January 2024
Chuck 's Reviews
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If you're looking for a fun getaway to South Florida and want to attend some great events that'll appeal particularly to gentlemen who love the ultimate toys, then you might want to check out the newly remodeled Boca Resort & Club, the 24th annual Palm Beach International Boat Show and the world renowned 2009 West Palm Beach Barrette Jackson Auto Auction.
THE BOCA RESORT & CLUB In 1997, H. Wayne Huizenga, who founded Waste Management and Blockbuster Video, purchased the property. At that time, the resort was one of the premiere beachfront properties in South Florida. It had the best of everything including a world-class business conference center that annually hosted Fortune 500 and multinational business leaders from around the world. The property is extensive and offers many different types of accommodations. The casual oceanfront Beach Club is my favorite because it's located on a peninsula at the Boca Inlet and the beach is protected and private. You can also stay in the historic original Mediterranean style Cloisters, Yacht Club, Tower Building or the Boca Bungalows. A traditional room at the Cloisters starts at $259 per night double occupancy. A Deluxe room at the Towers starts at $819 per night double occupancy. A Yacht Club standard room ranges between $400 and $600 per night double occupancy. Valet parking is $26.63 a night and an 18% resort fee applies to your stay. Mr. Huizenga is no doubt a phenomenally successful businessman. He purchased the property for approximately $325 million and sold it in 2004 to an affiliate of the Blackstone Private Equity Group for $1.2 billion. He was however, not a very good steward of this historic landmark property. He skimped on maintenance and the service steadily went downhill. The place was a wreck by the time Blackstone made its offer to purchase the property. But upon my visit to experience the new visionary plans for the Boca Club & Resort, I was delighted and excited to finally see this world-class property being pampered and restored to its proper standing as one of South Florida's premiere resorts.
The Boca Resort & Club
THE NEW LOOK The Beach Club next door is being renovated from the ground up, too. All the rooms are being refitted with new bathrooms, lighting, carpeting and furniture. The 230 deluxe guestrooms and nine suites are situated on a half-mile stretch of private beach. Guests will also have full access to the new pools and cabanas. This setting is the best for families who wish to live the upscale Florida lifestyle in a casual setting. There are many different amenities to choose from at the Boca Resort & Club. If you're a golfer, then you'll love the resort golf course, which underwent a $6.5 million redesign by famed golf architect Gene Bates. Greens fees are $191.68 including a cart. If tennis is your sport, then it's just a short walk to the tennis center where you can practice your game on 30 fully lighted courts. You'll never have to leave the resort to experience some of the best fine dining in Boca Raton. The Boca Resort & Club has eight award-wining restaurants including:
Palm Court: Serving light fare |
