You’re walking down Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach, past the high-end boutiques and the neon signs of the newer bars, and suddenly, there it is. A giant, yellow, twin-domed building that looks like it was plucked straight out of a 1920s dream. That’s the Colony Hotel and Cabaña Club.
Honestly, most people walk right past the lobby thinking it's just another "vintage-style" resort. They couldn't be more wrong. This isn't a recreation. It’s the real deal, and it’s one of the few places left in Florida where the "Old Florida" label isn't just a marketing gimmick.
The Weird, Wonderful History of the 1926 Landmark
Back in 1926, a guy named Albert T. Repp and some investors dumped $350,000—a fortune back then—into building what was originally called the Alterep Hotel. They hired Martin Luther Hampton, who worked with the legendary Addison Mizner, to design it. But the timing sucked. The Florida land boom was crashing, and the hotel basically flopped and went into receivership almost immediately.
Then came the Boughtons. In 1935, George and Agnes Boughton were on their honeymoon, driving to Atlantic City. They stopped in Delray, saw the shuttered hotel, and basically said, "Yeah, let’s buy it." They snagged the whole thing for $50,000.
Think about that. $50,000 for a Mediterranean Revival masterpiece.
Why the "Two-Hotel" System Actually Works
One of the weirdest things about the Colony Hotel and Cabaña Club is that it’s actually two different properties separated by about two miles. You have the hotel on Atlantic Avenue, right in the thick of the downtown action, and then you have the Cabaña Club tucked away on the ocean.
For decades, the hotel wasn't even open year-round. George Boughton also owned a sister hotel in Maine—also called the Colony—and he’d literally pack up the entire staff, the linens, and even the silver, and move them north for the summer. They didn't even bother with air conditioning in the Delray hallways until 2001. Imagine that Florida humidity.
What It’s Actually Like Inside Today
If you’re looking for a generic Marriott experience with beige walls and a "standard" king bed, you’re gonna be confused. The lobby is a time capsule.
- The Elevator: It’s a manual, staff-operated lift from 1926. No buttons to press yourself; a human actually operates the lever for you.
- The Switchboard: They still have the original 1926 telephone switchboard on display.
- The Furniture: Much of the wicker furniture in the lobby is original Ficks Reed from the Roaring Twenties.
- The Floors: You’ll find authentic terrazzo in the lobby and Cuban tile on the porch that’s been shined for nearly a century.
The guest rooms are... well, they’re small by modern standards. But they’re colorful. We’re talking bright tropical fabrics, Dade County pine floors, and furniture that came from the John Wanamaker Store in Philly nearly 100 years ago. They’ve added "Simply Dreamy" beds with organic cotton, which is a nice nod to the fact that people actually want to sleep comfortably while they’re time-traveling.
The Cabaña Club: The Secret Weapon
The hotel itself doesn't have a pool. That’s where the Cabaña Club comes in. It’s located about 2.2 miles away at 1801 South Ocean Boulevard.
Most hotels would just give you a voucher for a public beach. Not the Colony. They have 250 feet of private Atlantic oceanfront. The club has a 25-meter heated saltwater pool and a freshwater plunge pool.
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Kinda cool detail: the cabanas aren't made of wood. They’re mostly constructed from pressed-recycled newspapers. The owners, particularly Jestena Boughton, have been huge on sustainability way before it was a buzzword. They use geo-thermal energy to heat the pool and donate a dollar from every room night to local environmental groups.
What You Need to Know Before You Book
Don't expect a quiet, secluded retreat if you’re staying at the main hotel on a Saturday night. The Porch Bar is right on Atlantic Avenue. It’s loud, it’s social, and there’s usually live music. It’s for people who want to be in the middle of the "Village by the Sea" vibe.
Also, it’s incredibly pet-friendly. Not just "we allow dogs," but "we have special pet blankets made from old linens and give out biodegradable poop bags" friendly.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
If you’re planning a stay or just a day trip, here is how to do it right:
- Use the Shuttle: Don’t try to find parking at the Cabaña Club on a weekend. The hotel runs a shuttle that’s way less stressful.
- The Porch is for People Watching: Grab a cocktail at the Porch Bar around 5:00 PM. It’s arguably the best spot in Delray to watch the parade of locals and tourists.
- Check the Season: While it’s open year-round now, the "vibe" changes drastically. Winter is the high season where you’ll see the "well-heeled" crowd. Summer is more laid back and significantly cheaper.
- Yoga in the Ballroom: They offer daily yoga classes. Even if you aren't a "yoga person," the ballroom architecture is worth seeing.
- Lunch at the Sea Grape Grill: When you're at the beach club, the grilled specialties are actually good—not just "hotel pool food" good.
The Colony Hotel and Cabaña Club is still run by the same family that bought it in 1935. That's almost unheard of in Florida. It’s not perfect—the rooms can be quirky and the floors might creak—but it’s an authentic piece of history that refused to be knocked down for a glass condo. If you want to understand what Delray Beach used to be, you start here.
Next time you’re in town, take the stairs at least once. Those Dade County pine steps have seen a lot of history.
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Next Steps for Your Trip
To make the most of your visit to this landmark, you should check their seasonal calendar for live music schedules at the Porch Bar, as these events capture the true social spirit of Delray. Additionally, if you are traveling with a pet, call ahead to secure one of their specific pet-friendly suites, as these are highly sought after and often book up months in advance during the winter season.