The Royal Palms, which opened in 1991, and its owner Richard Gray have become synonymous with luxury accommodations for gay getaways in the Fort Lauderdale area. Richard was also instrumental in launching Fort Lauderdale as a top gay resort destination and is the first openly gay businessman to be appointed as Vice Chairman of the Broward County Tourist Development Council. Richard also oversees the gay marketing initiative for the Broward County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The Royal Palms, which opened in 1991, and its owner Richard Gray have become synonymous with luxury accommodations for gay getaways in the Fort Lauderdale area. Richard was also instrumental in launching Fort Lauderdale as a top gay resort destination and is the first openly gay businessman to be appointed as Vice Chairman of the Broward County Tourist Development Council. Richard also oversees the gay marketing initiative for the Broward County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
For those of you who haven’t heard, Richard Gray has decided that after 19 years it is time for the next generation in the gay guesthouse to arrive in Fort Lauderdale. The Royal Palms is currently under a major expansion and renovation that will add 50 rooms in 2 neighboring properties to the existing 12 rooms. Richard has also decided to slightly change the name to reflect the changes. When it opens in late January it will be known as the Royal Palms Resort and Spa and be the largest full-service luxury gay resort in North America – all just steps away from the beautiful Fort Lauderdale beach.
When asked why he decided to take this next step in the evolutionary process of guest houses Mr. Gray said, “The gay guesthouse model worked really well in Fort Lauderdale for many years, but it’s now time for something more contemporary. The new hotel will embrace the South Florida setting while showcasing a clean, modern boutique design and a European sensibility. To sum up the design it will have a sleek, stylish, edgy, simple and sexy feel. It will be South Beach contemporary.”
The new buildings will combine chic urban design with tropical sensuality and include crisp white exteriors with bougainvilleas and grey pavers accenting a pair of heated pools. Yes, that’s right, the Royal Palms Resort and Spa will now feature 3 pools, a heated Jacuzzi, a spa (facial, massages, manicures, pedicure, body scrub), a full bar, a gym (weights, treadmills, etc.) and a café.
The guest rooms and baths will be styles in white and grey with accents of dark purple. This is a design nod to the fresh orchid blossoms that have welcomed guests since the Royal Palms opened. Some of the other amenities guests will be treated to are: 42 inch flat screen TVs in every room, room service (the only gay guest house to offer this service), pool boys for all your needs, iPad rentals, double iPod docking stations in each room, WiFi throughout the property, luxurious bedding with pillow top mattresses, Dennis Dean artwork throughout the entire property including a mini gallery in the gym and of course the stellar service for which the Royal palms is famous for.
When asked her thoughts about the new Royal Palms Resort and Spa, Nicki Grossman, President/CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau and a great friend to the gay community, said, “It’s going to be a must-stay for gay visitors and a fresh alternative for Floridians. We have boutique hotels and gay guesthouses, but nothing that brings the two together in this kind of hip, urban way.”
When I asked Richard Gray what the 2 things are that made the Royal Palms so successful and world renowned he said, “It’s hard to just pick 2, but if I had to it would be the fact that we sell Fort Lauderdale (the destination) first and foremost and the service the Royal Palms always gives every guest. Guest satisfaction is our number one priority, as we try and make every guest feel extra special.”
Rates for standard rooms at the new Royal Palms Resort and Spa will start at $159, making the hotel an affordable oasis of style.
For more information or to book rooms visit RoyalPalms.com
