Four Seasons Palm Beach
May 10, 2011, 10:08 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 92
Four Seasons Palm Beach
I was just wondering if anyone has been to the Four Seasons in Palm Beach after the rooms renovation? We have stayed at both the Four Seasons and the Ritz-Carlton in Palm Beach and were thinking about giving the Four Seasons a try again. We liked the decor of the Ritz-Carlton but were not impressed with the service, food and beach. We didn't like the decor at the Four Seasons last time but found the service and food to be pretty good. It seems they both now have great spa's. Any information would be great!
May 10, 2011, 10:26 am
#2
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Atlanta and the Big Island, Hawaii
Programs: DL Diamond, SPG Gold. I share these affiliations so that you can ask me questions about the programs
Posts: 812
I was just wondering if anyone has been to the Four Seasons in Palm Beach after the rooms renovation? We have stayed at both the Four Seasons and the Ritz-Carlton in Palm Beach and were thinking about giving the Four Seasons a try again. We liked the decor of the Ritz-Carlton but were not impressed with the service, food and beach. We didn't like the decor at the Four Seasons last time but found the service and food to be pretty good. It seems they both now have great spa's. Any information would be great!
May 11, 2011, 5:27 am
#5
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: USA
Programs: Virtuoso, Four Seasons PP, RC STARS, MO FanClub, Dorchester Diamond, Luxury Priv, Peninsula PenClub
Posts: 276
Four Seasons Palm Beach
The renovated rooms are lovely, and they have a great beach! I grew up taking summer vacations in that part of Florida, so that area is near and dear to my heart.
When you consider their summer rates, beach, extraordinary service, lovely rooms/views, good food and easy-to-get-to location (for me at least), it's hard to beat the value! Inexpensive flights into WPB, or FLL is an easy drive.
Third night free promotion is combinable with FS Preferred Partner benefits, too.
*Daily full American breakfast for two through In-Room Dining or in the hotel restaurant (including buffets)
*Lunch for two once during stay (up to $85, excluding gratuity and alcohol)
*Upgrade of one category, based on availability at time of check-in (excluding signature suites and villas)
*Complimentary high-speed Internet access for all suite bookings
When you consider their summer rates, beach, extraordinary service, lovely rooms/views, good food and easy-to-get-to location (for me at least), it's hard to beat the value! Inexpensive flights into WPB, or FLL is an easy drive.
Third night free promotion is combinable with FS Preferred Partner benefits, too.
*Daily full American breakfast for two through In-Room Dining or in the hotel restaurant (including buffets)
*Lunch for two once during stay (up to $85, excluding gratuity and alcohol)
*Upgrade of one category, based on availability at time of check-in (excluding signature suites and villas)
*Complimentary high-speed Internet access for all suite bookings
May 11, 2011, 7:10 pm
#6
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Fairfield County, CT USA
Programs: AA PLT+2MM / DL DM+1MM / A3 *G / Fairmont LT Plat / Ritz Gold / SPG Gold
Posts: 4,077
The beach today pales to what it was 10 years ago. Much of it was washed away in the [05/06] storms. At high tide, some of the nearby buildings now get hit by waves. While I still like the beach, and they have been able to make some efforts to restore it, it is far less wide and a fair bit steeper than it was prior to those difficult storms.
Third night free promotion is combinable with FS Preferred Partner benefits, too.
*Daily full American breakfast for two through In-Room Dining or in the hotel restaurant (including buffets)
*Lunch for two once during stay (up to $85, excluding gratuity and alcohol)
*Upgrade of one category, based on availability at time of check-in (excluding signature suites and villas)
*Complimentary high-speed Internet access for all suite bookings
*Daily full American breakfast for two through In-Room Dining or in the hotel restaurant (including buffets)
*Lunch for two once during stay (up to $85, excluding gratuity and alcohol)
*Upgrade of one category, based on availability at time of check-in (excluding signature suites and villas)
*Complimentary high-speed Internet access for all suite bookings
Guests should also consider Amex FHR, which includes guaranteed 4pm late checkout. Assuming you take an evening flight out of PBI, this basically gets you a full extra day at the property....with the convenience of your room. Most of the free night promotions work with FHR, too.
This hotel offers free meals for kids five and under in the all day dining room.
A very unique feature of this property is that their kids camp is available for kids as young as three. Most hotels in south Florida, and certainly all the RCs, have a five year old age minimum. While I prefer the RC-PB (RC-Manalapan doesn't have the same charm, does it?) for traveling with kids (RC has two pools and a Club lounge (though not always in the summer)), if I had a four year old, I would consider the FS if he/she would enjoy the camp.
May 17, 2011, 11:05 am
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 92
We had booked the Four Seasons but now might change to the Ritz-Carlton because we found out they have closed the Ocean Bistro for dinner and the Living Room is closed for the season as well... meaning that the only location for dinner and drinks is the Restaurant. Although I don't remember there being a bar in the restaurant so I wonder how that is set up. In fact the Living Room was our favorite thing about this hotel last time we stayed so its too bad that it will be closed.
Regardless of where we stay we will be sure to keep our reservation at the Restaurant as we had an amazing meal here the last time we were in Palm Beach!
Regardless of where we stay we will be sure to keep our reservation at the Restaurant as we had an amazing meal here the last time we were in Palm Beach!
May 17, 2011, 11:30 am
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
We had booked the Four Seasons but now might change to the Ritz-Carlton because we found out they have closed the Ocean Bistro for dinner and the Living Room is closed for the season as well... meaning that the only location for dinner and drinks is the Restaurant. Although I don't remember there being a bar in the restaurant so I wonder how that is set up. In fact the Living Room was our favorite thing about this hotel last time we stayed so its too bad that it will be closed.
Regardless of where we stay we will be sure to keep our reservation at the Restaurant as we had an amazing meal here the last time we were in Palm Beach!
Regardless of where we stay we will be sure to keep our reservation at the Restaurant as we had an amazing meal here the last time we were in Palm Beach!
closes at 10, even though
http://www.fourseasons.com/palmbeach...he_restaurant/
says 11 for beverage service...
http://www.fourseasons.com/palmbeach/dining/
cabana 3/4 course dinner (4 course is $70 more than restaurant)
http://www.fourseasons.com/palmbeach...tic_bar_grill/
closes at dusk
its nice to see FS made the appropriate changes to website, removing Living Room, and removing dinner from Ocean Bistro, but maybe a little late
is anything closed at RC?
miami is 4
only nevis and hampshire are also 3
although jimbaran, koh samui, provence are 2
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; May 17, 2011 at 11:30 pm
May 17, 2011, 9:16 pm
#9
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Fairfield County, CT USA
Programs: AA PLT+2MM / DL DM+1MM / A3 *G / Fairmont LT Plat / Ritz Gold / SPG Gold
Posts: 4,077
That is frustrating. The Living Room was a very comfortable room to relax in. I guess the realities of the low occupancy and low prices eventually comes around.
Disappointing to see such service cuts during the summer.
Disappointing to see such service cuts during the summer.
May 23, 2011, 10:12 am
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 92
Just back from a long weekend at the Four Seasons in Palm Beach. We had a very nice trip and I think they did a great job with the room renovations. Granted the rooms are not very large but the new bathrooms and furniture is very understated and beachy! We actually preferred the rooms over the Ritz this time around even though they were a bit smaller.
Service throughout the hotel was great! The pool staff were really wonderful and we loved our meals. I also loved the new spa... it is a great space with the best showers! My treatment was very relaxing and well done.
So.. the things we didn't like were about the physical property itself. It is just an ugly building.. The Omphoy next door updated its exterior and maybe the Four Seasons will in the future. I don't know why it bothered us as the interior is typical Four Seasons.. When we last visited we kept on commenting about the OG labels on the doors, and even after the renovation they are still there. I am suprised that Four Seasons would allow this. The lobby is beautiful with marble everywhere! The furniture seems a bit 80's but I think that is just a Palm Beach thing! Finally, the pool is simply to small for a resort of this size. We were there while the hotel was very busy so there were tons of people in the pool. Even though the pool itself is small there were always chairs available and the pool service is probably the best we have ever experienced in Florida.
So... we really enjoyed this property and I am glad we gave them a second try. The service was great and considering the price and ease of travel from New York we will visit again!
Service throughout the hotel was great! The pool staff were really wonderful and we loved our meals. I also loved the new spa... it is a great space with the best showers! My treatment was very relaxing and well done.
So.. the things we didn't like were about the physical property itself. It is just an ugly building.. The Omphoy next door updated its exterior and maybe the Four Seasons will in the future. I don't know why it bothered us as the interior is typical Four Seasons.. When we last visited we kept on commenting about the OG labels on the doors, and even after the renovation they are still there. I am suprised that Four Seasons would allow this. The lobby is beautiful with marble everywhere! The furniture seems a bit 80's but I think that is just a Palm Beach thing! Finally, the pool is simply to small for a resort of this size. We were there while the hotel was very busy so there were tons of people in the pool. Even though the pool itself is small there were always chairs available and the pool service is probably the best we have ever experienced in Florida.
So... we really enjoyed this property and I am glad we gave them a second try. The service was great and considering the price and ease of travel from New York we will visit again!
May 23, 2011, 10:45 am
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
the pool is simply to small for a resort of this size. We were there while the hotel was very busy so there were tons of people in the pool. Even though the pool itself is small there were always chairs available and the pool service is probably the best we have ever experienced in Florida.
presumably superior to these smaller properties
palm beach >
omphoy 134
other >
soho beach house 50 (plus members)
raleigh 105
SLS 140
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Dec 13, 2012 at 11:03 am
May 23, 2011, 11:58 am
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 92
Hi Kage,
Not quite sure what you were asking. We thought the pool was too small for a 200+ room hotel. If the hotel hadn't been full we probably wouldn't have thought to much about it but since it was, the pool just wasn't inviting with so many people in it! We liked that the Ritz Carlton had two pools however we found the Ritz-Carlton service lacking so that was the reason we wouldn't return. So... it was a good stay and I would recommend it!
Not quite sure what you were asking. We thought the pool was too small for a 200+ room hotel. If the hotel hadn't been full we probably wouldn't have thought to much about it but since it was, the pool just wasn't inviting with so many people in it! We liked that the Ritz Carlton had two pools however we found the Ritz-Carlton service lacking so that was the reason we wouldn't return. So... it was a good stay and I would recommend it!
May 25, 2011, 7:20 am
#13
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Fairfield County, CT USA
Programs: AA PLT+2MM / DL DM+1MM / A3 *G / Fairmont LT Plat / Ritz Gold / SPG Gold
Posts: 4,077
Thanks for reporting back. Always good to hear recent first hand experiences.
The facade of the hotel is very different from what it was 6 years ago. While the building is the same, several of the storms that hit the area in the mid-00 hurricane surge came to the east coast from the west...and destroyed much of the lush foliage that previously blanketed the entryway area of the property. The first time i visited the property post those storms I almost didn't recognize it despite many prior stays.
I agree the pool is small for the property. While the property isn't large, the single pool is small and not much more than a simple rectangle. During periods where there are a lot of kids on-property, it can be a bit overwhelming. When the ritz added the second pool between the central and south wings, it made a big difference in relieving some of the crowd from their main pool (which is, unto itself, much bigger than the FS pool...and importantly, irregularly shaped, which provides for the feeling of a bit more privacy while in the pool).
If room size is an issue, consider the premier rooms...they are in the main building, not the wings, and are larger than the different rooms in the two wings (except, of course, for the suites in the wings). The premier rooms are directly facing east (ocean) as well. I don't consider the wing rooms to be too small by any means, but they aren't large, either. With FHR, this property has traditionally said they won't upgrade you to a premier room. I've had success asking nicely during low season.
Were on-property dining options at night limited to the Restaurant or room service? Is the Living Room already closed for the season?
The facade of the hotel is very different from what it was 6 years ago. While the building is the same, several of the storms that hit the area in the mid-00 hurricane surge came to the east coast from the west...and destroyed much of the lush foliage that previously blanketed the entryway area of the property. The first time i visited the property post those storms I almost didn't recognize it despite many prior stays.
I agree the pool is small for the property. While the property isn't large, the single pool is small and not much more than a simple rectangle. During periods where there are a lot of kids on-property, it can be a bit overwhelming. When the ritz added the second pool between the central and south wings, it made a big difference in relieving some of the crowd from their main pool (which is, unto itself, much bigger than the FS pool...and importantly, irregularly shaped, which provides for the feeling of a bit more privacy while in the pool).
If room size is an issue, consider the premier rooms...they are in the main building, not the wings, and are larger than the different rooms in the two wings (except, of course, for the suites in the wings). The premier rooms are directly facing east (ocean) as well. I don't consider the wing rooms to be too small by any means, but they aren't large, either. With FHR, this property has traditionally said they won't upgrade you to a premier room. I've had success asking nicely during low season.
Were on-property dining options at night limited to the Restaurant or room service? Is the Living Room already closed for the season?
Last edited by NYBanker; May 25, 2011 at 7:25 am Reason: Addressed room size; mentioned premier rooms.
May 25, 2011, 8:18 am
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 92
Dining options for dinner were limited to the Restaurant, which I am happy to report was just as good as we remembered! Great service and amazing food! The Living Room was closed for the season, however we enjoyed having cocktails outside facing the ocean at the Restaurant Lounge. They had a nice menu of small items which were wonderful and the service was really great. For breakfast and lunch the Ocean Bistro was open and Atlantic Bar and Grill was open for lunch. The Atlantic Bar and Grill was actually our favorite place at the hotel. Great food and even better view! Now I am wishing we were back at the resort!
May 25, 2011, 3:20 pm
#15
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 98
Just checked out. WOW what a surprise.
Expected it to be the worst of my 24 Four Seasons so far, but it was not! It's now a solid Four Seasons. After a great renovation this looks like a Four Seasons should and with the new GM from Hampshire the service is probably improved. I think it was great. I noticed they got a lot of new staff and maybe that helped a lot.
Here is a video of my suite: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIHrxjQ-b2o
The food was great by the way. The breakfast was the best in a long time.
Kindest regards,
Henrik
Expected it to be the worst of my 24 Four Seasons so far, but it was not! It's now a solid Four Seasons. After a great renovation this looks like a Four Seasons should and with the new GM from Hampshire the service is probably improved. I think it was great. I noticed they got a lot of new staff and maybe that helped a lot.
Here is a video of my suite: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIHrxjQ-b2o
The food was great by the way. The breakfast was the best in a long time.
Kindest regards,
Henrik