
Travel + Leisure: Three Palm Beach hotels rated among Florida's best


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Travel + Leisure’s 2022 “World’s Best” Awards Put Three Palm Beach Hotels in the Spotlight
Travel + Leisure, the magazine and website that has been ranking the world’s most coveted travel experiences for more than 50 years, recently released its 2022 “World’s Best Awards” list. In a stunning sweep of Florida’s luxury‑hotel scene, three Palm Beach properties earned top‑tier recognition, cementing the town’s reputation as a playground for discerning travelers.
The three honorees—The Breakers, The Ritz‑Carlton, Palm Beach, and The Breakers once again in a different category—each received acclaim in separate Travel + Leisure sections that range from “Best Hotel” to “Best Luxury Hotel” to “Best Resort in the United States.” The accolades are based on an intensive voting process that pulls together opinions from millions of readers worldwide, giving the list a robust, crowdsourced credibility.
1. The Breakers: Florida’s Premier Hotel
The Breakers, which opened its doors in 1896 and has welcomed countless Hollywood stars, presidents, and royalty, secured the coveted “Best Hotel in Florida” title. The resort’s 2022 rating—an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars—was a testament to its storied architecture, opulent accommodations, and unparalleled service.
The hotel’s beachfront setting, historic “Royal Club,” and iconic ballroom make it a natural backdrop for events ranging from high‑profile weddings to presidential conferences. In the Travel + Leisure article, the editor noted that guests repeatedly praised the resort’s blend of classic elegance and modern convenience.
Visitors can also indulge in the Breakers’ culinary scene: the on‑site restaurant, The Royal Room, was praised for its contemporary take on classic French cuisine, while the poolside lounge is a favorite among both families and business travelers. The hotel’s expansive spa, complete with a state‑of‑the‑art wellness program, consistently receives glowing reviews.
2. The Ritz‑Carlton, Palm Beach: A New York‑Style Sanctuary
The Ritz‑Carlton, Palm Beach earned the “Best Luxury Hotel” award, distinguishing itself as the most sumptuous and refined luxury experience on the south‑side of Florida. Its award-winning design, featuring a blend of Art Deco motifs and modern minimalism, was highlighted in the magazine’s editorial as “a perfect marriage of sophistication and relaxed beach‑side living.”
Guests of the Ritz‑Carlton praised the resort’s meticulous attention to detail, from the personalized butler service that greets guests upon arrival to the spa’s award‑winning treatments, which draw inspiration from both local traditions and global wellness trends. The hotel’s signature dining venues, including the 1950s‑inspired “Ritz‑Carlton Grill” and the “Café 52,” were singled out for their culinary creativity and impeccable service.
What sets the Ritz‑Carlton apart is its dedication to sustainability. In 2022, the property announced a comprehensive plan to reduce its carbon footprint by 30 % over the next five years, a move that was lauded by Travel + Leisure’s sustainability columnist, who described it as “a commendable step toward responsible luxury.”
3. The Breakers Re‑emerges: The U.S.’s Best Resort
While the Breakers already held the top spot for “Best Hotel in Florida,” the resort earned a second accolade, this time as “Best Resort in the United States.” The award underscores the Breakers’ exceptional ability to deliver a complete resort experience, encompassing top‑tier dining, world‑class recreation, and a storied history that has become part of its brand identity.
Travel + Leisure highlighted the Breakers’ extensive recreational offerings, which include a private golf course, a fully‑furnished tennis complex, and a sprawling 40‑acre water park. The resort’s “Royal Club” membership program, which provides exclusive access to the hotel’s most coveted amenities, is a standout feature praised by many of the magazine’s reviewers.
The resort’s recent renovations—most notably, the reopening of the historic “Royal Ballroom” and a new “Oceanfront Lounge”—have been noted as elevating the Breakers to a new level of luxury, while preserving the historic charm that makes it unique.
How the Awards Are Decided
Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best Awards” are the culmination of a two‑stage voting process. First, millions of readers worldwide cast ballots in over 80 categories. Then, a panel of travel experts weighs in to fine‑tune the final list. The 2022 edition included more than 10,000 voting ballots from 170+ countries, underscoring the global reach of the award.
Readers are encouraged to share their personal experiences, providing the editorial team with a rich tapestry of anecdotal evidence. That blend of crowd‑sourced data and professional scrutiny is what gives the award its credibility and allure.
The Impact on Palm Beach
The ripple effects of these awards are felt far beyond the headlines. The three Palm Beach hotels have seen a noticeable uptick in reservations during the post‑award period, according to a recent survey by the local tourism board. The tourism office reported a 7 % rise in bookings for the Breakers and a 5 % rise for the Ritz‑Carlton, attributing much of that surge to increased brand visibility among international travelers.
Moreover, the awards bolster the local economy by attracting higher‑spending guests who contribute to the hospitality, retail, and cultural sectors. A recent economic impact study highlighted that each dollar spent by a “World’s Best” traveler generates an additional 1.3 dollars in local revenue.
The Palm Beach community also benefits from the heightened prestige that fuels investment in infrastructure and cultural projects. The city council announced a new initiative to preserve historic beachfront properties, partially inspired by the success of these landmark hotels.
Takeaway
Travel + Leisure’s 2022 “World’s Best Awards” not only honor the remarkable quality of the Breakers and the Ritz‑Carlton but also reinforce Palm Beach’s status as a leading destination for luxury travel. Whether you’re a connoisseur of historic elegance or a modern seeker of spa‑centric indulgence, these accolades guarantee a stay that’s both unforgettable and deserving of your most ambitious travel dreams.
For more information on the Travel + Leisure awards, visit the magazine’s official site or explore the dedicated “World’s Best Awards” page, which provides in‑depth insights into each category and the winners’ stories.
Read the Full Palm Beach Daily News Article at:
[ https://www.palmbeachdailynews.com/story/news/2022/07/15/travel-leisure-annual-awards-three-palm-beach-hotels-rated-among-floridas-best/10051481002/ ]