After 17 years, Luxury Hotel Palm House will reopen with multi-million dollar renovations

Known as the Heart of Palm Beach when it was open many years ago, this multi-million-dollar luxury hotel has been abandoned longer than it was ever open to the public. The hotel's introduction to Palm Beach faced turbulence after its owner, Robert V. Matthews, was sentenced to 65 months in prison for fraud and money laundering. As of today, the property has been closed to the public for nearly two decades. Very little was known about its future until recently.

Thanks to a recent statement issued by Iconic Luxury Hotels, a company affiliated with the hotel brand, the highly anticipated reopening of the Palm House in Palm Beach is officially set for November. The building, located on Royal Palm Way, will become the first U.S. property in the portfolio of Iconic Luxury Hotels, a prestigious brand under L+R Hotels.

Palm House rendering

Once renovations are complete, the property will feature 79 luxurious rooms, including 21 suites, with a grand courtyard centered around a large pool, a function room with a garden terrace, and a poolside lawn. Rates will range from $1,289 during peak season to $499 in the off-season, according to hotel officials.

Iconic Luxury Hotels acquired the Palm House in 2019 through a bankruptcy sale and has since undertaken a massive three-year renovation to restore the historic site. Andrew Stembridge, executive director of Iconic Luxury Hotels, expressed excitement about the opening, calling it a "pivotal moment" for the brand as it expands into the United States. L+R Hotels, based in London, owns and operates more than 105 properties worldwide, including the Marriott Hotel in West Palm Beach.

Town Council President Bobbie Lindsay applauded the progress, remarking, "It’s been a long time coming. We look forward to the opening." Lindsay said.

The history of the Palm House is both colorful and rocky. The property was purchased in 2007 by Matthews, who envisioned a grand renovation. However, after he was sentenced following criminal charges, the hotel became embroiled in legal disputes and incomplete construction until it was purchased by the current owners in 2019 for $39.6 million.

Desmond Taljaard, managing director of L+R Hotels, said the Palm House’s transformation aims to create a "spectacular" destination hotel, befitting Palm Beach’s reputation as a luxury travel hotspot. The accommodations will include three expansive suites, along with a signature Presidential Suite featuring a double-height living area and a balcony overlooking the pool deck.

This reopening has been highly anticipated, especially since it was initially expected to open in November 2022. However, delays related to the pandemic and unanticipated construction hurdles pushed the timeline back. The extensive renovations required the removal of unauthorized changes made by previous owners, according to project architect Sean McLendon.

Palm Beach Mayor Danielle Moore is also looking forward to the Palm House reopening, noting that residents will likely be pleased to see the departure of construction crews. With the addition of the Palm House, Palm Beach’s hotel scene continues to expand, joining iconic properties like The Breakers, The Colony, and the soon-to-be-reopened Chesterfield, which will relaunch as The Vineta.

Once operational, the Palm House will offer Palm Beach visitors a new luxury accommodation option steeped in history and opulence, adding yet another gem to the town’s legendary hotel portfolio.

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