Delray Beach Hotels: From Beachy to Chic

By Jodi Mailander Farrell
 

If you haven’t been to Delray Beach lately then you’re in for a treat. The one-time sleepy beach town has grown up into a hub for cultural attractions, with a lively downtown district of shops, cafes and galleries just off the Atlantic Ocean. These Delray Beach hotels each have their own charm.
 

Hotels in Delray Beach

Beach Bash: Crane's Beach House & Tiki Bar

A casual boutique resort with 27 suites just steps from the beach, Crane’s has a crowd-drawing tiki bar with live music and happy hour Thursday through Saturday. This was the place to be when we visited during Spring Break.

82 Gleason St.
www.cranesbeachhouse.com
561-278-1700.

The Sophisticate: Seagate Hotel & Spa

A four-minute walk to the beach, this hotel in Delray Beach features six restaurants, a spa, private beach club and luxury suites that are modern and elegant. We’re told this is where visiting musicians and stars stay when they’re in town, but you didn’t hear that from us.

1000 E. Atlantic Ave.
www.theseagatehotel.com
561-665-4800.

Southern Charmer: Sundy House

Hidden behind an acre of tropical jungle, this historic, Queen Anne-style house was built in 1902 and is the oldest house in Delray. Its 12 rooms, suites and cottages each have their own quirky, hand-painted themes. An on-site canopied restaurant is known for its weekend brunches and happy hours. You can swim with fish in the natural swimming pool. Tranquil and eclectic, Sundy is a favorite spot for watercolor painters and other artists who use the garden as their outdoor studio.

106 S. Swinton Ave.
www.sundyhouse.com
561-272-5678.

Downtown’s Grand Dame: Colony Hotel

Family owned and operated since 1935, this sprawling, Mediterranean-style landmark harkens to another time, when grand ocean hotels drew northerners to Florida shores. Its Old Florida charm includes wooden floors, wicker furniture and an original 1926 elevator. The 70 rooms are modest, but well-kept. Locals flock here for weekly yoga classes; visitors enjoy the complimentary breakfast buffet in the sprawling lobby and the private, peaceful beach club with heated pool and beachside cabanas about a mile from the hotel.

525 E. Atlantic Ave.
www.thecolonyhotel.com
561-276-4123.

Location, Location: Delray Beach Marriott

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean-style hotel commands the corner of A1A (Ocean Boulevard) and bustling Atlantic Avenue. Options from among 277 rooms include standard rooms and penthouse luxury suites.

10 N. Ocean Blvd.
www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/pbidr-delray-beach-marriott
561-274-3200.