Walk through the double doors of 155 Hammon Avenue and the first thing you notice isn't the luxury. It’s the pink. It is a very specific, unapologetic shade of Gatsby-era coral that basically defines the skyline of this island. You’ve probably seen the photos of the scalloped umbrellas and the famous de Gournay wallpaper featuring monkeys and flamingos, but photos don’t really capture the humidity-soaked scent of jasmine or the sound of a cocktail shaker at the Swifty's pool bar.
The Colony Hotel Palm Beach isn't just a building; it’s a vibe.
Most people think Palm Beach is just for the "old guard" and retirees in white linen. Honestly, they’re half right. But The Colony has managed to do something almost impossible since it opened back in 1947. It stayed relevant without losing its soul. It survived the mid-century slump, the over-the-top eighties, and the Instagram era by leaning into its own eccentricity. It’s the "Pink Paradise," and while other hotels in the area try to be modern or minimalist, this place keeps the carpet plush and the chandeliers crystal.
The History of the Pinkest Landmark in Town
When the hotel first opened its doors right after World War II, it was designed by Simonson & Holley to be the winter playground for the American elite. We’re talking about the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Judy Garland, and Frank Sinatra. It was the kind of place where you didn't just stay; you were seen.
The architecture is British Colonial, but the spirit is pure South Florida. For decades, it was a family-owned staple, eventually passing into the hands of Andrew and Sarah Wetenhall in 2016. That was a turning point. People were worried they’d corporate-ify the place. Instead, they doubled down on the heritage. They brought in Sarah Wetenhall’s vision of "Palm Beach Chic," which basically means more pink, more rattan, and a lot more personality.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that the hotel is just for the wealthy elite who want to hide away. In reality, the lobby—often called "The Living Room"—is the community’s unofficial town square. You’ll see local designers having coffee next to tourists who just landed from London. It’s accessible luxury, or at least as accessible as Palm Beach gets.
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Design That Doesn't Take Itself Too Seriously
Let’s talk about that wallpaper. If you know anything about interior design, you know the de Gournay collaboration is a big deal. It’s hand-painted. It’s custom. It features "Johnnie Brown," the famous spider monkey who was the pet of eccentric architect Addison Mizner back in the 1920s.
It’s meta. It’s a nod to the island's history that most people miss.
The rooms aren't cookie-cutter. Sarah Wetenhall worked with Kemble Interiors to make sure every corner felt like a guest bedroom in a very wealthy friend's estate rather than a commercial hotel room. You’ve got Pagoda-style headboards and vintage-inspired hardware. They recently did a massive "Redesign" where they partnered with brands like Society Social and Schumacher. The result? A blend of high-end craftsmanship and actual comfort.
What You Should Know About the Accommodations
- The Main House: These are your standard (but not really standard) hotel rooms. They are cozy. Some might even say small by modern mega-resort standards, but that’s the charm of a boutique historic property.
- The Villas: If you really want to drop some cash and live like a local, the villas are where it’s at. They have names like "Casa Manana" and "Villa Arrebol."
- The Penthouse: It’s exactly what you think it is. Total opulence.
Swifty’s and the Art of the Power Lunch
You can’t talk about The Colony Hotel Palm Beach without mentioning Swifty’s. For the uninitiated, Swifty’s was a legendary Upper East Side haunt in New York that closed down years ago. The Wetenhalls basically resurrected it in Palm Beach.
The food is "clubby" in the best way. Think Cobb salads, meatloaf (yes, really), and crab cakes. It’s not trying to be molecular gastronomy or fusion-anything. It’s just good, consistent food served poolside.
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There’s something sort of magical about sitting under the hanging greenery at night. The lighting is low, the music is just loud enough to cover the sound of gossip at the next table, and the service is old-school. The staff actually remembers your name. In an age of automated check-ins and QR code menus, that kind of human touch is why people keep coming back.
Why This Place Still Matters in 2026
The travel industry has changed a lot. People want "authenticity," which usually ends up being a manufactured version of it. The Colony doesn't have to manufacture anything. It’s been there. It’s seen the rise and fall of fashion trends.
It also stays competitive by being smart about partnerships. They don't just put a brand's logo on a towel. They do deep-dive collaborations with companies like Dolce & Gabbana or Aerin Lauder. They turn the hotel into a living showroom. It’s a business model that works because it treats the guests like curators of taste, not just "heads in beds."
The hotel also serves as a gateway to Worth Avenue. You’re literally steps away from some of the best shopping in the world. You can walk from the pink lobby to the Chanel boutique in about three minutes. That location is unbeatable.
Tips for the First-Time Visitor
Honestly, if you're going to stay here, don't just stay in your room.
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- Grab the Pink Golf Cart. The hotel has a custom fleet of pink GEM cars and beach buggies. They’ll drop you off at the beach with a chair, a towel, and a picnic. It’s the most "Palm Beach" experience you can have.
- Check the Calendar. They host everything from trivia nights to high-end fashion trunk shows. There is almost always something happening in the Living Room.
- Look for Johnnie Brown. The monkey motif is everywhere. It’s a fun game to see how many places he’s hidden in the decor.
- Dress the Part. You don't have to wear a tie or a formal dress, but you’ll feel out of place in gym shorts. Think "Resort Casual." Put on a collar. Wear some color.
The Real Cost of Paradise
It’s expensive. Let's be real. You’re paying for the heritage, the location, and the service. During the peak season (December through April), rates can be eye-watering. If you want the experience without the four-figure-a-night price tag, try visiting in the shoulder season or just come for a drink at the bar. The "Pink Lady" cocktail is a rite of passage.
Common Misconceptions About The Colony
People think it’s stuffy. It’s not. It’s actually quite whimsical. There’s a sense of humor in the design—the monkeys, the bright colors, the flamboyant fabrics.
Another myth is that it’s only for "old people." While the legacy guests are certainly there, the crowd has skewed much younger lately. You’ll see influencers, young families, and tech entrepreneurs. The hotel has adapted to the digital age with high-speed Wi-Fi and plenty of "grammable" spots, but it hasn't sacrificed its dignity to do so.
What to Do Next
If you're planning a trip to the island, your first move should be checking the seasonal rates on the official website. Palm Beach is a completely different world in August than it is in January.
Plan your visit around these steps:
- Book at least three months in advance if you're eyeing a stay between January and March. The hotel is small, and it fills up fast with returning regulars.
- Research the "Off-Season" events. Sometimes the hotel hosts local art fairs or charity events during the summer months that offer a much more intimate look at the property.
- Pack for the "Palm Beach Look." If you've ever wanted to wear a bright pink blazer or a floral maxi dress and not feel judged, this is your moment.
- Coordinate your arrival. If you're flying into PBI (Palm Beach International), the hotel is a quick 15-minute drive. Skip the rental car; the hotel's house cars and the walkable nature of the area mean you won't need it.
The Colony Hotel Palm Beach remains a masterclass in how to maintain a brand for nearly a century. It’s proof that if you have a strong identity and you take care of the details, you don’t need to follow the latest trends. You just need to keep the paint fresh and the martinis cold.