The Chic and Iconic Chesterfield Palm Beach Hotel
The Chic and Iconic Chesterfield Palm Beach Hotel
The Chic and Iconic Chesterfield Palm Beach Hotel
WJ Tested: Chesterfield Palm Beach Hotel Review
By WAVEJourney
OVERVIEW:
If there’s a Red Carnation hotel in a place we’re going to visit, we want to stay there. “Why?” you might ask (thanks for asking)… well, we’ve stayed at their three properties in South Africa and they were unique, fabulous and the staff at each made us feel completely welcome and right at home. So with the expectation that other hotels in the Red Carnation portfolio would deliver a similar experience, once we found out we would be in Southeast Florida we just had to stay at their only North American hotel – Chesterfield Palm Beach. We were not disappointed with our choice. This historic boutique hotel, situated in a peaceful residential Palm Beach neighborhood, is only a few minutes walk to the glamour of Worth Avenue (a hot spot for designer boutique shops and trendy bistros) or the beach along the Atlantic Ocean.
Gorgeous Flower Arrangements in the Lobby at Chesterfield Palm Beach
The lobby features a gorgeous Murano glass chandelier and on display was a lavish fresh flower arrangement. Elegant, yet comfortable over-sized furniture in both the lobby and library provided a place to relax and enjoy the ambiance when we were not out sightseeing.
HISTORY:
We love historic buildings and the character they exude. The Chesterfield Palm Beach provided exactly the blend of swank, luxury, elegance and attentive service we enjoy when we are away from home. This 53-room boutique hotel is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and also registered as an historic landmark with the Palm Beach Preservation Foundation. In the style of a European bed and breakfast, the building dates back to 1926 (if the walls could only talk) when it was opened as The Lido-Venice. Having the honor of historic landmark status means that no changes to the basic historic character of the property can be made – therefore, the beautiful guestrooms are somewhat on the smaller side (typical of the era in which the hotel was built).
Library at Chesterfield Palm Beach
LOCATION:
The 4-star Chesterfield Palm Beach is nestled in the town of Palm Beach in Palm Beach County, Florida, USA. Palm Beach, a 16-mile-long (26 km) barrier island, is located across Lake Worth Lagoon in the Intracoastal Waterway from West Palm Beach. The Atlantic Ocean is at its shoreline to the east.
Chesterfield Palm Beach Outdoor Pool
HOTEL FACILITIES & SERVICES:
- 53 rooms and suites
- Library
- Business center with computer and printer
- Conference space
- Complimentary internet throughout the hotel
- Relaxing outdoor pool area with spa tub and sun loungers
- Elevator
- Bar and restaurant on site – The Leopard Lounge and Restaurant
- Al fresco dining – The Courtyard; Terrace at the pool
- 24-hour room service
- Guests are invited to partake in a glass of sherry at check-in
- Free valet parking is available
- Complimentary freshly baked chocolate chip cookies in the lobby each afternoon (to die for)
- Laundry service is available (extra fee)
- Rolls Royce car transfers available (extra fee)
- Traditional English Afternoon Tea is available (extra fee)
- The hotel is pet-friendly
GUEST ROOMS & SUITES:
The Chesterfield Palm Beach has 42 Superior and Deluxe rooms and 12 suites – all unique, distinctive and comfortable. Each tastefully designed room has an individual air conditioner/heater unit, flat screen cable TV with HBO, digital AM/FM clock radio, a desk, iron and ironing board, an in-room safe, International direct dial telephones with voicemail, and complimentary WiFi. As with other Red Carnation hotels, the Chesterfield Palm Beach uses only the best quality Egyptian cotton linens and down comforters on the most comfortable beds we’ve slept on.
GUEST ROOM BATHROOM:
Although the marble bathrooms are compact (remember this is an historic landmark) they feature a shower/tub combination, a variety of deluxe designer toiletries, hairdryer and cozy bathrobes.
Chesterfield Palm Beach – Marble Bathroom
IN-ROOM AMENITIES:
- Twice-daily maid service is provided
- Mini-fridge with bottled water
- Ice bucket
- Fresh fruit
- Jelly beans
- In-room safe
- Plush bathrobes
- Wooden hangers
- Iron and ironing board
- Work desk with lamp
- iHome digital clock radio/docking station
- Phone with direct calling and voicemail
- Ceiling fan
- Ample lighting for reading
DINING VENUES:
Dining venues include The Leopard Lounge and Restaurant, The Courtyard, The Terrace and 24-hour room service is also an option for those wishing not to venture outside their guest room. We found that delicious menu creations were beautifully executed by Executive Chef Gerard Coughlin and his team, many of them from Bea Tollman’s (the President and owner) memoir cookbook, “A Life in Food”.
Dine Al Fresco at The Courtyard at Chesterfield Palm Beach
The Leopard Lounge and Restaurant is the place to be in Palm Beach. The bar has a terrific happy hour (the brioche beef sliders and sweet potato fries were excellent), live music, dancing, and has been a local institution for decades. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch in the restaurant and have been craving the Fresh Lobster Salad on a Crispy Baguette ever since.
Chesterfield Palm Beach – Continental Breakfast Buffet
Each morning we started our day with the Chesterfield Continental Breakfast (included with our particular room package) from The Leopard Lounge and Restaurant. With perfect weather and not too humid temperatures we were thrilled to dine al fresco in The Courtyard (why sit inside if you can be outside?). The continental selection included brewed Starbucks coffee (it was excellent) or tea, fresh juices (apple, grapefruit, orange), yogurt, fresh fruit, a lovely selection of fresh-baked pastries (croissants, muffins, pastries), grain bread/toast, oatmeal, deli meat and cheese, hard-boiled eggs, granola and cereal, dried fruit and nuts.
BOTTOM LINE:
The old world charm of this historic building combines beautifully with personal and discrete service. Elegance abounds reflecting an ambiance of an English or European family estate, and the focus on providing impeccable customer service is most evident.
Chesterfield Palm Beach Exterior
Chatting with fellow hotel guests, we soon learned that most were repeat customers – some coming back time and time again for decades. In the classy Leopard Lounge it was a similar story from locals that love to get out and mingle over a cocktail, enjoy live music and kick up their heels on the dance floor – a nightspot not to miss.
For us, we were delighted that we had 3 nights to relax in luxury at the chic and iconic Chesterfield Palm Beach between cruises. Next time we are in Fort Lauderdale, Miami or surrounding areas we will be sure to return. We know that we will be treated like old friends returning home for a visit.
As one guest simply stated to us, “This is the best small, stylish oasis in the area.” We tend to agree!
Note: Although WJ were media guests of the Chesterfield Palm Beach in April 2016, all opinions, reviews and commentary are our own. Read our full disclosure statement to see our review policy.
