The Ben is a Ten | An LLScene Staycation Review
To say we were blown away by our staycation at The Ben, Autograph Collection Hotel this weekend would be an understatement. It was truly an amazing experience with unmatched energy from start to finish.
Every year we try to stay local like a staycation for Lindsey’s birthday, and given the state of the world right now, staying local was imperative and exactly what we needed after being cooped up for 2.5 months. Although we knew this year’s staycation would be a little different, we were pleasantly surprised by how quickly The Ben in West Palm Beach implemented CDC safety regulations without taking away from the luxurious experience they bring to their guests.
We chose The Ben as our birthday staycation initially because every time we log on to social media, we see everyone we knew checking in to their rooftop pool and restaurants. We’re not ones to miss out on the hottest new spots in South Florida, so the FOMO kicked in very quickly.
As one of the only waterfront hotels, The Ben is
a boutique hotel on Flagler Banyan Square, where West Palm’s City Hall used to be. Upon checking in, our first stop was Spruzzo, their rooftop lounge, and infinity pool overlooking a view you can’t get anywhere else in West Palm Beach. Big thank you to Montce Swim for providing Lindsey the perfect bathing suit to bring in 33.
The weather was perfect, the poolside food was phenomenal and the staff was top notch and excited to be a part of our celebrations.
Photo Credit: Gabe Roth
If you’re looking for a unique boutique-hotel experience, look no further than The Ben. The vibe is eccentric, whimsical and something West Palm Beach has never seen before but has always needed. If you know us, you know that we love learning about the history of where we go and what we do and The Ben has no shortage of history.
The lobby was transformed to replicate the feel of walking into a South Florida estate with floor to ceiling bookshelves, chairs hanging 25 feet high, and unique character with furniture and accessories that deserve a second look.
Inspired by a late 1800s estate in West Palm Beach called Ben Trovato, it was originally owned by an Author and South Florida colonizer, Byrd “Birdie” Spilman Dewey, who also co-founded Boynton Beach. This home originally served as a hot spot for socializing travelers, business owners, and elite locals, and the inspiration from its history certainly shown throughout the hotel.
Photo Credit: Gabe Roth
To the left of the lobby, you will find their chop house, Proper Grit where we went for dinner. We’re all about supporting local businesses, especially these days and we’re happy to report that Proper Grit sources their food and beverages locally and seasonally to what South Florida is all about. It was a sophisticated, free-spirit ambiance with state-of-the-art service we couldn’t believe.
Photo Credit: Gabe Roth
Our experience staying at The Ben in West Palm Beach was everything we could have dreamed of and more. We also want to give a special shoutout to Jessica Quiles, The Ben’s Social Media Coordinator who met us by the pool at Spruzzo.
Chances are, you’re probably craving a true-vacation feel this summer without having to go far, and we can guarantee you will find that right in your neighborhood at The Ben, Autograph Collection Hotel in West Palm Beach.
Photo Credit: Gabe Roth
The Ben Hotel Gallery Photos:
The Ben, Autograph Collection Hotel
251 N. Narcissus Ave., West Palm Beach
561-655-4001
Follow them on social media for even more photos and information…
Facebook:
@thebenwestpalm
Instagram:
@thebenwestpalm
@spruzzowestpalm
@propergrit
Photo Credit: Gabe Roth
In addition to making their guests feel as “back to normal” as possible, here is more information about the commitment to cleanliness that The Ben, Autograph Collection and Marriot Hotels are taking to ensure the safety of their guests.
*The information below was taken directly from The Marriot Bonvoy website.
Commitment to Clean
As we welcome you back to our hotels around the world, we are committed to providing you with a safe environment that aligns with expert protocols for working to defeat COVID-19. Consisting of in-house and outside experts in food and water safety, hygiene and infection prevention, and hotel operations, our Marriott Cleanliness Council is redefining our cleaning and safety standards. We will actively monitor and evolve our solutions to ensure a continued focus on the health and safety of our guests and associates.
Public Spaces
Starting with our public spaces and high-traffic areas, we are going above and beyond our normal protocols. We are cleaning surfaces with increased frequency, dedicated staff, and recommended cleaning agents.
Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizing stations are being installed at hotel entrances, at our front desks, our elevator banks, and meeting spaces.
Social Distancing
Signage in public spaces will remind our guests to maintain social distancing. We will be adding partitions at check-in to provide an extra level of precaution for our guests and our associates.
Guest Rooms
In guest rooms, we have elevated our rigorous protocols to thoroughly clean all surfaces with hospital-grade disinfectants. And we will be placing disinfecting wipes in each room for your use.
New Cleaning Technologies
We are rolling out enhanced technologies including electrostatic sprayers to sanitize surfaces throughout the hotel. We are also testing ultraviolet light technology for sanitizing guest keys and devices shared by associates.
Mobile App
Our mobile technologies provide reassurance and distancing options for our guests. In over 3,200 hotels, your phone can be used to check-in, access your room, and order room service.
Sponsored: This blog post about The Ben, Autograph Collection was sponsored by The Ben, Autograph Collection in West Palm Beach. All opinions expressed in this blog post are our own and not influenced in any way by the sponsor. This was a sponsored stay, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
