The Only Waterfront Hotel in Downtown West Palm Beach

If you are looking for a hotel in downtown West Palm Beach with actual waterfront views, The Ben is the only option. It sits directly across from Palm Harbor Marina at 251 North Narcissus Avenue, with rooms overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway and Palm Beach Island. No other hotel in the downtown core offers this.

“We were really taken aback by the location. It was even more alluring and appealing than we could have imagined. And that was before we even stepped inside.” — Men’s Journal

The Ben is a 208-room boutique hotel in Marriott’s Autograph Collection, which means it operates with its own identity rather than following a chain template. The hotel is named after the Ben Trovato Estate, a Victorian home built in 1892 by Byrd Spilman Dewey, one of West Palm Beach’s founding figures and a bestselling author. That history shows up in the art and design throughout the property, from curated bookshelves to a Book Butler program that delivers complimentary reads to your room.

Conde Nast Traveler calls The Ben an excellent property within the Autograph Collection portfolio. It has been featured in Forbes, Southern Living, Travel + Leisure, and Men’s Journal, and was named 2024 Accommodation Partner of the Year by The Palm Beaches tourism board. On TripAdvisor, it holds a 4.7-star rating and is ranked number 2 of 42 hotels in West Palm Beach, earning the Travelers’ Choice Award in 2024.

What Guests Say About the Location

The single most common piece of advice from guests is to request a water-facing room. Dozens of reviews recommend booking an east-facing room on a higher floor for the best marina and Intracoastal views.

“It was great to sit on the balcony and watch sunrise and the activity at the marina.” — TripAdvisor guest, Aug 2025

“Stay as high up as possible looking at the yachts on the Intracoastal.” — TripAdvisor guest, Jan 2024

“Water view rooms are definitely worth the price difference. Room is bigger and the view is picture perfect.” — TripAdvisor guest

The Ben is one block from Clematis Street, the center of downtown dining, shopping, and nightlife. Rosemary Square is a short walk away. Palm Beach International Airport is about a 15-minute drive, and the Brightline high-speed rail station is accessible on foot for guests arriving from Miami or Fort Lauderdale.

“Easy walk from the Brightline station if you’re car-free!” — TripAdvisor guest, Mar 2025

The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service within a two-mile radius using Bruno, their electric house car. Guests frequently mention how convenient this is for getting to Palm Beach Island, Worth Avenue, or nearby restaurants.

“The free shuttle is perfect for local trips including Palm Beach Island. The location is very walkable if you like. The free bikes are really convenient.” — TripAdvisor guest, May 2024

Rooms and Amenities

Guest rooms feature leather headboards, Turkish linens, 55-inch smart TVs, Nespresso coffeemakers, and La Bottega bath products. Suites include balconies with direct marina views, and some feature soaking tubs or glass showers with views of Palm Harbor Marina.

“Sleek rooms feature leather headboards, high-quality linens and large marble bathrooms with walk-in showers.” — The Hotel Guru

A detail guests often mention: there is a sliding bookcase between the bedroom and bathroom that reveals a window into the shower, a playful design touch unique to the property.

“I love working from the lobby, which feels like setting up your laptop in an eccentric, wealthy relative’s living room, where zebra print and old books sit in front of comfy, oversized furniture.” — Kayak editorial

The rooftop is home to Spruzzo, a Mediterranean-inspired lounge with a heated saltwater pool, cabanas, a full bar, and panoramic views stretching from Singer Island to Palm Beach Island.

“The roof boasts the first and only rooftop waterfront drinking and dining outlet in downtown West Palm Beach. Both dining outlets are uniformly excellent.” — Fodor’s Travel

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is The Ben actually on the waterfront?

A: Yes. The Ben is the only hotel in downtown West Palm Beach with direct waterfront access. It sits across from Palm Harbor Marina with views of the Intracoastal Waterway, Palm Beach Island, and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. Many guest rooms have private balconies overlooking the marina.

Q: How far is The Ben from Clematis Street?

A: One block. You can walk to dozens of restaurants, bars, galleries, and shops on Clematis Street and Rosemary Square without needing a car.

Q: Does The Ben have a shuttle service?

A: Yes. The hotel operates Bruno, a complimentary electric house car that takes guests anywhere within a two-mile radius, including Palm Beach Island, Worth Avenue, and The Breakers. Complimentary bicycles are also available.

Q: What floor should I request for the best views?

A: Guests consistently recommend requesting an east-facing room on the 5th floor or above for the best marina and Intracoastal views. Corner suites and rooms in the left wing tend to have the most expansive water views. The 7th floor rooms have the highest ceilings in the hotel.

Q: How far is Palm Beach International Airport from The Ben?

A: About a 15-minute drive. Most guests use Uber or Lyft, or arrange a private car service. The Brightline high-speed rail station is also nearby for guests traveling from Miami or Fort Lauderdale.