The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach

Description:

• If the Breakers is too mammoth for your taste, consider the Ritz. A lot warmer than the Four Seasons, The Ritz, located on a beautiful beach in a tiny town about 8 miles from Worth Avenue, lacks pretension. A $60-million renovation in March 2007 added flatscreen TVs, bedside electronic control panels, new mahogany furniture, and sleeper sofas in guest rooms and suites. New oceanfront suites have invisible televisions hidden behind mirrors, only visible when turned on. For those who can't stay off their cellphones, the hotel has also enhanced its previously paltry cellular reception. A new pool is hidden in a courtyard area and is ideal for relaxation; the 28,000-square-foot Grand Spa has koi and lily ponds. The specialty restaurant, Angle, is open for dinner only; a casual oceanfront restaurant called Temple Orange features contemporary American fare with fresh seafood. There's also Breeze, a poolside cafe and bar.

  Facilities: 4 restaurants; bar; 2 outdoor pools; Boutique Spa and Fitness; Jacuzzi; watersports; equipment rental; bike rental; children's center/programs; teen's center/programs; concierge; business center; salon; 24-hr. room service; in-room massage; laundry service; dry cleaning

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Very Highly Recommended 2010