Ever since its opening in February 2020, I have been looking forward to business lunches and cocktail hour at The Ben. The posh new luxury hotel with gorgeous views overlooking the Intracoastal Waterways, the Palm Harbor Marina and Palm Beach Island, is the newest and only West Palm Beach waterfront, boutique property– a part of the Marriott international Autograph Collection.

The stunning new hotel is inspired by the Ben Trovato Estate– one of West Palm Beach’s original homes–where best selling author Byrd Spilman Dewey entertained the likes of the Vanderbilts and Woodrow Wilson; and the 208-room boutique hotel references the author’s convivial nature in portraits and art throughout the property.

Having had the pleasure of dining on site during their opening celebration and attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony, I was looking forward to the perfect opportunity to experience an overnight stay. The occasion finally presented itself this past June, as a weekend staycation for my birthday. In this unprecedented climate, keeping it private and intimate was paramount and the experience didn’t disappoint.

With a living-room style lobby lounge that draws you in with its cozy fireplace and Old Florida charm, plus two lovely dining experiences, Proper Grit, a Florida inspired Chophouse

with a grand cocktail bar that wraps around to the building’s exterior, and Spruzzo, with Mediterranean style cuisine and a sleek alfresco bar overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, I was blissfully entertained all weekend long.

TIP: Make sure to book a room along the hotel’s east side for the most amazing waterfront views from their floor-to-ceiling windows.

Speaking of rooms, our gorgeous suite included a living room area, Turkish linen bedding, La Bottega toiletries and a luxurious bathroom with an unforgettable corner glass shower.

With delicious fare and cocktails from both restaurants, and a rooftop pool with private cabanas, we never left the property; however, the hotel is centrally located downtown, walking distance from the palm-lined shopping hub Rosemary Square and WPB’s main restaurant and bar district on Clematis Street.

Our stay was a beautiful experience, the staff was courteous and knowledgeable and we had everything we needed to have a perfect long weekend celebration.

A special thanks to the Ben Hotel in West Palm Beach for hosting us! We will certainly be back. In the meantime, go play voyeur by clicking on their rooftop webcam and experience their stunning views and rooftop vibes for yourself.