The Brazilian Court Hotel

Built in 1926, the beautiful Mediterranean Revival hotel is a famous, local institution. Nearly all of Sicilian architect Rosario Candela’s original structure remains, complemented by a lush decor of rich mahogany paneling, buttery yellow buildings, and ornate antique furnishings. Two beautifully landscaped courtyards with sparkling fountains and intimate seating areas put a finer point on the boutique feel. The vibe is quiet, elegant, and sophisticated. Every space -- from the garden pool to the gourmet French restaurant to the twin reading nooks -- feels neatly designed for relaxed seclusion. Kids are welcome, but the reserved, honeymoon-worthy air draws far more couples than families.

The hotel is hidden in a residential neighborhood where every street is lined with lavish mansions and six-figure imported automobiles. It’s one of the most exclusive addresses, not just in Florida, but in the country. Blocks away lies famed Worth Avenue, jam-packed with the world’s most recognizable high-end brands from Gucci to Neiman Marcus to Tiffany. A 10-minute walk west takes guests to the Intracoastal, east to one of South Florida’s most beautiful beaches, and south to the famed Everglades Golf Course. For more dining and shopping options, the upscale CityPlace lifestyle district is a five-minute drive west. It's an eight-minute drive to the Kravis Center for Performing Arts. Palm Beach International (PBI) Airport is 15 minutes away by car, and free transfers are included both ways.

The regal, sophisticated aesthetic from the public areas carries through to every room. Antique desks and dressers, rich mahogany seating, and luxurious beds with pillow-top bedding and plush linens all create a feel befitting the hotel’s landmark status. Rooms offer similar amenities but differ mainly in square footage. Every room, even entry-level Studios, is generously sized from between 400 to 1,800 square feet (37-167 square meters). Some units offer furnished patios or terraces overlooking the pool or courtyards. The list of standard amenities is excellent and includes fast, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen HDTVs, wine refrigerators, and premium minibars. Bathrooms are equally lavish. Fit and finish is impeccable with marble flooring and vanities, modern shower stalls, and jetted soaking tubs. Hairdryers and Gilchrist & Soames brand bath products are standard. Twice-daily housekeeping service is also provided.

The hotel can’t compete with the sheer number of amenities at the area’s largest, over-the-top hotels. But, every on-site amenity is intimate, thoughtful, and upscale. The gourmet French restaurant, Café Boulud, is a destination eatery for both hotel guests and locals. The haute cuisine breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus were personally designed by James Beard-award-winning Chef Daniel Boulud. Meals are served either in the elegant dining room or on a charming outdoor terrace overlooking the main courtyard. Boulud Bar anchors one end of the dining room with a moody backlit bar, a glowing, nightclub-worthy bar top, and a bespoke cocktail menu.The heated outdoor pool feels manages to feel more intimate than small. It anchors a charming, secluded terrace surrounded by lush tropical landscaping and dozens of towering palm trees. Ample lounge chairs line both sides of the pool, and there’s a small hot tub tucked into one corner of the space. While the hotel lacks a dedicated spa, it does house a world-class salon backed by celebrity stylist Frédéric Fekkai. A long list of high-end beauty treatments are available. Basic massage services can be provided in rooms.A small fitness center offers essential workout equipment, and bicycles are available to rent by the hour. Fast, free Wi-Fi is included throughout the property. Pets stay for a fee. Only paid valet parking is available, which is common for the area.