The Boca Raton: A Distinctive Luxury Florida Resort


Nestled along South Florida’s Gold Coast, The Boca Raton stands out as a luxurious resort known for its opulence and service. With a rich history dating back to the early 20th century, the hotel has been a prominent beacon of leisure and elegance in Boca Raton. Its sprawling 200-acre estate boasts a half-mile of private beachfront, ensuring guests enjoy a blend of seclusion and beachside serenity.

The resort comprises five distinct hotels, each offering unique experiences while upholding the standard of luxury expected at The Boca Raton. Guests may select from an array of rooms and suites, including beachfront accommodations and rooms with views of the Intracoastal Waterway. The hotel caters to a wide range of visitors, from families and couples to business travelers and event organizers.

Beyond accommodations, The Boca Raton offers an extensive selection of amenities such as championship golf courses, a full-service marina, and a state-of-the-art spa. The presence of multiple dining venues within the resort provides a culinary journey without needing to leave the comfort of its grounds. This level of comprehensive service positions The Boca Raton as a premier destination for those seeking the quintessence of Florida hospitality.

History and Ownership

The storied Boca Raton Hotel in Florida is not only a testament to architectural grandeur but has also seen varied ownership, with each leaving a significant mark on its legacy. This esteemed establishment, inaugurated by visionary architect Addison Mizner, has transitioned through different hands, reflecting its evolving narrative in the hospitality landscape.

Founding by Addison Mizner

Addison Mizner established the hotel in 1926, originally called the Ritz-Carlton Cloister Inn, which later became a hallmark of Boca Raton’s history. Mizner’s design catapulted the venue into prominence, embedding luxury and Spanish Colonial elegance into its foundation.

Ownership Transitions

The Boca Raton Hotel’s ownership narrative is marked by significant transitions. Heiress to the Singer Sewing Machine fortune, Paris Singer, was an early partner with Mizner. However, the Great Depression led to financial troubles, resulting in new ownership under Arthur Vining Davis, the head of Arvida Corporation. Under Davis, the hotel expanded and flourished, becoming a year-round destination. Subsequent decades saw ownership changes that would include strategic renovations in keeping with the times and the hotel’s storied prestige.

Recent Acquisitions

In the 21st century, the hotel experienced a notable acquisition by The Blackstone Group, which further invested in the property’s luxury offerings. The latest transition in ownership came when MSD Partners, an investment group co-founded by Michael Dell, took ownership, infusing new capital and vision for its future. This period has been marked by significant investment in renovation, ensuring that the Boca Raton Hotel continues to represent the pinnacle of opulence and service.

Through decades, the Boca Raton Hotel has weathered economic shifts and changing tastes, its continuous restoration and upgrades maintaining its reputation as a premier luxury destination.

Accommodations and Amenities

The Boca Raton in Florida offers a range of accommodations designed for relaxation and luxury. Guests can enjoy a variety of rooms and suites, all of which come with modern amenities to enhance comfort and convenience.

There are five hotels on a total of 337-acres at The Boca Raton, each with a distinctive features and style.  These five hotels include include:

  • The Boca Raton Beach Club
  • The Boca Raton Bungalows
  • The Boca Raton Tower
  • The Boca Raton Yacht Club
  • The Boca Raton Cloister

Luxurious Guest Rooms

The Boca Raton’s guest rooms feature elegantly appointed interiors with plush bedding, ensuring a restful sleep. Each room includes a private bathroom, complete with premium toiletries. For personal comfort, rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi, allowing guests to stay connected and entertained.

Exclusive Bungalows and Suites

Guests seeking a more exclusive experience can opt for the resort’s bungalows or suites. These accommodations provide enhanced privacy and are often accompanied by butler service to cater to guests’ needs. Spacious layouts, refined decor, and luxurious touches define these living spaces, creating a sense of a private retreat.

Modern Conveniences

Convenience is key to a memorable stay, and The Boca Raton delivers with a host of modern amenities. This includes in-room safes for securing valuables, minibars stocked with a selection of refreshments, and convenient refrigerators. Additionally, all accommodations offer robust free Wi-Fi access, ensuring guests are well-connected throughout their stay.

Leisure and Recreation

The Boca Raton offers a variety of leisure and recreation options, including world-class golf and tennis facilities, a luxurious spa and wellness experience, and exclusive beach and yacht clubs. Each of these amenities provides guests with an exceptional environment to relax, unwind, or engage in sports.

Golf and Tennis Facilities

The Boca Raton is home to a championship golf course that caters to golf enthusiasts of all skill levels, with meticulously maintained fairways and greens. Guests can enjoy the challenge of the course while surrounded by South Florida’s lush tropical landscape. Tennis lovers have access to multiple tennis courts, providing ample opportunity for practice or competition. These facilities are designed to provide both casual play and professional training.

Spa and Wellness Experience

At Spa Palmera, the hotel offers a sanctuary for rejuvenation and relaxation, including a comprehensive range of treatments in a tranquil Mediterranean-inspired setting. The spa encompasses thoughtful amenities, from therapeutic massages to personalized skincare. Guests can also utilize the various swimming pools for leisure or aquatic workouts, enhancing their wellness routine.

Beach and Yacht Clubs

The Boca Raton’s Beach Club presents a private beach experience on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. It features daily grooming of the sand for the utmost comfort and cleanliness. The refined Harborside Pool Club invites guests to swim in the clarity of its pools while enjoying views of Lake Boca. The Yacht Club experience is enriched by the hotel’s stellar marina amenities, perfect for maritime aficionados.

Dining and Entertainment

Guests at The Boca Raton can expect an array of dining options, along with lively evening entertainment, providing an experience that’s both diverse and indulgent.

Diverse Culinary Options

The Boca Raton satisfies an array of culinary preferences, from classic continental dishes to beachside bites. The guests have access to various restaurants within the hotel premises, each offering its unique flair and specialized cuisine.

  • MB Supper Club: A blend of classic continental cuisine and crafted cocktails, set against a backdrop of nightly live entertainment.
  • Principessa Ristorante: An ideal spot for dinner, this restaurant offers a selection of Italian cuisine complemented by stunning water views.

Cuisine-specific options:

  • Traditional Fare: Patrons can enjoy traditional dishes that echo the bygone era of supper clubs from the 1930s and 40s at MB Supper Club.
  • Italian: Italian gastronomy is well represented, focusing on authentic flavors and regional specialties.
  • Japanese: Those in search of Japanese cuisine can look forward to meticulously prepared sushi and other traditional dishes.
  • Market Selection: Fresh, market-style options allow guests to sample local and seasonal produce.

Evening and Weekend Programs

The Boca Raton takes nightlife seriously, offering a variety of entertainment options that cater to all tastes.

  • Live Music: A weekly rotation of live performances includes genres like Latin, jazz, and piano bar tunes, ensuring that every night comes with its unique soundtrack.
  • Themed Nights: From Latin Night to weekly standard performances, the evenings are designed to bring a sense of occasion and festivity.

Guests can expect these experiences to redefine their evenings, providing a sophisticated atmosphere that echoes the golden age of entertainment.

Meetings and Events

The Boca Raton Hotel caters to a wide array of meetings and professional events with its versatile venues and exceptional customer service. Equipped for any business or social gathering, the hotel provides everything necessary for a successful event.

Versatile Meeting Spaces

The Boca Raton Hotel boasts an impressive 200,000 square feet of indoor meeting room space and an equivalent amount for outdoor events. It includes a total of 74 meeting rooms, allowing it to accommodate events of nearly any size, from intimate business meetings to large-scale conferences.

Key details of the meeting spaces:

  • Largest Ballroom: 26,037 sq. ft.
  • Multiple Accommodation Styles: From guest rooms to exclusive suites.

Business and Social Catering

The hotel’s catering team provides custom menus and dining options for both business events and social occasions. They focus on delivering creative and memorable culinary experiences tailored to each event’s specific needs.

Catering Options Include:

  • Formal sit-down dinners
  • Casual and engaging cocktail receptions
  • Energizing break stations for conference attendees

The Boca Raton Hotel’s staff is dedicated to high-quality customer service, ensuring that every event is executed flawlessly. Whether hosting a corporate team or a social club, the hotel’s professionals work closely with clients to understand their unique requirements and deliver upon those with precision.

Access and Transport

The Boca Raton offers convenient access and a wealth of transportation services that cater to every need of its guests. It provides easy reach to local attractions as well as efficient on-site travel amenities.

Strategic Location Proximity

The Boca Raton boasts a strategic location that is beneficial to guests looking to explore the surrounding area. It is nestled adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, providing stunning ocean views and an opportunity for guests to enjoy the seaside. The resort is also well-connected to various transport hubs:

  • Miami International Airport (MIA)
  • Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
  • Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
  • Boca Raton Airport

Parking and Transportation Services

Guests arriving by car at The Boca Raton are offered several parking services:

  • Self-parking: For those who prefer to park their vehicles themselves.
  • Valet parking: A convenient option for guests seeking a premium service.

For internal transport, The Boca Raton ensures guests can easily navigate the expansive resort with the following services:

  • Shuttle services within the resort.
  • Car rental assistance for travel around Boca Raton and nearby cities.

Jerry Joyce

Jerry Joyce has been a Florida resident since 1988 and has lived in a variety of places in the South Florida area. Jerry is an avid boater & water sports enthusiast, beach aficionado, a lover of great food, muscle car fan and a theme park annual passholder for many years. Some of his favorite places in Florida include the Florida Keys, Walt Disney World, Cedar Key, the Loxahatchee River, St. Augustine and Ten Thousand islands.

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