The Chesterfield Palm Beach

The Chesterfield is Palm Beach on a human scale. Built in the 1920s, the boutique hotel stands in the quiet heart of the island, close to Royal Poinciana Way, Worth Avenue and the Flagler Museum, and it carries an English country-house character that sets it apart from the larger resorts. Rooms and suites are decorated in warm, traditional style, the lobby is intimate, and the Leopard Lounge, with its famous spotted carpet and live music, is the social center of the building. A stay here suits travelers who want to walk to shops and restaurants, prefer small hotels with personal service and care more about atmosphere than a long list of resort amenities.

Location is the hotel's main advantage. From the front door you can walk to Worth Avenue, to Royal Poinciana Way's shops and cafes, and, with a little more effort, to the Flagler Museum and the Lake Trail. The beach is a short drive or a longer walk, and the hotel typically offers beach access arrangements, so check when you reserve.

Staying in the middle of the island means you can leave the car parked and treat Palm Beach as a village, which is the way many longtime visitors prefer to experience it. Evening strolls beneath tall banyans and past lit courtyards are part of the charm.

Inside, the character is traditional. Rooms are individually decorated, with a mix of fabrics, wood furniture and artwork that gives the hotel the feel of a private residence. The pool area is small and landscaped, and the dining options include a courtyard restaurant and the Leopard Lounge, which serves cocktails and live entertainment in the evening and tea in the afternoon.

The lobby and library are inviting places to sit with a book. There is no vast spa or sports complex, which is part of the point; this is a hotel for people who prefer the pleasures of conversation and good service.

For planning, the Chesterfield works well for couples, anniversary trips and visitors who plan to spend their days exploring rather than lounging. Rates rise sharply in winter and spring, and the property is smaller than the big resorts, so book early for peak weeks. Ask about parking, which can be limited in this part of the island, and whether the property currently includes any extras such as breakfast or beach access.

Combine the stay with a boat tour of the lagoon, a visit to the Norton Museum across the water and dinners on Worth Avenue and in downtown West Palm Beach for a balanced trip.