The Ben, a 208-room Autograph Collection hotel, has opened on the waterfront in downtown West Palm Beach, FL.
“We’re thrilled to introduce The Ben, an unmistakably original hotel that injects new energy into the traditionally classic city of West Palm Beach,” said Jennifer Connell, vice president and global brand leader, Autograph Collection Hotels, in a statement. “The Ben reimagines classic South Florida lifestyle for today’s travelers by blending elements inspired by the city’s early days as an untamed tropical paradise with modern touches, making it a perfect fit for the Autograph Collection.”
The 208-room, new-build hotel features a modern design aesthetic reflecting the spirit of the Ben Trovato Estate, one of West Palm Beach’s original homes. Byrd Spilman Dewey, one of Florida’s most prolific authors of the pioneer era, gave her 1892 Victorian home the name Ben Trovato, literally meaning “well invented.” The name is derived from “Se non è vero, è ben trovato,” an Italian phrase which, loosely translated, means “Even if it isn’t true, it’s a good story.” The estate put West Palm Beach on the cultural map, entertaining luminaries from Henry Phipps Jr. to Woodrow Wilson and the Vanderbilts.
Reimagined for today, The Ben creatively channels Dewey’s joie de vivre, her love of entertaining, her whimsical interests and personal passions. “The Ben is a development unlike anything West Palm Beach has seen before. We’re redefining what it means to travel to and live in West Palm,” said Bernardo Neto, general manager of The Ben, in a statement. “We invite guests and locals to experience the essence of this magical waterfront city in an inspired setting fueled by a unique story, thoughtful design and the spirit of socialization.”
The design of the hotel combines vintage Florida with modern elements. Guestrooms feature eclectic elements including sliding bookcases that, when discovered, reveal a window into the shower and whimsical, mod iconic collage portraiture. In the lobby, a book display wall is arranged to manifest the silhouette of hotel muse Dewey’s face.
Proper Grit debuts as the hotel’s signature restaurant, with Executive Chef Andre Sattler at the helm. The contemporary South Florida chophouse is open daily and offers indoor and outdoor seating. A communal-style table stretches across the dining room to encourage socialization, with living-room style nooks along its border.
The Ben also features Spruzzo, a rooftop lounge and bar with sweeping views that is accessible via an express elevator directly from the ground floor.
The Ben joins Autograph Collection’s robust portfolio of 18 hotels in Florida including the newly opened Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club in Miami Beach, The Daytona in Daytona Beach and Fenway Hotel in Dunedin.
For more information, go to thebenwestpalm.com. For more information on Autograph Collection properties, click here and here.
