If you walk down Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach, you’ll see plenty of glass, steel, and high-end sushi spots. It’s shiny. It’s new. It’s very "South Florida." But then, there’s this massive yellow building that looks like it stepped out of a 1920s postcard. That's the Colony Hotel and Cabana Club Delray Beach.
Most hotels in this part of the state are constantly renovating themselves into oblivion. They want to look like a minimalist Apple Store with beds. The Colony? It went the other way. It stayed exactly the same. And honestly, that’s why it’s probably the most interesting place to stay between Miami and Palm Beach.
It’s Not Just a Hotel, It’s a Family Heirloom
Most people don't realize that the Boughton family has owned this place since 1935. Think about that for a second. In a state where real estate developers flip properties faster than pancakes, one family has steered this ship for nearly a century. This isn't a corporate Marriott. When you check in, you aren't just a reservation number in a database; you're entering a living history project.
The architecture is Mediterranean Revival. It was designed by Martin Luther Hampton, and he didn't hold back. We’re talking about those iconic twin pointed towers and the original skylight in the lobby that still works. There is something deeply satisfying about sitting in a lobby that hasn't changed its vibe since the Great Depression. You can almost hear the ghost of a jazz band playing in the corner.
The rooms are a trip. If you’re looking for a 75-inch smart TV and a bidet with a remote control, you might be disappointed. The furniture is often the original wicker or hand-painted pieces from the early days. The floors creak. The elevators are the kind you actually have to wait for. It’s charmingly low-tech.
The Private Beach Club You Didn’t Know You Needed
Here is the kicker: the hotel isn't actually on the beach. It’s on the Avenue. But, about two miles away, they have the Colony Cabana Club. This is the hotel's private oceanfront oasis, and it’s basically the reason half the guests keep coming back year after year.
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It feels like a scene from The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel but with palm trees. You’ve got a saltwater pool that’s heated naturally by the Florida sun. There’s a private beach area where you don't have to fight tourists for a square inch of sand. The club serves lunch, and while the menu isn't trying to win a Michelin star, the gazpacho and the fresh fish sandwiches are exactly what you want when the humidity hits 90%.
Getting there is half the fun. The hotel runs a shuttle, but many people just make the quick drive. Once you're there, the world feels very small and very quiet. It’s a stark contrast to the chaotic public beaches just a few blocks north.
Why "Historic" Usually Means "Eco-Friendly" Here
We hear a lot about "green" hotels these days. Usually, that just means they don't wash your towels every day unless you ask. The Colony Hotel and Cabana Club Delray Beach takes it a bit more seriously. Because they haven't gutted the building to install massive central air systems that bleed energy, they rely on architectural common sense.
The building was designed to breathe. High ceilings. Cross-ventilation. It’s a "Green Lodging" certified property by the state of Florida. They use native plants in their landscaping. They don't use harsh chemicals in the pool. It’s sustainable because it was built before we started wasting so much energy, and the owners have been smart enough to keep those old-school systems functioning.
- The Lobby Atmosphere: It’s the heart of the hotel. High ceilings, original ironwork, and a lack of loud, intrusive music.
- The Porch: People-watching on Atlantic Avenue from the Colony’s front porch is a local sport.
- The Staff: Many employees have been there for decades. That kind of institutional knowledge is rare.
- The Location: You are steps away from Old School Square and the best dining in Delray.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Experience
There’s a misconception that "historic" means "run down." Let’s be clear: the Colony is well-maintained, but it is old. If you can't handle a bathroom that’s a bit smaller than a modern suite, or if you need soundproof walls that block out every hint of the outside world, this isn't your spot.
It’s a seasonal hotel. Historically, they’ve closed for parts of the year, though that has shifted over time. You have to check their calendar. It’s a place that respects the seasons of Florida life.
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Also, don't expect a frantic pace. Everything at the Colony moves a little slower. The check-in takes a minute. The coffee in the morning is meant to be lingered over. It’s a destination for people who are tired of the "hustle culture" and just want to read a book in a wicker chair without being bothered by a digital kiosk.
Navigating the Delray Beach Scene from the Colony
Delray has changed a lot. It’s become a massive nightlife destination. Staying at the Colony Hotel and Cabana Club Delray Beach puts you right in the middle of it, but it also provides a weirdly effective shield. Once you step inside those yellow walls, the noise of the "Ave" seems to dampen.
If you're staying there, you have to walk to Dada for dinner—it's in an old house and fits the vibe. Or hit up Silverball Retroplaza for some pinball. The hotel’s location is arguably the best in the city because you don't need a car for anything except the trip to the Cabana Club.
Practical Advice for Your Stay
- Ask for a room with a view of the Avenue if you like to see the action, but grab one in the back if you’re a light sleeper.
- Spend at least one full day at the Cabana Club. Don't rush back for lunch; eat there.
- Check the event calendar. They often have live music in the lobby or special gallery openings that draw a really interesting local crowd.
- Look up. Seriously. The ceilings and the light fixtures in the public spaces are museum-quality.
The Long-Term Reality of Florida’s Heritage
We are losing places like the Colony. Every year, another historic Florida hotel gets bought out by a private equity firm, gutted, and turned into a "boutique" experience that feels like every other boutique experience in the world.
The fact that the Colony persists is a minor miracle. It’s a testament to the Boughton family’s stubbornness—in the best way possible. They’ve turned down the big paydays to keep a piece of Delray history intact. When you spend your money here, you aren't just paying for a bed; you’re voting for the preservation of Florida’s actual soul.
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It’s not perfect. The Wi-Fi might be spotty in certain corners. The plumbing has character. But you’ll remember staying here long after you’ve forgotten the generic layout of a Hilton or a Hyatt.
Actionable Steps for Planning Your Visit
To get the most out of the Colony, you need to lean into the vintage lifestyle. Start by booking directly through their website; they often have better insight into specific room layouts than third-party sites. Pack light, breathable clothing—linen is your friend here. Plan your trip for the shoulder season (late spring or late fall) to experience the best balance of weather and smaller crowds. Finally, make sure to set an afternoon aside specifically to sit in the lobby with no phone. Just watch the light change through the original glass. It's the closest thing to time travel you'll find in Palm Beach County.