Dec. 29–The landmark Palm Beach hotel, The Colony, has changed ownership in a $12 million deal.
The iconic hotel at 155 Hammon Ave. is now owned by CH Hotel LLC, a company controlled by New York investment banker Andrew Wetenhall, son of banker and sports entrepreneur Robert C. Wetenhall Sr. The elder Wetenhall is owner of the Montreal Alouettes Canadian football team and was a co-owner of the New England Patriots when the American Football League merged with the National Football League.
In a telephone interview Thursday, Andrew Wetenhall said he is the new owner of the hotel, having assumed control of CH Hotel from his father.
CH Hotel purchased The Colony's three parcel-lot, which included 135 and 152 Hammon Ave., from The Colony Hotel Inc., according to property records.
Florida corporate records show the officers of The Colony Hotel Inc. as Rosamond Clark, Lawrence Clark, Harris Clark, Valerie McNeely and John Emery. Rosamond is the widow of the late Hays Clark, a former Avon executive.
No major changes are planned for the storied hotel, which consists of 64 rooms, 16 suites, 3 penthouse suites and 7 two-bedroom villas, Andrew Wetenhall said.
The Colony recently completed a multiyear $14 million top-to-bottom renovation and transformation that included dramatic upgrades to its rooms, suites and villas, lobby, restaurants and ballroom.
"It's a phenomenal property, phenomenal real estate and a great location," Wetenhall said. "We're very proud of it. We simply want to make what's good even better."
With the closing of the sale however, Roger Everingham the hotel's former general manager and vice president is leaving to pursue other opportunities, he confirmed.
A new general manager will be appointed, noted Wetenhall, who also serves as a director of the Alouettes.
The upscale boutique hotel near Worth Avenue's famous shopping district, has been serving guests, including the rich and famous, since 1947. Notable visitors have included Harry Belafonte, Tommy Lee Jones, Joan Collins, John Lennon, President Bill Clinton and former Gov. Jeb Bush, according to its website.
Staff researcher Barbara Hijek contributed to this report
