The Iconic Colony Hotel Reimagines Its Guest Rooms in Honor of Its 75th Anniversary
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With a tagline as “the pinkest beach hotel in Palm Beach,” the facade of The Colony Hotel could basically be an emoji for the sunny Florida city. If you haven’t stayed there, you’ve probably at least seen images of the rosé-hued building, which has had some impressive names on its guest list, including Frank Sinatra, Lena Horne, John Lennon and Judy Garland.
But if you’ve been lucky enough to book a room at The Colony, that room also comes paired with exceptional service via a beach butler (who can deliver gourmet snacks in a custom YETI cooler), adorably Instagrammable beach cruiser bikes, on-demand rides around town in a luxury Volvo SUV, a wide slate of expert-led fitness classes and beyond.
When it opened in 1947, The Colony was named “The Golf View,” and even at the time it was lauded for its “air of distinction” and a “guest roster that includes royalty, international tycoons, political figures and prominent persons and reads like a ‘Who’s Who in the World,’” according to a 1969 Palm Beach Daily News story. Local residents, including President John F. Kennedy, hosted dinner parties in its “private club atmosphere” and at its popular Birdcage Bar.
The Colony Hotel didn’t actually score its signature bold hue and its “Brazilliance” pattern in the hallways until a $9 million refurbishment in 2014. Then in 2016, a New York-based investment banker (who remembered spending time during childhood at the property) and his wife bought The Colony. In 2020, it was designated as an official landmark, and now, in honor of its 75th year, the building will soon have a whole new glow up fitting for its diamond anniversary.
The current owners Andrew and Sarah Wetenhall declared it “a little slice of heaven,” when they took over the property, and now plan to make it even more heavenly with the help of incredible design partners. Kemble Interiors will lead the guest room redesign, which will feature notable design partners such as Society Social, de Gournay, Schumacher , Brown Jordan , Farrow & Ball and Matouk. Each room will be shoppable online, allowing guests (or wannabe guests) to recreate the Palm Beach retreat’s look—complete with the same furniture and décor—in their own homes.
Mimi McMakin, founder of Kemble Interiors, said, “It’s such a compliment to play a part in Sarah Wetenhall’s vision of making The Colony a world-class destination. The guest rooms and suites at the hotel won’t be like other hotels you see today with their utilitarian and modern look. The Colony’s will be joyful with color, whimsy and one-of-a-kind custom pieces you will remember and talk about.”
The Colony co-owner Sarah Wetenhall said on Instagram, "It has long been our intention to align the guest rooms with the ethos of the rest of the property. We desire each guest room to be a luxurious representation of the Palm Beach way of life, generously imbued with The Colony’s unique sense of playfulness, with special attention dedicated to how our guests experience the space.”
The renovation will also include the hallways, pool patio and a refreshed coat of paint on the pink exterior.
As the extreme hotel makeover takes place, The Colony Hotel will be closed as of today, with plans to reopen in early October.
One fan tagged her friends and said, “Ummmmm…. I’m thinking we might need to book a night or two to see the refresh 😎 🌴 🤗” We second that motion!
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