Critics argue that after the sale of Boca Raton Resort & Club to Michael Dell’s MSD Partners in 2019, which included a name change to simply, “The Boca Raton,’’ Addison Mizner’s legendary resort became more style than substance. However, that “eye of the beholder’’ argument can be postured either way. There is no doubt, however, that the resort has a significantly fresher feel and look than under its years under the Blackstone Inc. umbrella.
For example, a $200 million renovation included a redesign of the resort’s public areas; the debut of new restaurants; and the restoration of the report’s signature Cloister Tower.
The reimagining of the property’s Beach Club Hotel will be unveiled in January, featuring more new restaurants, a new-look lobby, featuring a new bar and café; a new fitness facility and oceanside event space, and renovation of the hotel’s 207 guest rooms and suites.
When the Beach Club Hotel opens, it will give The Boca Raton a total of five hotels (Cloister, Yacht Club, Beach Club, Tower and Bungalows) amid 200 waterfront acres.
The Boca Raton golf course — originally a Donald Ross design known as the Cloister Inn Golf Club when it opened in 1926 — is a solid, 6,253-yard, par 71 layout, featuring five sets of tees. Ross designed the course between the time he built two of his more noted Palm Beach County layouts — Gulf Stream Golf Club (1924) and Seminole (1929).
There’s nothing hidden or quirky about the course, which is a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. Golf legends Tommy Armour and Sam Snead each served as golf professionals at the resort.
The golf course is exclusively reserved for resort guests and members.