If you walk down Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach, you’ll see plenty of glass-and-steel luxury. It’s shiny. It’s new. But then, you hit the yellow awnings and the Mediterranean Revival architecture of the Colony Hotel and Cabana Club, and suddenly, the air feels different. It feels like 1926.
I’m not talking about some manufactured "vintage vibe" that developers buy out of a catalog. This place is the real deal. It’s one of those rare Florida landmarks that hasn't been bulldozed to make room for a generic rooftop bar with overpriced mezcal. It’s still family-owned by the Broughtons, who have kept the soul of this place intact since the 1930s. Honestly, in a state that loves to pave over its history, the Colony is a miracle.
What it’s actually like inside the Colony Hotel and Cabana Club in Delray Beach
Forget the lobby of a Marriott. When you step into the Colony, you’re greeted by original skylights and those iconic hand-operated elevators. Yes, they still have an elevator operator. It’s sorta like stepping into a time capsule, but without the mothball smell. The lobby is airy, filled with wicker furniture and tropical plants that make you want to put your phone away and actually read a book.
The rooms? They aren’t for everyone. If you need a 75-inch smart TV and a bathroom the size of a studio apartment, you might be disappointed. They are historic. This means original hardwood floors and furniture that was actually made in the 1920s. But that’s the point. You aren't staying here to hide in your room; you’re here to experience a version of Florida that basically doesn't exist anymore.
The hotel is famously seasonal. For decades, it followed the old-school Florida tradition of closing up shop for the summer. While they’ve modernized some aspects, that rhythm of the "season" still dictates the energy here. During the winter months, the lobby is the heart of Delray.
The Cabana Club: A private slice of the Atlantic
Now, here is the part most people get slightly confused about. The hotel itself is on the main drag (Atlantic Avenue), about a mile away from the ocean. But the "Cabana Club" part of the name refers to their private beach club located right on the sand.
👉 See also: Atlantic Puffin Fratercula Arctica: Why These Clown-Faced Birds Are Way Tougher Than They Look
You hop on the hotel shuttle, and a few minutes later, you’re at a private saltwater pool. It’s heated. It’s pristine.
- You get a private beach area with umbrellas.
- There's a lunch buffet that feels like a throwback to 1950s social clubs.
- The staff actually knows your name if you stay more than two nights.
- It’s surprisingly quiet compared to the public beaches nearby.
The Cabana Club is where the real "Old Delray" families congregate. You'll see three generations of people sitting together under a cabana. It’s not a "see and be seen" South Beach vibe. It’s more of a "I’ve been coming here since I was five" vibe.
Why the history of the Colony Hotel matters for Delray’s identity
Delray Beach wasn't always the "Most Fun Small Town in America." Before the boutiques and the high-end sushi spots, it was a quiet farming village and a winter retreat for artists. The Colony, designed by Martin L. Hampton—who was a big deal in Miami architecture—was the centerpiece of that transition.
Most people don't realize that the hotel was originally the Alterep Hotel. It only became the Colony after it was purchased by George Boughton. Since then, the family has fought tooth and nail to keep the architectural integrity. They didn't gut it. They didn't turn it into a sterile "boutique" experience. Because of that, the hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
It’s an anchor. As Atlantic Avenue gets more crowded and corporate, the Colony acts as a reminder of why people started coming to Delray in the first place. It’s about the breeze. The architecture. The pace.
✨ Don't miss: Madison WI to Denver: How to Actually Pull Off the Trip Without Losing Your Mind
Sustainability before it was a buzzword
Funny enough, the Colony was "green" before anyone used that term. Because the building was designed before central air conditioning was standard, it uses natural ventilation. The "cross-breeze" isn't just a fancy phrase; it’s how the building was engineered.
Of course, they have AC now—Florida summers are no joke—but the bones of the building are incredibly efficient. They also focus on local sourcing and have a long history of environmental stewardship long before it became a marketing tactic for hotels.
The stuff no one tells you about staying here
Let’s get real for a second. If you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room that doesn't face Atlantic Avenue. The Avenue is loud. Delray is a party town on the weekends, and those historic windows don't block out the sound of a modified exhaust pipe at 1:00 AM.
Also, don't expect a gym with thirty Pelotons. The exercise here is walking. You’re in the most walkable part of Florida. Use it.
The service is also... different. It’s not the scripted, robotic service you get at a Ritz-Carlton. It’s friendly, casual, and occasionally a bit slow in a "hey, you’re on vacation" kind of way. If you’re in a massive rush, you’re in the wrong hotel.
🔗 Read more: Food in Kerala India: What Most People Get Wrong About God's Own Kitchen
What to do within walking distance
You are literally steps from everything.
- Silverball Retro Museum: Just a block away. It's a pinball hall of fame where you can play vintage machines.
- Old School Square: The cultural heart of the city. There's always a concert or an art show happening on the lawn.
- Pineapple Grove: The arts district just north of Atlantic. Great murals and slightly less crowded restaurants.
- The Sandbar: If you want a drink with your feet in the sand near the Cabana Club.
Is the Colony Hotel and Cabana Club right for you?
It depends on what you value.
If you want a cookie-cutter room where every light switch is exactly where you expect it to be, stay at the Seagate or the Hyatt down the road. They are great hotels. They are comfortable.
But if you want to feel like you’re part of a story, you stay at the Colony. You stay there if you like the sound of a real key turning in a lock. You stay there if you appreciate hand-painted furniture and a staff that treats the building like a family home.
It’s the kind of place where you have a gin and tonic in the lobby and feel like you might bump into a ghost from the 1920s—and they’d probably be wearing a better outfit than you.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
- Book the Cabana Club Lunch: Even if you aren't staying at the hotel, look into guest passes or social events. The lunch spread at the Cabana Club is legendary for its simple, old-school quality.
- Check the Event Calendar: The Colony often hosts live jazz or local musicians in the lobby. It is one of the best free "vibes" in the city.
- Parking Strategy: Parking on Atlantic is a nightmare. Use the hotel’s valet or look for the municipal garages a block north. Don't even try to find a street spot on a Saturday night.
- Request the North Side: If you want a quieter experience, request a room on the north side of the building to escape the direct noise of the Atlantic Avenue nightlife.
- Walk the Hallways: Take ten minutes to just walk the upper floors. The photography and original fixtures tell a better story of Florida than any museum in the area.