A week in late Jan / early Feb 2012, as a couple, following a tough weeks business proved to be the perfect tonic for a bit of R & R. Yes, the weather was a bit changeable, but the hotel can do nothing about that. I read many reviews before choosing this FS, and I have to say many of them were spot on. Really nice, best on PB IF you want an expensive, high quality, quiet getaway.

This is not loud and brash. ( The Breakers is 7 miles away for that). This is cool, and sophisticated. Best bed ever ( 25 year worldwide traveller), lovely room, great beach, fantastic pool and service, good gym, nice outdoor runs and cycle rides. Food pretty good too. We ate at the Atlantic Grill every lunchtime ( we skipped breakfast because the lunches were soooo good), overlooking the Ocean - in fact virtually on the beach. We also took in The Restaurant and Ocean Grill. Both excellent. Room service menu and food also brilliant, as was the server. All this you have read before. And true, it is all expensive. But hey, this is Palm beach.

HOWEVER, a couple of silly little things that can niggle.

$25 a DAY +tips for parking my hire car ( and you really need a car because the cabs are silly money). We went to Breakers for the must do Seafood Bar and we got our parking money back as we ate at the hotel! This is an ugly stealth tax I am afraid. We spent $5K + and they charge you for that!

Internet charge per day per device! Not necessary this day and age. Fine for a day tripper but not for a long stay guest as we were known as.

Coffee! This is odd. The free coffee in the Living room is great. Then, at 10.30am it is almost impossible to get a cup of coffee of any great quality.

Also be mindful that this is a very quiet hotel in the evenings. The Restaurant bar, looked after by Christine, ( very well I may add) is dark and quiet, and the Living Room bar empty with little atmosphere. Didn't bother us too much but it might be an issue to others.

Finally, as the week ends and you pay the final bill, ( a week here as a couple, using the bar, restaurants, parking grrr. etc is around $5,000) wouldnt it be nice if maybe a parting gift from management be given over, even a nice big thank you for staying ( I didnt get that)?

Just a thought....

November/December marked my 2nd visit to this hotel.

I can only give it top marks in every category. It's not a cheap holiday, but for the time you stay there, you feel like royalty and you cannot put a price on that!

The staff are, without exception, welcoming and smiling and helpful and go out of their way to make you feel as though you are the only person in the hotel that matters.

The spa is an added bonus. An excellent tool in helping one unwind.

When I win the lottery, I shall probably go and live there!

I don't have much time to do these reviews- I have to get back to work to pay for such a hotel ;)

it was elegant and unquestionably clean and relaxing top to bottom. I did not experience any problems. Service was impeccable.

Great place, had a wonderful time even though it was for work. The staff is terrific and it was right on the ocean. This was my second stay and it was as wonderful as the first (which was fro fun).