If the quaint Euro-vibe beach town of Rosemary Beach, Florida has a signature skyline, it’s defined by The Pearl Hotel. Situated just across a lush green lawn from the stunning Gulf of Mexico, there’s a private town boardwalk leading down to 30A’s famous white sand beaches. The Pearl Hotel is the stuff of bougie boutique-stay dreams, and it consistently ranks among the very best hotels in the entire state of Florida.
The Pearl is located in Rosemary Beach, Florida, which is on the far east end of Scenic Highway 30A, where 30A intersects with Highway 98. The hotel itself is on the south side of Scenic 30A, with restaurants, shops, parks, events, and much more literally steps away across cobblestone and gaslit streets.
The Pearl is an intimate, AAA four-diamond 55-room boutique hotel. Opened in August 2013, it features stylish furnishings with a modern personality. The Pearl is a stylish juxtaposition of old and new, and the overall vibe is decidedly “Coastal Chic.” Despite being upscale though, flip-flops are always welcome at The Pearl. This is a beach resort after all. The Pearl’s stately exterior is smartly accented with bold black-and-white awnings, a clock tower, and turrets, all of which give way to a contemporary coastal design inside. The property boasts 55 finely appointed rooms, many with Gulf views and balcony doors that swing open, ushering in those essential salty breezes.
Upon arrival, Southern hospitality will serve up nice touches, including complimentary sparkling wine. Out in the private courtyard, an inviting pool with VIP-style cabanas creates an ultra lounge vibe, while two adults-only sloping pools are surrounded by decks with cocktail service and poolside dining. If you’re feeling more sandy beach than a swanky pool, ask The Pearl’s on-point staff to book a personal beach bonfire for you. The rooftop bar and area feature a casual gathering spot with two fire pits and shaded lounge seating. The poolside Spa Pearl is also an intimate and extraordinary spa experience that shouldn’t be skipped.
The Pearl’s has 55 guest rooms, including 41 standard rooms, 8 suites, 4 cabana rooms, and a lavish penthouse suite, complete with a grand vista of the iconic clock tower. The rooms exude comfort; professionally decorated with elegant aplomb, featuring art deco furniture. Guests can expect fine crisp linens, plush terry robes, handy Keurig coffee makers, and Lather toiletries, with rainfall showerheads or soaking tubs. Those rooms with private balconies have stunning views of either the Gulf waters, the quaint town, or the lovely pool complete with black and white cabanas. All rooms are equipped with a mini-fridge stocked with complimentary double-filtered Nordaq fresh water, juices, and sodas.
The Pearl Hotel offers event space for up to 200 people, with nearly 3,500 square feet of indoor/outdoor venues that can be arranged as needed. Event facilities include a boardroom, private dining room, ballroom, and rooftop deck. The Hemingway Room is perfect for wedding ceremonies, as is the Pearl Ballroom, or out on the Rooftop Deck. Havana Beach Bar & Grill also fits the bill for any reception or celebration.
When hunger strikes, head straight downstairs to Havana Beach Bar & Grill, just off the gorgeous hotel lobby. Here you’ll step back in time to a gathering space inspired by some of Ernest Hemingway’s favorite hangouts. Surrounded by vibrant Cuban photography, art, and décor, you can enjoy cuisine plucked fresh from America’s Gulf Coast, cooked up with a bit of Portuguese, French, and old-world Spanish flavors. The fish is brought in daily and locally sourced from small, family-owned producers within 100 miles of the property. An expertly curated collection of wines and spirits is available from the hand-carved mahogany bar, with a selection of mixed cocktails that’s worthy of Hemingway himself. Guests can enjoy their fine dining experience outdoors on the veranda or in the luxurious dining room with a magnificent bar modeled after El Floridita, one of Hemingway’s favs (although it doesn’t seem like he met too many bars he didn’t like). The interior dining room is complete with a piano belting out old favorites from eras gone by. Check out the mugshot of a 23-year-old legendary crooner, Frank Sinatra (circa 1938) hanging over the piano. The charge against him was “seduction.”Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served seven days a week. Guests can also enjoy the Havana Beach Rooftop, offering a stylish and relaxed outdoor atmosphere with sliver views of the Gulf. This alfresco venue features bistro-style seating and communal tables, encouraging diners to enjoy a menu of shared plates.
You’ll find one of the hidden gems of the Pearl tucked away behind the main dining area: The Havana Beach Lounge. This intimate space was reimagined in 2020 as a laid-back, adults-only space with its own menu. It’s the perfect place to while away the afternoon with a drink and a good book, or enjoy a private conversation with a friend over a shared plate.
You really don’t need a car here. Rosemary Beach is a pioneering example of New Urbanism, so it’s easy to explore the entire town on foot, and other 30A communities such as Alys Beach, Seacrest, and Inlet Beach are just a walk or bike ride away. There are numerous state parks nearby, with the closest being Camp Helen State Park and Deer Lake State Park. You can kayak, canoe and paddleboard across Lake Powell at Camp Helen State Park if venturing out onto the open Gulf isn’t your thing. Nearby Point Washington State Forest offers miles of trails ideal for hiking and biking. Be sure to rent a 30A Electric Bike. Trust us, they are game-changers. There are also dozens of casual and fine-dining restaurants and quaint, upscale boutique shops within easy strolling distance of The Pearl Hotel. Finally, of course, there’s the beach. The Pearl has beach chair and umbrella setups ready for their guests every day. All that’s missing now is you.
