for generations, while also becoming a comfortable resting place for those who are new to the island. It’s the culmination of incredible teamwork and vision, and we’re proud to share it with our guests.
Q. Back in March 2021, a Palm House representative told the Palm Beach Town Council the hotel could open as early as Thanksgiving of 2022 following an 18-month renovation. That projection proved unrealistic. Why did it take so long to open the hotel?
A. There were a number of factors that contributed to the delayed opening, most notably the challenges of navigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many other projects, the global disruption led to delays in construction timelines, supply-chain issues and staffing shortages.
However, we also wanted to ensure that the hotel met our high standards before we opened. While the delays were frustrating, they were essential to making sure the Palm House was everything we envisioned it to be when we finally opened our doors.
Q. When the hotel finally opened, General Manager Chris Jaycock told the Palm Beach Daily News the hotel was initially focusing on lower occupancy “to ensure highest level of service as the hotel team finds their flow with our entry into the Palm Beach season.” How has that process been going — and are you up to full speed yet? And what have been the biggest challenges the hotel has faced during its opening weeks?
A. We intentionally began with lower occupancy to ensure our team could perfect our service and operations before ramping up and settling into the Palm Beach season. Our team is dedicated to ensuring every guest feels welcome and valued.
As with any construction project, there can be surprises that pop up. However, our team has been extremely nimble in responding to those and maintaining the guest experience. As a result, we’ve received excellent guest feedback.
All those who stop by — whether locals or visitors — seem as excited about this property as we are. We’re thrilled with the response so far.
Q. How fully is Palm House booked for this season at this point?
A. The hotel is already seeing strong demand for this season, and we are expecting to be nearly at full capacity.
Q. How are the amenities and services offered by the Palm House similar to other properties that operate under the Iconic Luxury Hotels brand?
A. The amenities and services at The Palm House reflect the expertise we’ve gained from curating some of the world’s most sought-after hotel destinations. While each property in the Iconic Luxury Hotels collection boasts its own unique character, traditions and stories, they all share a commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences.
Drawing from this wealth of experience, we’re able to identify signature elements of surprise and delight that elevate the guest experience across our Iconic Luxury Hotels portfolio. For example, inspired by Cliveden House’s renowned champagne and high tea, we’re planning to introduce a unique twist that blends British elegance with Palm Beach flair.
Additionally, as part of a collection that includes Excelsior Venice, we’re embracing Palm Beach’s heritage as “Little Venice, weaving touches of European charm into the guest experience to reflect the sophistication and storied legacy of our brand.
We’ll continue to look for ways to bring the best elements from our other properties to Palm Beach — blending global luxury with the unique vibe and charm of this iconic location.
Q. During the Town Council’s approval process for your plans, there was a lively discussion about the importance the ownership placed on hosting weddings and other events as part of the hotel’s operation. Are you seeing interest from people who want to book the function room by the pool?
A. We are currently accepting inquiries and already have a number of bookings in the calendar for this season.
Altogether, Palm House offers 4,000 square feet of versatile event space, including a ballroom, pre-function area and an outdoor garden terrace and lawn adjacent to the pool. These venues are the perfect complement to one another, providing an ideal setting for grand events, corporate gatherings or intimate celebrations.
Q. People who have visited the hotel seem to be talking a lot about the seashell mural in the lobby by local artist Christa Wilm. Can you tell us a little about it and what people are saying to your staff about it?
A. We worked with esteemed art consultant Minda Dowling to curate Palm House’s collection of art, including the seashell installation by Christa Wilm, which has quickly become the standout piece. Christa’s work has really captured the essence of the area, and it adds a sense of place that resonates with visitors. It’s an exquisite piece that has captivated guests and become a conversation starter. Our guests love it, and we’re so proud to showcase local artists like Christa.
Q. For your beachgoing guests, do you set up chairs and umbrellas on Midtown Beach, and does the hotel have its own beach parcel?
A. Yes, we set up our beach chairs and umbrellas for guests on Midtown Beach, which is just a short walk from the hotel. While we don’t own a private beach parcel, we’ve partnered with local vendors to allow guests to enjoy the beautiful Palm Beach coastline in style.
Q. Can you tell us about any special services that you offer guests that people might not be aware of yet?
A. For those who haven’t yet visited, we invite both locals and guests to take a seat at The Palm Bar for your favorite cocktail or make a reservation at our Dining Room to experience Chef Jerry Ayala’s Japanese-Peruvian menu.
We’ll continue to roll out new programming over the coming months. As a pet-friendly property, you can expect special amenities for four-legged friends. Additionally, we offer a fleet of custom bikes and beach service to ensure guests can get the most out of their trip and truly explore the island while they’re here. We’re also working on an entertainment program down the line.
There are also special perks that come with some of our premiere suites. For instance, the Presidential Suite comes with a butler throughout the guest’s stay and a fully stocked butler’s pantry with the guests’ favorite treats and drinks, including Iconic Luxury Hotels’ new, proprietary gin.
Darrell Hofheinz is a USA TODAY Network of Florida journalist who writes about Palm Beach real estate in his weekly “Beyond the Hedges” column. He welcomes tips about real estate news on the island. Email [email protected], call 561-820-3831 or tweet @PBDN_Hofheinz. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
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