Walk into the lobby of The Cloister at Boca Raton and you’re immediately hit by the smell of expensive lilies and old-world Spanish stone. It’s heavy. It’s grand. Most people assume this place is just another fancy hotel on the beach, but honestly, it’s basically the reason Boca Raton exists as we know it today. If you aren't familiar with Addison Mizner, he’s the guy who looked at a bunch of swampy Florida brush in the 1920s and decided it needed to look like a Mediterranean palace.
The Cloister is the pink-hued heart of the Boca Raton Resort & Club, now officially rebranded as The Boca Raton. It isn't just a building. It's a statement.
What most people miss about the history
Most travelers book a room here thinking they’re just getting a "classic" vibe. They don't realize they are sleeping in a masterpiece of the Florida land boom. When Mizner opened the Cloister Inn back in 1926, it was the most expensive 100-room hotel in the world. Think about that for a second. In an era before air conditioning was standard, people were flocking to this specific spot because of the architecture.
The design isn't accidental. You’ve got these massive, twisting columns and hidden courtyards that make you feel like you've been dropped into 15th-century Spain. It’s got that "Mizner Pink" stucco that has become the legal requirement for almost every building in the city of Boca Raton. Seriously, the city has strict color codes because of this one building.
The Cloister has survived everything. It lived through the Great Depression, which hit just years after it opened. It survived being used as barracks for the Army Air Corps during World War II. It’s seen a dozen different owners, from the Schine family to H. Wayne Huizenga. Every time someone buys it, they pour millions into keeping that original 1920s soul alive while trying to make sure the Wi-Fi actually works through those thick stone walls.
The 200-million-dollar facelift
Let’s be real: for a while, the Cloister was starting to feel a little dusty. It had that "grandma’s fancy living room" energy. But recently, MSD Partners (the current owners) dumped over $200 million into a massive renovation. They didn't just paint the walls. They completely re-imagined how the whole property flows.
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They brought in the Rockwell Group to handle the interiors. If you know anything about David Rockwell, you know he doesn’t do "boring." They kept the vaulted ceilings and the original tile work—thank god—but they stripped away the stuffy, dark furniture. Now, it’s bright. It’s breezy. It actually feels like Florida again, rather than a dark castle.
One of the coolest things they did was revamp the Palm Court. It used to be just a transition space you walked through to get to your room. Now, it’s a glass-topped social hub. You sit there with a drink and you can actually see the sky while being surrounded by the original 1926 arches. It's kind of the perfect mix of "I'm in a historic monument" and "I'm on vacation."
The room situation: Where to actually stay
The Cloister is just one part of the larger resort, but it's the one you want if you care about character. You have choices:
- The Cloister Estates: These are the renovated classic rooms. They aren't the largest on the property, but the detail in the crown molding and the view of the tropical gardens is unbeatable.
- The Yacht Club: This is right next door, more of a "boutique" feel within the resort. It’s adult-only and very swanky.
- The Tower: That big pink skyscraper you see from miles away. It’s great for views of the Atlantic, but it lacks the ground-level history of the Cloister.
- Bungalows: Better if you're bringing the whole family and need a kitchen.
Honestly, if you're coming for the "Boca experience," you stay in the Cloister. You want to hear your footsteps on the Pecky Cypress wood floors. You want to see the hand-painted beams.
Why the food is actually a big deal now
For decades, resort food was... fine. It was safe. It was club sandwiches and overpriced salads. That has completely changed. The Boca Raton partnered with Major Food Group (the people behind Carbone and Sadelle’s) to handle the dining.
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The Flamingo Grill is a trip. It’s a classic mid-century chop house. It feels like Frank Sinatra is about to walk in and order a martini. The service is "theatrical"—they carve things tableside and the waiters wear these sharp pink tuxedos. It’s a bit over the top, but that’s the point. It’s Boca.
Then you have MB London, which is a more modern take on Mediterranean food. It’s located right in the heart of the Cloister area. The flavors are bright—lots of lemon, fresh herbs, and incredible seafood. It matches the new "lighter" feel of the building perfectly.
Navigating the "Member" vs. "Guest" divide
Here is the thing no one tells you: The Boca Raton is also a private club. This can be a little weird for first-timers. There are certain areas or events that are "Members Only." However, as a hotel guest staying at the Cloister, you get access to almost everything.
The Spa Palmera is probably the highlight. It was inspired by the Alhambra in Spain. We’re talking 50,000 square feet of pure luxury. They have these ritual water baths that are actually worth the hype. Even if you aren't a "spa person," just walking through the garden at the spa is a mood-shifter.
Getting around the property
The resort is massive. It’s split between the main "harborside" area (where the Cloister is) and the "beachside" area. They are separated by the Intracoastal Waterway.
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You don't walk between them. You take the Mizner's Dream water taxi. It’s a little boat that shuttles you back and forth. It’s a 5-minute ride, but it’s actually one of the best parts of the stay. You get to gawk at the multi-million dollar yachts docked at the marina and feel the salt air. If you’re staying at the Cloister, you’ll spend your days by the beach club pools and your evenings back at the historic main building for dinner.
Is it worth the price tag?
Let’s not mince words. It’s expensive. You’re going to pay a "resort fee" and the cocktails aren't cheap. But you aren't just paying for a bed. You’re paying for the fact that this place is a living museum.
In a world where every new hotel looks like a sterile glass box, the Cloister at Boca Raton feels grounded. It has weight. It has stories. You can feel the ghosts of the 1920s high-society parties in the hallways.
If you're a fan of architecture, or if you just want to see what Florida looked like when it was trying to be the "American Riviera," this is the spot. It’s not just a hotel; it’s the DNA of the city.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
- Book the Cloister, not the Tower: If you want the authentic Mizner history, make sure your reservation specifically says "Cloister" or "Cloister Estate."
- Make dining reservations early: Since the Major Food Group takeover, the restaurants get packed with locals/members. Don't wait until you check in to book a table at Flamingo Grill.
- Explore the "Secret" Courtyards: Take an hour just to wander the ground floor of the Cloister. There are dozens of small, hidden outdoor spaces with fountains that most people walk right past.
- Check the Event Calendar: They often have live music in the Palm Court or special tastings. It’s worth timing your evening around those.
- Use the Water Taxi: Even if you don't need to go to the beach, take the boat ride at sunset. It’s the best view of the property you can get.