Wednesday

A Tour Of The Rotunda



Welcome to Palm Beach. Your train arrived at the little station (where the Royal Poinciana Plaza stands today) where you were whisked away to the hotel by bicycle chair. You make a mental note to be one of the lucky few admitted to Col. E.R. Bradley's Beach Club casino tonight. First order of the day- check in.



You are standing on the lawn of the hotel, facing southeast. Just past the hotel and to your right, stands Henry Flagler's magnificent winter home, Whitehall. Head up the steps through one of the arched doorways. (Click to enlarge.) Views are marked on floorplan below.




B) The first thing you see is the great rotunda. Straight ahead is the stairway to the men's and ladie's lounges. In the men's washroom, follow the secret hallway (called "Hypocrite's Row) from to the bar and pool tables! The bar itself still survives and was last seen at the recently closed Hoboken Grill in West Palm Beach. To the left , a hallway leads to the shops. To the right are the elevators, doctor's office and writing room where postcards like these were written.


C) Just off the Rotunda and looking north you can see the long hallway leading to the shops featuring the latest in New York fashion, jewelry and souvenirs. Handy spitoons scattered around the parlor (lower left) saved the weary guest a trip outside.


D) Take a few steps back- same view at a slightly different angle. Just behind you are the elevators.


E) Now take a few more steps to your left. Directly behind you is the doorway to the writing room. Stationary and lots of desks provided. Winter guests were delighted with the
potted plants and wicker furniture that filled almost every room in the hotel. Most of the interior was painted cream with green trim.



1 comment:

Riviera De Cordova said...

Hello , I am looking for info on the Royal Poinciana Hotel in Miami florida . Right across from the Miami Airport. I am looking for info on the 3 foot gold/brass shields that were on the walls when walking in and out the restaurant / lounge. The hotel is now the Aladdin Hotel since 2004.
I have no photos of the hotel. But I know they had put about 6 brass shields on the out side of the hotel in 2002. My mom & dad went there in 1964 so I know the hotel was there for some time .
Please contact me if you or anyone has any info. I am looking to answer questions from the past :)
Thank you
riviera22@aol.com