Hospitality management company Cicero Hospitality Group recently renovated the Palm Beach Airport Hilton's lobby in collaboration with South Florida-based interior design practice V Starr.
The lobby’s design was inspired by the hotel’s location in South Florida, with a light and bright atmosphere reminiscent of the area's palms and tropical vegetation. While the project began as a lobby repair and update, it evolved into a comprehensive renovation of both indoor and outdoor spaces over a multiyear phased approach.
Since the hotel remained fully operational throughout the project, V Starr maintained the architectural bones of the space, including original flooring, to ensure minimal disruption.
Aiming to create a Palm Beach-inspired design that pays homage to the past while embracing modern sensibilities, V Starr incorporated deep green millwork, brass accents and custom artwork. The color palette draws directly from the local landscape, including a large surrounding rug with palm-tree motifs. Nearly all furnishings, lighting and artwork were custom-designed. High-contrast elements add depth, while subtle nods to the hotel's history—such as the vintage-inspired keys and mail slots reimagined as art near the reception area—evoke a sense of nostalgia.
Navigating the renovation of a fully operational hotel presented unique challenges for V Starr and the Cicero team. Design decisions prioritized solutions that could be implemented overnight with minimal disruption. Defining individual zones within the open-plan lobby allowed for focused updates while minimizing guest impact. Flexible seating arrangements accommodate gatherings of up to 12 people, while the newly opened café extends into the lobby, increasing functionality for grab-and-go while maximizing revenue opportunity.