So, here’s the thing about The Boca Raton. Most people still call it the "Boca Raton Resort & Club," but if you say that to a local or a regular, they’ll probably gently correct you. It’s just The Boca Raton now. It sounds a bit pretentious, right? Like it’s trying to be the only thing in the city that matters. But honestly, after the massive $250 million renovation that wrapped up recently, it kind of is.
I remember walking through the Cloister years ago. It felt heavy. Gold leaf, dark wood, very "old Florida" wealth that smelled slightly of mothballs and expensive perfume. It was iconic, sure, but it was also stiff. Today? It’s different. The pink walls—that legendary Addison Mizner Mediterranean Revival aesthetic—are still there, but the vibe has shifted from a gated country club to something that actually feels like a modern luxury resort. It’s less about who your grandfather knew and more about whether you can get a table at Japanese Precision or The Flamingo Grill.
The Five-Hotel Secret Most People Miss
You don't just book "a room" here. That’s the first mistake people make when looking at The Boca Raton. It’s actually five distinct hotels sitting on one massive property. If you pick the wrong one, your vacation is basically ruined before you unpack.
The Cloister is the heart of the operation. It’s the original 1926 building. If you want to be near the action, the lobby bar, and the historic architecture, this is where you stay. The rooms are smaller here because, well, it’s 100 years old. But the charm is unmatched. Then you have Tower. It’s the tallest building in the county. It’s sleek, it’s vertical, and it’s arguably the most modern of the bunch. It’s great for families who want a bit more space and incredible views of the Atlantic.
Then there is Yacht Club. This is the adult-only escape. You get personal concierges and floor-to-ceiling views of the Lake Boca waterfront. If you're looking for a romantic weekend without kids splashing in the pool next to you, this is the only logical choice. Bungalows are tucked away, offering a more residential, long-stay feel with kitchenettes. Finally, there’s Beach Club. It’s across the water. You have to take a water taxi to get there. It’s right on the sand, and it’s very "South of France meets South Florida."
Why the Food Scene Actually Matters
Let’s talk about Major Food Group. For a long time, resort food was... fine. It was safe. You’d get a decent club sandwich or a seared salmon that was edible but forgettable. When The Boca Raton partnered with MFG (the people behind Carbone and Sadelle's), everything changed.
The Flamingo Grill is basically a mid-century steakhouse fever dream. The servers wear these incredible pink tuxedos. They prepare Caesar salads tableside with the kind of theatricality you usually only see in Vegas or old-school New York. It’s loud. It’s flashy. It’s expensive. But the steak is actually perfect.
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If you’re not in the mood for a heavy steak, Sadelle's serves what is arguably the best brunch in Palm Beach County. The towers of bagels and lox are legendary for a reason. But here is a tip: don't sleep on the smaller spots. The poolside tacos at MB 2 are surprisingly authentic, and the coffee at Maison Rose is better than anything you'll find at a standard chain.
The Reality of the Beach vs. The Harbor
One thing that confuses travelers is the layout. The resort is split by the Intracoastal Waterway. The main campus (Cloister, Tower, Yacht Club, Bungalows) is on the inland side. The Beach Club is on the ocean side.
You spend a lot of time on boats.
The water taxi runs constantly. It’s a five-minute ride, and honestly, it’s one of the best parts of the stay. You get to gawk at the multi-million dollar yachts docked in the marina. You feel the breeze. It makes the resort feel like a private island even though you’re right in the middle of a bustling city. However, if you are someone who wants to walk out of your room and immediately step onto the sand, you must stay at the Beach Club. If you stay at the Cloister and expect a beach view, you’re going to be disappointed.
Harborside Pool Club: The Family Game Changer
If you have kids, the Harborside Pool Club is probably where you’ll spend 90% of your time. It’s a massive complex. We’re talking a lazy river, water slides, and a FlowRider surf simulator. It’s basically a high-end water park that happens to have luxury cabanas and high-quality cocktails.
What’s interesting is how they’ve managed to keep it from feeling like a chaotic theme park. There are adult-only zones. There’s enough space that you don’t feel like you’re on top of other families. But be warned: the sun in Florida is no joke, and the shade at the pool club is prime real estate. If you don't rent a cabana, get there early.
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The Architecture and the Ghost of Addison Mizner
You can't talk about this place without talking about Addison Mizner. He was a character. He used to walk around with a pet monkey on his shoulder. He essentially invented the "Mediterranean Revival" style that defines Boca Raton today.
When he built the Cloister Inn (the resort’s original name) in the 1920s, he wanted it to look like a Spanish castle. He used reclaimed tiles from Europe. He built hidden courtyards and winding hallways. Even with the new renovations, that DNA is still there. If you take a moment to look up at the ceilings in the Cloister or walk through the fountain-filled courtyards at night, you can feel the history. It’s not just a hotel; it’s a piece of architectural history.
The Spa is Actually Worth the Hype
The Spa Palmera is 50,000 square feet of pure indulgence. It was inspired by the Alhambra Palace in Spain. Usually, resort spas are a bit of a letdown—standard rooms, standard massages. This is different.
The ritual bath is the standout. You go through a series of water treatments—steam, sauna, Swiss showers, and a dip in a stunning mosaic-tiled pool. It’s immersive. It’s one of the few places in Florida where you can genuinely forget what year it is. If you're staying here for a milestone like an anniversary, just book the treatment. Don't think about the price tag too much; just do it.
What Most People Get Wrong
People think The Boca Raton is just for retirees. That might have been true in 1995. It’s not true now.
I saw more young entrepreneurs and families with toddlers on my last visit than I did the "old guard." The resort has pivoted hard toward a younger, more design-conscious demographic. This means the energy is higher, but it also means it can get busy. This isn't a sleepy library. It’s a vibrant, active property.
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Another misconception? That you can just walk in and eat at the restaurants. Most of the high-end dining is reserved for resort guests and members only. If you’re staying off-property and hoping to snag a table at The Flamingo Grill, you’re likely out of luck. This exclusivity is part of what keeps the "club" feel alive.
Navigating the Costs
Let’s be real: this place is pricey. Between the room rates, the resort fees, and the fact that a cocktail will run you $20 or more, the bill adds up fast. But you get what you pay for in terms of service. The staff-to-guest ratio is high. If you want a towel, someone is there before you even ask. If you need a ride to the golf course, the shuttle is waiting.
The golf, by the way, is world-class. The Harborside Course is a par-71 that winds around the property and the water. It’s challenging but fair. If you're a golfer, playing a round here is a rite of passage.
How to Do The Boca Raton Right
Don't try to see it all in two days. You'll just end up exhausted and feeling like you missed out. Pick your "home base" hotel carefully based on who you're traveling with.
- For Romance: Stay at the Yacht Club. Eat at Japanese Precision. Spend an afternoon at Spa Palmera.
- For Families: Stay at the Tower. Spend the mornings at the Harborside Pool Club and the afternoons at the beach.
- For Socializing: Stay at the Cloister. Hang out at the Palm Court during happy hour.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
- Download the App Immediately: The resort is huge. The app handles everything from restaurant reservations to water taxi schedules. Without it, you’ll be lost.
- Book Dining 30 Days Out: The popular spots like The Flamingo Grill and Sadelle's fill up fast, especially on weekends. Don't wait until you check in.
- Choose Your "Side": Decide if you are a "Pool Person" or a "Beach Person." If it's the latter, stay at the Beach Club to avoid the boat commute every morning.
- Explore the Courtyards: Some of the best spots in the Cloister are the small, quiet gardens tucked away between buildings. They are perfect for a morning coffee or a quiet read.
- Check the Event Calendar: The resort often hosts exclusive events, from wine tastings to live music. It’s worth seeing what’s happening during your stay so you don't miss out on a "members-only" vibe experience.
The Boca Raton isn't just a hotel; it's a sprawling ecosystem of luxury. It’s big, it’s pink, and it’s unapologetically Floridian. Whether you love the history or the new modern upgrades, it’s a place that demands you slow down and actually enjoy the scenery. Just make sure you bring your comfortable walking shoes—and maybe a decent credit card.