People usually don't associate winter with South Florida, as many visit the area to escape the snowy grip of the north. However, The Ben Hotel, an Autograph Collection property in downtown West Palm Beach, is changing that perception by bringing a unique winter wonderland experience to the region. The hotel is renowned for delivering unique and memorable events.
The Ben Hotel’s Winter Wonderland officially opened to the public on November 2, 2024, and operated seven days a week through March 1, 2025. This historical moment brought the very first outdoor ice-skating rink to South Florida. West Palm Beach is constantly evolving and growing as a top destination for business, travel, and living.
The Making of a Winter Wonderland
The Winter Wonderland destination was four months in the making, with city officials signing off on the plans for The Ben Autograph Collection Hotels icy attraction in July, with construction beginning mid-October. Located on a green space across from the hotel, planning for the ice rink started almost a year ago, according to Elis Alarcon, director of hotel operations at The Ben.
CBS12 News sat down with Bernando Neto, the General Manager of The Ben, who explained all the amenities visitors could expect. “We will have a little platform stage that the rink will be on and then from there, everybody will walk up a small little ramp into the big courtyard," said Neto. "There will be food and beverage spaces so a family can come, eat, enjoy, take some beautiful pictures, and really spend an afternoon that we normally would have to go to Maryland or New York City to do. It’s time to do that over here in South Florida.”
The Ice Rink and Its Features
The job of installing the ice rink was handled by Ice America. Ice America, known for its portable ice rinks in southern California, and ice-skating rink on top of the pool deck of the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas, spearheaded the installation. Based in California with offices in Texas and New Jersey, they have been marketing their portable ice solution since 2008, and have it down to a science.
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Outdoor ice in South Florida? No worries. Lisa Enochs, Ice America’s executive director of event production and planning, said the ice can remain frozen even in temperatures as high as 90 degrees, thanks to their state-of-the-art, refrigeration system that utilizes aluminum coils to continuously freeze the ice. The rink will stay frozen thanks to a state-of-the-art refrigeration system developed by Ice America, using aluminum coils to continuously freeze the ice, ensuring a high-quality skating experience. The rink accommodates up to 70 skaters per 90-minute session and is available to all ages.
What’s a Cubby, you may ask. We learned the Cubbys come in two versions - Bobby the Seal and Tommy the Reindeer. Made of molded plastic and tapered for stability and support, first-timers can use them as they master skating on the ice. Around the ice rink, visitors found The Top Shelf Elf, where bartenders were ready to make seasonal cocktails like a Peppermint Espresso Martini or Santa’s Secret Cocoa, the Snack Chalet, where you could get everything from Belgian waffles and corn on the cob to hot dogs and a pretzel with cheese sauce, plus Byrdie’s, offering up hot cocoa, sweets and souvenirs.
The Ice rink also aimed to appeal to audiences by tapping into nostalgia, with food and beverages themed after holiday classics like 'Home Alone.' Neto says the inspiration behind their food and beverage vendors will be pulled straight from some of the favorite holiday classics, like the movie ‘Home Alone’ as they want to create that sense of holiday nostalgia.
Moment of Science: Creating an Outdoor Ice Rink
A New Holiday Tradition
In the Palm Beaches, celebrating the holidays is usually lights strung around palm trees or a giant tree made of sand. The Ben Hotel will offer themed food and beverages inspired by cozy winter lodges, along with a VIP area for special guests. Ice skating in a tropical setting - the hope is it will become South Florida’s new holiday tradition.
Events and Activities
The Ben Hotel continues to bring "Exactly Like Nothing Else" experiences to its community, in line with Autograph Collection’s slogan. The Ben Hotel’s Winter Wonderland transformed its outdoor space into an "Instagramable" escape, with specialized lighting, music, and festive decorations designed to make guests feel as though they have stepped into a faraway snow-capped village while still under Florida’s palm trees. The space hosted a variety of seasonal events, including family-friendly activities and exclusive themed parties throughout the duration of the installation.
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The City of West Palm Beach
The City of West Palm Beach is a vibrant and dynamic City located on the Atlantic coast of Florida. As one of the three largest cities making up the South Florida region, and the central City of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach is a vibrant, growing, waterfront City. With a rich history, a thriving arts and cultural scene, and a commitment to sustainability, the City of West Palm Beach is a great place to live, work, and play.
Neto says the upcoming Winter Wonderland, which opened to the public on November 2nd, is just one more attraction that will set West Palm Beach apart. He says they’re still ironing out all the final details, but described their vision so far.
He compared the anticipated experience to be similar as to when the city hosts other major events along waterfront like the Palm Beach Boat Show and SunFest.
The Ben Hotel
The Ben, part of Marriott's Autograph Collection, is a luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach, Florida. Inspired by the pioneering spirit of the city’s heritage, The Ben delivers a distinctive blend of modern elegance and timeless hospitality. Amenities include rooftop dining, a pool with panoramic views, elegant event spaces, and a commitment to delivering events and experiences that are "Exactly Like Nothing Else." Whether for leisure or business, The Ben is dedicated to providing memorable and unique stays in South Florida.
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