Scott and I were in West Palm Beach for a business conference just last week. We decided to check out early from our ‘standard’ (read: boring) hotel and upgrade to a resort closer to the ocean. Being cost conscious, we decided to spin the wheel on one of those websites where you don’t know the name of the hotel until after you book it. But, boy did we get lucky; we got a room at the Eau Palm Resort and Hotel.
I say ‘lucky’ because I would not have picked the hotel on my own. Secretly I was hoping for the Breakers or the Four Seasons, not a hotel I’d never heard of before. But, this just goes to show you not to be too set in your ways!
The Eau Palm Beach was recently redesigned by Interior Designer Jonathan Adler, whose specialty is designing modern and colorful interiors. The “Eau Palm” was a delightful place from the moment we arrived!
Staying here reminded me of Palm Springs in the 50’s. That ‘hot and hip’ look and style.
I’m personally all about classic, chic and serene, but that does not mean I do not appreciate other design styles. That is one of the first things I learned when I started taking Art History in high school- learn to appreciate what makes various design styles valuable and enduring, regardless of the time period and subject.
Well, the Eau Palm was all about fun and happy from the moment we walked down the halls and into our bedroom.
“Beach happy” chic was everywhere. Blues, white and yellows are used throughout the space. Also, the design has great attention to detail, such as custom trim on the window treatments and bedding. Details you don’t usually see in your typical hotel room.
Grosgrain trim embellished both the bed canopy and the window valance.
Wall art plays a key role in the décor throughout the rooms, including photos by Slim Aarons…
The bathrooms were a lovely mix of classic marble with chic details via lighting, mirror overlays and campaign style drawer details. Jonathan Adler is clearly not afraid to mix metals. I know that is one area clients are always nervous about. The hallways had gold, most of the bath was silver (both chrome and brushed). It caught my eye, but nothing looked mistakenly chosen. Everything was thoughtful, including all the accessories.
I was wondering how I had never heard of this property before (it was formerly the Ritz Carlton), so I did some sleuthing online. The renovation was just completed in December.
If you are interested in learning more, you can check out this blog post at Architectural Digest. Or, click here for an article in the New York Times. Regardless, I recommend you go to the hotel’s website here. I guarantee their professional pictures are a lot better than mine! This is the perfect time of year to look at photos of beaches and sunshine. Happy day-dreaming!