Palm Beach is a favorite for many people every winter, but this year it's proving to be a strong contender as a spring destination. One of the city's most legendary destinations, the Brazilian Court Hotel is entering a new era with a complete redesign under the guidance of owner Bobby Schlesinger.
The Schlesinger family has owned the hotel, which was built in 1926, since 2001. The first complete renovation work began that year. Leslie Schlesinger, a Palm Beach interior designer and Bobby's mother, was inspired by the original architects Maurice Fatio and Rosario Candela in her 2001 redesign and decided to restore their vision. I focused on it.
Leslie passed away from cancer in 2011, and her business, Leslie Schlesinger Interiors, is now run by Lauren Hastings. Now, Hastings and Bobby are teaming up to reimagine the Brazilian courtroom, breathing new life into the 80-room hotel while paying homage to their mother's work at the facility.
Outside
“Worldwide, hotels are located around two courtyards, the north courtyard and the south courtyard, and that is the lifeblood of the hotel,” says Schlesinger. “Aside from The Breakers, we have the most outdoor space, private outdoor space, of any hotel in downtown Palm Beach, and we wanted to bring the colors of that landscape into our rooms. ”
As a result, dark natural woods such as teak and leafy cypress and deep green hues are used throughout, all with the aim of 'bringing the outside in'.
The color palette pays homage to Leslie with nature-inspired shades of green and wood, rather than the typical pinks and palm greens commonly associated with Palm Beach.
“When she designed the hotel, she was praised for using materials that were not traditional hospitality grade,” says Schlesinger.
Custom details
Elements of the new hotel include “limestone in the bathrooms, the fact that they use whirlpool bathtubs,” he said. 5 piece and 6 piece bathrooms. Custom woodwork on the ceiling. Hinoki cypress is used throughout the site. Use of velvet. The use of warm, natural tones of green, yellow, and saffron were all really reminiscent of what she brought to this property. We just put our own touches on it,” Schlesinger says of her mother's designs.
One of the goals of the redesign was to create an area in the lobby where guests could enjoy live music on Friday nights and during brunch on Sundays. A banquette set into the bay window provides space to enjoy a cocktail while listening to music.
There's also a new teak poolside bar, and Schlesinger's favorite new detail, the hotel's own 44-foot private yacht, was also introduced.
“We offer three free trips a day to every guest. We're the only hotel in Florida to do this,” he says. “This is a level of consistency and quality that is representative of what we have always achieved in Brazilian courts.”
Just Like Home
Schlesinger has noticed that the hotel has a healthy mix of Palm Beach regulars and new, younger guests.
“The same people who appreciated the Brazilian court 20 years ago still come as guests. We always try to appeal to new generations, and we are successful in that. But we… We are proud of our guests who have stayed with us for many years and would not choose to stay anywhere else at this time,” says Schlesinger.
One thing that hasn't changed since the family took over the hotel is the mansion-like approach to the rooms, with one-, two-, and three-bedroom options.
“When you're on the grounds, you really feel like you're in your own private apartment. You don't have to take an elevator to get anywhere on the grounds. You can access everything from multiple locations in the courtyard, so check into the hotel. You don’t feel like you’re in,” he says. “You'll feel like you're in a private Palm Beach home with all the amenities of the most luxurious hotel imaginable.”
Room rates start at $1,500 per night in season.
