Over the years, we’ve loved visiting Palm Beach to spend time with friends and family. Plus, as a lifelong Chicagoan, I’ll take any reason to visit destinations with gorgeous weather, world-class cuisine, shopping and beautiful beaches. Thankfully, we’ve stayed at an array of fantastic hotels, like The Breakers, The Colony, Eau Palm Beach and Four Seasons. However, there’s one hotel we’ve never experienced – White Elephant Palm Beach. Today, I’m excited to share a candid White Elephant Palm Beach review.
As you may recall, we’re already fans of White Elephant Nantucket – their sister property. It’s easily our favorite hotel on the island, and we love any opportunity to stay, dine, and visit.
With such great memories and experiences at White Elephant Nantucket, we had BIG expectations going into this trip. Would the experience be similar? Would the customer service be as good as Nantucket? After all, White Elephant Nantucket’s customer service is legendary.
After boarding our flight to Palm Beach, we felt cautiously optimistic. But did it live up to expectations?
White Elephant Palm Beach Review
As avid travelers, we tend to have pretty high expectations for hotel and resort stays. This is especially true when we’re taking off days from work. Vacation days are sacred, you know?
Thankfully, White Elephant Palm Beach exceeded all expectations. Friends, this is a special property and a welcome respite. First, we love the size of the property. It has a very boutique, private feel. After all, there’s only 13 guest rooms and 19 suites – adding to the overall warmth and charm. Every single employee radiates joy with ease – adding to the seamless feel of our stay.
Upon arriving, we were greeted by a gift in our suite from the incomparable Bettina – White Elephant’s General Manager who moved to the Palm Beach property from Nantucket. Bettina is iconic – we’ve loved getting to know her over the years. She’s kind, knowledgeable, smart, sophisticated, and just the type of leader who drives excellence in her teams.
In fact, White Elephant has a phenomenal track record of retaining employees and talent. I’m a big believer that to be a great brand, you must be a better business. And it’s clear White Elephant cares deeply about their team and in doing so, they pay that feeling forward to hotel guests.
The Palm Suite
We had the pleasure of staying in White Elephant’s Palm Suite. Stepping into the space feels like you’re discovering your own private oasis. Our jaws hit the floor. This deluxe 2-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom suite is pure bliss, perched on the rooftop with stunning views of the island’s pristine beaches and lush, tropical landscapes.
The open-plan design is airy and welcoming, blending modern touches with a timeless elegance that feels like the epitome of Palm Beach chic. With a pull-out sofa in the living space, there’s ample room to stretch out, while the adjacent dining area for six and a fully equipped kitchen bring a touch of home to this luxurious retreat.
The showstopper, though, is undoubtedly the expansive 800-square-foot private rooftop terrace. So good! We enjoyed mornings sipping coffee and hosting family for happy hour. The terrace is designed for both relaxation and entertainment, with various beautiful seating areas. It was magical!
Whether you’re here to unwind or celebrate, the Palm Suite delivers the quintessential Palm Beach experience, combining luxury, privacy, and those magical views that make White Elephant Palm Beach so unforgettable.
Hotel History
While the hotel feels fresh, modern, and sleek, it also has an extensive history. In fact, it’s a historic landmark dating back to 1924. Originally Bradley Park Hotel, the property was one of the first resorts on Palm Beach’s Main Street.
Prior to officially opening in November 2020, the team fully restored the property Mediterranean architecture with modern appeal.
The interior design is fresh and inviting. I also love each room is fitted with refrigerators and upscale amenities like L’Occitane beauty products. No detail is overlooked. Fine Italian linens, Nespresso coffee makers, hardcover books and signature coastal touches make you feel at home in Palm Beach.
White Elephant Customer Service
Bettina, like all White Elephant Palm Beach, place service and community first. Customer service isn’t a checklist but the lifeblood that flows through every aspect of the property.
Everything is just lovely. First, let’s talk about the guest amenities. From complimentary Priority Bicycles to access to the latest BMW 7 series to explore the destination, White Elephant Palm Beach thinks of everything. There’s also morning coffee, tea and pastries, along with a delightful afternoon wine and cheese from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. Love!
LoLa 41 at White Elephant Palm Beach Review
As with all hotels, food and beverage are incredibly important aspects of the guest experience. Thankfully, we’re already extremely familiar with the LoLa 41 brand and frequent the restaurant on Nantucket.
What we didn’t anticipate at the Palm Beach location was the level of hospitality. Alia, our server for dinner, treated us to the most phenomenal evening of food and drinks. Every single minute of the experience was met with ease and sophistication.
She was entertaining, kind and warm. Moreover, she was in full control of the timing of our meal and had an effortless ease about her service. We were blown away by the food, but specifically by her demeanor and professionalism. Thank you, Alia.
Our favorite dinner dishes? The King Crab Rangoon, Shrimp and Crab Fried Rice, and Grilled Salmon Lo Mein. We also give our highest recommendation to the Crispy Shrimp Buns and Bulgogi Noodles on their lunch menu. Divine!
White Elephant Palm Beach – In Closing
Simply put, White Elephant Palm Beach is the best Florida-based hotel we’ve stayed at. From the food to the service, accommodations to location, guest amenities to the interior design, the property elevates all aspects of hospitality.
Before closing things out, I want (and need) to share a distinct memory of Bettina, White Elephant’s General Manager. A couple of years ago, a fire broke out at a Nantucket hotel a couple blocks from White Elephant. A few hours after the fire unfolded, Bettina, Bob and I stood on a nearby street watching the building burn in complete disbelief.
While the unfathomable happened, I later learned Bettina and team went above and beyond to support the employees and guests of the hotel that were impacted. I’ll never forget seeing White Elephant’s compassion.
Separately, the vineyard vines team also did as well – connecting with families who lost everything to provide clothing and accessories to make sure they had things to wear.
The very best brands show who they are in both good and horrible moments. It’s for these reasons (and more) why White Elephant has our trust and business for life.
So as we depart, I’m reminded of why we continue to love staying with the brand. They set the next level standard in guest service, hospitality, and warmth that’s extremely rare in the industry.
We hope to return again soon.
What I Packed for the Trip:
