What kind of pink palaces am I talking about you might ask. Hotels! If we were to talk about any pink palatial building, I would be writing for days. There are so many fabulous ones out there.
In my opinion, when it comes to hotels, there is nothing more grand than a beautiful pink palace. Pink is not only a happy color, but I think it’s an incredibly glamorous color. It gives such a wonderful nod to Old Hollywood and Art Deco. Most pink palaces I have found tend to be in warm places, which of course means they have palm trees and tropical flowers lining their lush grounds. Probably the definition of charming if you ask me. I can think of very few vacations that wouldn’t be made better by staying in a pink palace, which is why I have rounded up my favorites across the US – plus one in Cuba, and one from the history books. Read on, you’re off to be a princess! And likely you’ll follow that with packing, as you will be ready to hop on a plane on your headed to your favorite pink palace.
La Jolla is the ultimate in picturesque towns. It sits north of San Diego about 20 minutes, right on the ocean. La Valencia prominently sits atop a hill, showing off it’s pink glory, with views of the beautiful blue Pacific. Stroll down the street to a wide array of boutiques and restaurants, visit the hundreds of seals hanging out at the cove, or just lounge at the pool because, well, it’s just stunning. I recommend an ocean view room. It’s what I chose during my visit and was well worth the extra cost.
The Beverly Hills Hotel – Beverly Hills California
The Beverly Hills Hotel is the holy grail of pink palaces, and, well places in general. It’s likely my favorite spot in the world! Something about it just feels like home to me. I wish it could be! I love it so much I copied their style at home. While it is a beautiful place to stay, it is also a wonderful place to just enjoy drinks by the pool or a meal in the swanky Polo Lounge. While you’re at it, stroll the grounds to see the lush landscaping and the quaint bungalows. Who knows, while you sit in this pink palace you may even spot your favorite celebrity.
The Vinoy – St. Petersburg, FL
What’s great about this pink palace is that you have the best of both worlds – the city and the ocean. St. Petersburg is a small city, but one that really has a lot to offer. They have tons of restaurants with al fresco dining, an excellent bike path, world-class museums and of course their historied pink wonderland. All of the rooms in the main hotel have been renovated and are stunning. They are undergoing construction, so just beware, while the pool is refreshing, it is a bit noisy at the moment.
Chippewa Hotel & Pink Pony Pub – Mackinac Island, MI
This town, one I’ve adored visiting all my life, and where I celebrated my last milestone birthday, is like no other you’ll visit. First of all, it’s an island, which you may have gathered from the name. But, unlike most islands, it’s also a step back in time. No cars are allowed on the island, so you’ll see people getting around via bike or horse and buggy. The architecture is primarily Victorian, which is sweet and also very colorful. They have a bike path that takes you 8 miles around the island, which is a MUST when you visit. Of course, you will also need to get fudge and ice cream – other island MUSTS. The Pink Pony Pub is one of the most famous bars not only on the island, but in Michigan, and is, as you could guess, a great pink palace. The pub sits inside the Chippewa Hotel, which is waterfront, in the heart of town, and you guessed it, pink!
While it may only have a slight tinge of pink, this is in fact one of the country’s most famous pink palaces. It’s been seen in many movies over the years, has been a staple for the wealthy and the Hollywood elite and as you can imagine is just stunning. I have not stayed at this pink palace, but I have walked the grounds and enjoyed a wonderful lunch there. It is very elegant and will make you feel like a true royal who has stepped back in time. Word of warning though, don’t use the old fashion drop mailboxes. They don’t go anywhere! I found out the hard way, and got a letter returned to send (aka me) about 6 months later.
The Don Cesar – St. Pete Beach, FL
In all ventures you have to have goals right. Even in a list of the best pink palaces that you’ve seen, there has to be one you have yet to visit, but you hope to. That’s where The Don Cesar comes in. I have seen it from afar, but look forward to the day I will be able to explore their lush grounds, relax in their beautiful pool and soak up the sun on the beach while gazing at this pink castle rising from the sand.
The Grand Wailea – Maui, Hawaii
The Grand Wailea was a complete stunner from the minute I pulled into the driveway. The hotel is ituated along the ocean in the town of Wailea, which is a luxurious resort community. And luxury definitely oozed from the Grand Wailea! The grounds are pristinely manicured, the pool is a watery work of art and the chapel (yes, you read that right), looks like it’s straight out of a Hawaiian fairytale book. There was a wedding the day I visited and I could definitely see why it’s a hot spot for destination weddings. Who wouldn’t want to celebrate love in a tropical, pink infused setting? There are shops on the property as well as several restaurants. I recommend getting a drink at one of the many restaurants and just taking in the surrounding beauty – which really showcases the magic of Maui.
Sadly, you can no longer stay here, since it is not in existence any more. However, one tower does remain, which is now condominiums. It is my favorite building in all of Chicago! From the minute I saw it I was enchanted. I have researched it endlessly, as I find the history so intriguing. While I imagine it often, I would love to know what it actually was like to have stayed at this wonderful pink palace back in the day. It had to make the list since it is so fascinating to me. Even though you can’t stay here, if you are in Chicago, it is worth a trip to the north side of the city to see this beauty which sits right along Lake Michigan.
Hotel Nacional de Cuba – Havana, Cuba
I had to put one pink palace that is out of the country on this list. Why? Well, because it’s Cuba, and everything there is so colorful, it only seems fitting that this hotel should make the list. While I didn’t stay here during my visit to Cuba I spent an entire day here enjoying the pool. It’s a gorgeous hotel that is very majestic compared to the rest of the buildings in this very old and slightly dilapidated city. They have a deal where you can pay a set fee to enjoy the pool for the day, which includes food and drink. Definitely a stop you must make if you are in Cuba.
Signed with Style,
Sarah In Style 
These hotels are indeed charming! Refreshing post – thanks for sharing.
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Thank you so much!
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