Palm Beach hotels were prepared for the worst, but the season went better than expected despite the pandemic. COVID-19 logs present as visitors arrived in increasing numbers.
Hotels across Palm Beach County saw an improvement from March 2020. This March, the average occupancy rate was 74.5%, according to Discover the Palm Beaches, compared to 48% last year.
“With the onset of Thanksgiving and the holidays, our busy season was reactivated and business was strong – with an average occupancy of 65% – while travel in our key feeder markets in the US is picking up again,” said Paul Leone, CEO of The crusher.
“The resort’s short-term bookings continue to increase. Our leisure business is stronger than ever and we expect the group business to grow in the fall, ”said Leone.
In line with national industry trends, The Breakers experienced a lower occupancy rate over the course of 2020, compounded by capacity constraints. The greatest demand then came from the leisure and local propulsion markets.
Connected:The Breakers: Oceanfront Resort in Palm Beach is celebrating its 125th anniversary
The Breakers continues to maintain self-imposed occupancy restrictions to aid social distancing and provide a more spacious experience. Up to 400 of the 538 guest rooms and suites are currently being sold, and it is expected that this will continue through the summer. It operates 50% leisure facilities and indoor activities such as the spa.
During the 2019 peak season, The Breakers’ occupancy was 90%.
An estimated 70% utilization is forecast this summer as strict health and safety protocols continue to be in place. Outdoor activities, amenities, and dining options are popular, including private poolside bungalows for guests and club members.
The colony
The colony declined to comment on the course of their season and explained through spokeswoman Elisabeth Munder that they did not publish or discuss any demographic, occupancy or sales metrics for guests. The colony has 89 rooms, seven of which are villa apartments and two are penthouse suites. The hotel closed in March 2020 and reopened on October 29th. Extensive renovation and system improvements were initiated during the closure.
Palm Beach water
Manalapan’s Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa reopened on July 1st, nearly 100 days after closing on March 25th. When the season kicked off in November, many guests came from the northeast from places where they couldn’t move around as freely as they did in Florida, said Nick Gold, public relations director.
Eau Palm Beach, the third largest hotel in Palm Beach County with 309 rooms and suites, had an unknown number of rooms to create more space.
“We have had a very, very good season, despite what is happening around the world. Everything was open in Florida. People felt comfortable coming here, ”said Gold. ” People were at home. They didn’t spend their travel dollars anywhere else. They couldn’t go on cruises or go to St. Barts. They couldn’t achieve any international goals.
“From what I’ve seen for our hotel and others, it worked in our favor,” said Gold. “Summer looks good. The prices are not falling as usual. Demand remains strong and interest rates hold up. “
Brazilian dish
The 80-room and suite business at the Brazilian courtyard was generally better than expected and began to pick up the most towards the end of the third quarter and into the fourth quarter of 2020, said Stacy Lee, director of sales and marketing.
“The Brazilian Court of Justice saw a sharp surge in long-stay demand following the launch of its ‘Key to Paradise’ package,” said Lee. “The hotel sold out its two-, three-, and four-bedroom suites on many days during the high season due to the number of extended stays.”
Lee said the hotel is ideally suited for these unique times as it has access to select suites without entering the central lobby or elevators, multiple open-air entrances / exits, and a socially detached, friendly design.
“Summer looks promising as more people travel again, both in and out of the state,” said Lee.
Chesterfield
Natalie Le Clerc, General Manager at The Chesterfield, said: “The second half of the season was much better than expected. We had a high occupancy rate in the high 80s. Florida is a great propulsion market. People are ready to travel, and what could be nicer than going to Palm Beach? We have guests from all over the country.
“Bookings were stable initially and came in from our food and drink and strong thereafter,” she said. “We will end April with an occupancy rate of over 80%. We expect May to be a busier month than usual as seasonal travelers stay longer, meaning the season will be longer than before. “
This April exceeded the occupancy rate of April 2019, and the hotel was near full occupancy this season.
“As more and more people are being vaccinated, the number of requests for events has increased massively. People are starting to plan events for summer, fall and 2022 – baby showers, birthdays, weddings for missed celebrations that they know will happen now, ”said Le Clerc. “We expect a busier summer than usual.
“Our outdoor courtyard and pool options have been very popular and guests bring their pets to dine with. The hotel is pet friendly so many guests come to stay or bring their dogs to sit the open spaces in our equipment areas, ”said Le Clerc.
The Chesterfield still has live music in the Leopard Lounge on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and all guests are wearing their masks.
“Our traditional afternoon tea was a big selling point even during the pandemic,” she said.
“Our guests want to get out, but also in the more intimate and personal environment that a boutique hotel like us offers,” said Le Clerc. “We’re dealing with inquiries from people we haven’t heard in a while. We did such a good job keeping in touch with our customers even through the worst of times. “
The Chesterfield has special rates and packages for the summer months with 15% to 20% off the best available rate, as well as packages with a meal credit. It also has Florida based and AAA packages.
Four Seasons
The Four Seasons Resort reopened on April 1st after being closed to the public for more than a year. During that time, it acted as the temporary trading venue for Chicago-based securities firm Citadel Securities.
More:Four Seasons will reopen to new guests
Mohamed Elbanna, Four Seasons regional vice president and general manager, said, “As excited as we were to open our doors to newcomers and local experiences, we were equally honored to see how many guests and locals were eager to visit Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach . There is positivity, energy and joy, and it is a good feeling to know that we can welcome everyone back to the trustworthy comfort of Four Seasons.
“Our occupancy was over 85% for our first weekend with newcomers, a weekend trend that continued throughout the month,” said Elbanna. “There is huge interest in beach vacations and resort getaways, as our booking trends for the coming months show, which are above pre-pandemic levels.”
The Four Seasons is offering exclusive rates for Florida residents through September.
“Our day spa and beach retreat is a local favorite too, and soon we will be introducing even more ways to experience our Palm Beach paradise for a day trip,” said Elbanna.
