Highlights: The Breakers, Palm Beach

•The Breakers is more than a luxury hotel, it’s an historic national monument and features stunning architecture and spectacular décor

•Staff almost outnumbers guests; between them, staffers speak more than 50 languages

•The Breakers has eight restaurants and eateries, seven on property and one just five minutes away

•Extensive meeting space, business center, and event planners cater to any size corporate outing or conference

•For the more active guests there’s a wealth of sporting opportunities from the fitness center with an ocean view, as well golf, swimming and more

Amenities: The Breakers, Palm Beach

• 550 rooms, 7 story. Check-in 4 pm, check-out Noon. High-speed Internet access, wireless Internet access. Eight restaurants, four bars. Children's activity center. Fitness room, fitness classes available, spa. Beach. Five outdoor pools, children's pool, whirlpool. Golf, 36 holes. Tennis. Airport transportation available. Business center. Credit cards accepted.

General Impressions: The Breakers, Palm Beach

The Breakers is a legendary, luxury oceanfront hotel situated amid 140 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds on the barrier island of Palm Beach. The Italian-Renaissance-style architecture was inspired by the magnificent Italian villas of the 15th century, and the twin Belvedere towers with their graceful arches--a Palm Beach landmark--were inspired by the Villa Medici in Rome.

You know you’re arriving at somewhere special as you motor along the 1,040-foot-long main drive leading to the spectacular Florentine Fountain, patterned after the fountain at the Boboli Gardens in Florence, and the grand Main Lobby, inspired by the 16th century Great Hall of the Palazzo Carega in Genoa.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, more than $250 million has been spent revitalizing and expanding the resort since 1990, ensuring it retains its unique blend of pampered luxury and casual sophistication. With a staff of more than 2,000, guests are assured of a very high level of personal attention.

The hotel is seven miles from Palm Beach International Airport and a short drive from upscale shopping in downtown Palm Beach, although The Breakers has its own on-site boutiques offering a wide range of goods.

Whether you’re on a business trip, vacationing with the family, or looking for a romantic getaway, this resort offers an impressive range of services and amenities. Children are right at home here, too, with their own play area, pool, and an extensive list of special kids’ activities.

(+) A beautiful resort with something for everyone—families, business travelers, couples, and singles

Guest Services: The Breakers, Palm Beach

When making my reservation by phone, I called the hotel’s main number and was transferred into a mail box and asked to leave a message. Had I been able to speak directly with someone, it would have left a better initial impression. However, when the agent returned my call, she was extremely helpful.

When I arrived, I was immediately greeted curbside. Staff attended to my baggage with a smile. I waited in line for five minutes before I was able to check-in. There was a similar delay when checking out. The front desk agent used my name in conversation throughout the check-in procedure, although I felt that I was just one of many guests checking in.

All calls placed to the communication center were answered promptly and handled professionally. The agents frequently used my name and were able to directly answer my calls or direct me to the proper department. When I inquired about using a long distance card I was told how to do this and informed that calls placed using the card would be complimentary.

I was quite pleased by the wake-up call. The agent was pleasant, polite, and on time and even told me what the weather was going to be that day. The concierge, too, was polite, knowledgeable, and helpful.

Housekeeping and maid service were impressive. Bedroom and bathroom floors were immaculately cleaned, clothes left out were folded, all bed linens were changed, and the bed was neatly made up with evening turndown service.

(+) Attentive and prompt service overall

Guest Rooms: The Breakers, Palm Beach

The Breakers has 560 guest rooms, including 57 suites. No matter which one you choose, you’ll have a lovely view of either the ocean, golf course, or The Breakers’ well-manicured garden.

The rooms are designed to exude comfort and elegance. The coral and teal tones fit in well with the Miami in paradise theme of the property. The custom woven carpeting, fine window linens, and vibrant floral fabric couches and chairs add a cheerful aura to the room. The king-size or large double beds are dressed in the finest of linens and the Italian armoire and dark cherry furniture add an elegant touch of sophistication.

A seating area of two armchairs or a couch and coffee table is an ideal spot for reading a book or enjoying an afternoon tea. The seating areas are well placed, so you can easily look out the glass sliding doors to enjoy the mesmerizing view.

The lavish bathrooms feature imported marble, deep-soaking tubs, and The Breakers own private label toiletries.

My room had an old world, European theme with soft green and pink tones, and coordinating fabrics and wall coverings in lighter shads of green and pink were included. The light wooden furniture with green molding was quite comfortable. Although extremely clean and well-serviced throughout my stay, my guest room was slightly worn and showing its age. I found the bed to hard and almost uninviting, and the covering was rough on my skin. My room wasn’t soundproof and I could hear my neighbor’s phone and alarm.

The grooming area was large enough for two people to shower and dress in comfort. Bathroom amenities were of high quality and included lotion, bath wash, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, hand soap, shower soap, bath seeds, and lip balm.

(+) Elegant rooms with comfortable furniture and beautiful views
(-) Rooms aren’t as soundproof as expected

Facilities & Activities: The Breakers, Palm Beach

So many recreational opportunities abound at The Breakers that the problem is finding time for all of them.

For those wanting to hit the links, the hotel has two beautifully landscaped 18-hole championship golf courses--The Ocean Course (the oldest in Florida) and the more challenging Rees Jones Course. The Breakers Golf Academy offers private and group lessons geared to all skill levels.

The resort also offers plenty of swimming (four oceanfront swimming pools and the inviting waters of the Atlantic Ocean, too) as well as a myriad of water sport options, 10 tennis courts, and a jogging trail through the gardens.

The Spa At The Breakers, awarded a Mobil Four-Star rating, offers 17 private treatment rooms, a beauty salon, outdoor lap pool, whirlpool spa, and sauna. It’s the exclusive U.S. resort spa for Guerlain skin care and facial treatments.

The Oceanview Fitness Center, considered part of the spa, has a full range of exercise equipment and weights and offers fitness classes throughout the week. Two other smaller fitness centers are offered, both are well equipped and clean, although no staff is on duty.

The Mediterranean-style Beach Club overlooking the resort’s half-mile long private beach has three pools, including a children’s pool. Activities offered are scuba, snorkeling, coral reef tours, deep sea fishing, kayak trips, and boogie board rentals.

As elsewhere, the staff at the pool and outside dining area were quick to greet me and were attentive throughout my time by the pool. Drinks and food were served promptly and towels were provided. When chairs were vacated, attendants swiftly cleared them of used towers and wiped them down for other guests to use.

The Family Entertainment Center has an arcade, a video games room, toddler’s playroom, arts and crafts area, and a children’s movie theater. The center is staffed at all times and there is an extensive program for children and families, such as the year-round Coconut Crew Interactive Camp.

The Breakers also has its own on-site shopping with 10 stores selling such things as gourmet food products, designer swimwear and clothing, crystal, and sports equipment.

There’s plenty to do outside the resort as well. Designer boutiques on world-famous Worth Avenue and even more stores and boutiques at City Place are about 10 minutes from the hotel. You can learn more about the history of the area by visiting the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum or viewing the exhibits at the Norton Museum of Art. Other local attractions include the International Orchid Center, Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Museum, Aquarium, and Planetarium.

(+) A fantastic array of recreational opportunities for all ages and activity levels

Dining & Lounge: The Breakers, Palm Beach

The Breakers has eight restaurants and eateries, seven on property and one a five-minute drive away. The Mobil Four-Star-rated L’Escalier is the property’s signature restaurant, featuring modern French cuisine. Reservations are recommended and jackets preferred.

The Circle, famous for its hand-painted ceilings, ocean view and Sunday brunch, serves breakfast daily. You can eat in or out at the Beach Club, which is open daily for lunch, while The Flagler Steakhouse, open daily for lunch and dinner, features the finest steaks and seafood. You can also lunch and dine on seafood and the raw bar at the ocean-side Seafood Bar, or enjoy home-style Italian fare at The Italian Restaurant. Families can eat and kids play at the adjacent Family Entertainment Center. The Ocean Grill is a beachside bar and grill offering casual lunches while The Tapestry Bar, with its vintage mahogany bar, serves afternoon tea, cocktails, and appetizers.

The casually-chic Echo is owned by The Breakers but is five minutes away in the heart of Palm Beach. It offers spectacular Asian cuisine. And, if that is not enough, room service is available around the clock.

Service was very good throughout my stay. Staff members were smartly turned out, knowledgeable, well-spoken, polite, cheerful, and their smiles made me feel genuinely welcome. When I entered the dining room for breakfast, I was greeted and seated promptly, and within one minute my server offered me beverages. Although the breakfast room was extremely busy, all staff members were alert to guests and their needs. The menu featured standard breakfast fare, but food was served quickly and at the right temperature. The table, glassware, and china were in excellent condition and completely clean, napkins were pressed, and service was fast.

I was not greeted by a host when I entered the lounge, but the cocktail server did greet me shortly after I sat down. She was informative and engaging, as were all staff members. The lounge is elegant, with a number of private seating arrangements for guests, and it has an extensive drink menu.

When I took advantage of the in-room dining service, I was surprised that the menu was basic and didn’t offer exceptional or interesting dishes like the hotel offered in the main dining areas. My order was taken efficiently and arrived quickly. The food presentation was fine and the server did a good job setting up my dining table near the television as I had requested.

(+) Quality cuisine offered in several traditional and cozy settings
(-) Room service menu was uninspired

Business Services: The Breakers, Palm Beach

Business travelers will be delighted with the extensive amenities available for their corporate meeting, conference, or retreat. No matter what size, the hotel staff can help you plan it all with its full-service meeting and event planners.

The 24-hour business center offers administrative, telecommunication, and computer services for whatever help you need, whether it’s creating an invitation or polishing some last-minute presentation materials. Technical support staff is also available to answer any questions you might have. I found the center staff to be quick to greet me and offer assistance, although they are only on staff during the day. If you need help in the evenings, the concierge can assist with some tasks.

The hotel offers more than 45,000 square feet of indoor meeting space and 20,000 square feet of outdoor event space. You can choose from three ballrooms and 25 smaller meeting rooms for any type of corporate outing. The hotel’s state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment can be set up and operated by staff while you can be busy tending to your group or running the event.

(+) Business center, event planners, and extensive meeting space cater to any size corporate group
(-) Business center only staffed during the day, but concierge can help out after hours