Hi All

My wife and I have booked a late holiday, and are travelling to Florida next week. Booked late so took the first place that looked good, and now just a little concerned by some of the posts in relation to The Breakers resort - some posters have described it as "snobby" and refer to a lot of rules and regs!!

We like many of you I'm sure like nothing more than to chill on the hol's, recharge the batteries, catch up on the reading etc.By nature unpretentious but do appreciate quality BUT not in a stuffy way.

One of the threads had a very great observation along the lines that it's not the place but the "guests" that set the tone of a place, so if I was to put any of you on the spot and ask "is the breakers a good call?" and West Palm a good destination what would the responses be?

BACKGROUND: Both 36, from Ireland, travelled fairly extensively (States (a lot), South Africa, Australia, Thailand, all the usual european destinations, and want to relax, shop, and recharge the batteries.

Comments really appreciated.

I love The Breakers but it is not truly a "casual" resort. I would compare the atmosphere more to the Hotel Du Cap on the Riviera or Villa D'Este on Lake Como, not to a very casual Club Med. One can certainly rest at the resort; there's a beautiful beach and pool, golf etc. Most guests when we have been there dress nicely, not sloppy. And the shopping in Palm Beach is fantastic; all the beuatiful stores are there. No one however would refer to it as laid back even though it can be relaxing. Hope this helps with your decision.

Thanks DMG, all booked so hopefully can introduce a bit of laid back to the resort....

LOVE the Breakers and you will too! Even though it is a little more formal than its neighbors of equal stature, you will have a lovely time in Palm Beach.

Do not miss Thursday nights at Sailfish Marina on Singer Island.

Al Mo: You should enjoy Palm Beach. Though it is not yet high season, the weather should be beautiful and sunny. Among the restaurants you may want to try are Palm Beach Grill, Amici and Taboo. Testa's is close by, casual for breakfast or lunch. I've not yet been to Cafe Boulud but it is suppose to be elegant (and pricey).

Taboo is a great place to pretend you are part of the scene!

I ate at Cafe Boulud right after they opened in the Brazilian Court and it was wonderful. They had a few tiny service issues but I think they've been worked out.