When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
The Palm Court
Why The Palm Court is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Palm Court presents itself as an inviting venue where friends can gather to enjoy both elegant ambiance and comfortable surroundings, depending on the location you visit. In Scarborough, The Palm Court Hotel offers spacious and clean rooms with a relaxed atmosphere, making it a great base for friends looking to stay near the beach and shops. Its good parking options—a rarity in the area—add to the convenience, while freshly prepared breakfasts and friendly service create a welcoming environment. The hotel’s balance of comfort and accessibility makes it an excellent choice for leisure meetups or group stays. Meanwhile, in New York City, The Palm Court at The Plaza Hotel provides an iconic setting enriched by architectural splendor and tasteful decor. The grand space features a stained glass dome, soaring palm trees, and a beautifully trellised bar, evoking an ambiance of warmth, privacy, and old New York glamour perfect for socializing. It hosts a refined menu for breakfast, afternoon tea, and cocktails, crafted with expert attention and a nod to classic American cuisine. This blend of heritage, style, and attentive service enables friends to enjoy anything from professional breakfasts to leisurely evening drinks or memorable afternoon teas in a truly special setting. These attributes collectively make The Palm Court a versatile and charming spot for memorable meetings and celebrations among friends.
Here's what people think of The Palm Court
As of recent, The Palm Court holds a 4.2-star rating based on 116 reviews.
Reviews for The Palm Court vary by location and service aspect but generally highlight a positive guest experience paired with some points of concern. At the Scarborough Palm Court Hotel, guests praise the spacious and clean rooms as well as the friendly, helpful staff. Breakfasts are frequently described as freshly made and very good, complementing the convenient location close to the beach and shops. However, some reviewers have noted issues such as unpleasant smells in certain rooms and limited space around beds, which detract from an otherwise comfortable stay. The parking area, while appreciated, can be somewhat tricky during busy times. At The Palm Court in New York’s Plaza Hotel, patrons commend the elegant design, the classic yet modern American menu, and attentive service—particularly during private events and afternoon teas. Positive reviews emphasize the welcoming atmosphere, bespoke furnishings, and the memorable experience of events such as private parties or holiday teas. On occasion, some visitors have expressed disappointment, although these reviews are less numerous and specific details about negatives are sparse. Overall, the majority of feedback underscores The Palm Court's strengths in ambiance, quality food, and friendly service, establishing it as a reputable choice for both casual and special occasions. While isolated concerns exist, The Palm Court’s commitment to renovation and guest satisfaction appears to foster continued positive impressions and repeat visits.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
ngan
Located inside The Benson Hotel, The Palm Court is situated to the right of the building after entering through the main entrance. Next to the podium is a menu and a sign that reads, Please Seat Yourself. Shortly after we seated ourselves, a very attentive waiter arrived with our menus. He was friendly and consistently wore a smile, always responding with a gentle “of course” whenever we made a request. He truly made the experience exceptional. Live piano music played in the Benson lobby, creating a jovial and welcoming atmosphere. I ordered the French onion soup and steak frites, both dishes were good but nothing extraordinary.
Rosemari Martinez
After a long day, the fish was crispy on the edges and hit the spot. The rissoto was warm and hearty. They made delicious drinks as well. Got lucky enough to make it before closing.
JB
Eat elsewhere!!! How do you burn an omelet with poured eggs????? For three days the food hasn't been right! Ordered medium rare burgers - more than well THREE times!! Very slow service. Waited over 45mins for breakfast while other tables arriving after us received their breakfast waaay before us!! Completely unacceptable!!!! AND one of our to go orders was given to someone else!!?? Really!!!??? Can't make this stuff up!
Elizabeth A. Howard
Both the appearance and taste of the food was terrible. This is visually the saddest charcuterie I have had at a hotel. Taste wise, the prosciutto texture was not right and the bread smelled bad. The deviled eggs tasted of dill and the plate was oily. The risotto was lacking flavor. We expected so much more from this restaurant.
Jill
We had a wonderful time here last night. My husband first job was right here. Our server John has worked here for 46 years and reveled in stories with my husband about the olden days here at the Benson Hotel. I'm always in awe of the majestic beauty of this building. I felt safe from the riff raff of the streets and welcomed. They really make you feel at home. I'll be honest and say, the only reason I didn't give 5 stars is because I was served the worst kamikaze I've ever had. I even sent it back to be corrected, and it still tasted horrible. The other drink I tried was not made well either, unfortunately. They really need to step it up with their mixers or muddling skills. Overall, it was a great evening with lots of laughter.
How to reach The Palm Court
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Why The Palm Court may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Palm Court with your friends?
Gathering at The Palm Court offers an exceptional experience to connect with friends and family in a warm, elegant setting that feels both inviting and special. Whether you're planning a casual meetup or a celebratory event, this venue boasts a comfortable atmosphere enhanced by attentive, friendly staff who truly care about making your time memorable. The Palm Court strikes a wonderful balance—the food is delicious and thoughtfully prepared, featuring appealing options that satisfy a variety of tastes without stretching your budget. Guests consistently praise the quality of the meals and the presentation, highlighting everything from appetizers to desserts as delightful. Beyond the cuisine, the service stands out as a key reason to choose this spot: servers are not only efficient and timely but also engage with guests in a personable, relaxed manner, creating an easygoing vibe that encourages lingering conversation and laughter. Plus, The Palm Court's ambiance—a blend of elegant table settings and cozy spaces—makes it an ideal location to share good times and create lasting memories with your closest companions.
What activities are available at The Palm Court and why is it perfect for group meetups?
The Palm Court offers a well-rounded experience packed with activities and features that make group gatherings seamless and enjoyable. Dining is at the heart of the experience, with a diverse menu that showcases beautifully presented food and a good wine selection, perfect for toasting any occasion. Guests can indulge in savory dishes, fresh appetizers like avocado toast, and crafted desserts that round out the meal beautifully. One remarkable aspect is the ability to host private events—many groups have enjoyed the private dining option, which allows for intimate celebrations or casual hangouts without interruption. The staff’s ability to pace the meal thoughtfully ensures that your group can socialize without feeling rushed, making The Palm Court especially attractive for dinners that turn into long, meaningful evenings.
In addition to food, The Palm Court enhances the experience with personalized touches, such as photography services available during private parties, capturing memories as your group enjoys itself. This kind of added value speaks to the venue’s commitment to making every visit special. The setting itself is suited for groups, with elegant table setups and enough space to accommodate larger parties comfortably while maintaining a cozy atmosphere. Moreover, the overall vibe—combining refined dining with relaxed service—encourages guests to relax and engage deeply with one another. Whether it’s a family gathering, a milestone celebration, or a casual meetup, The Palm Court provides a versatile environment where groups can share great food, laughter, and a sense of occasion.
How does the atmosphere and service at The Palm Court enhance your group experience?
The Palm Court’s atmosphere plays a pivotal role in making it a top choice for group meetups. The restaurant offers an ambiance that is both elegant and welcoming, balancing sophistication with an inviting warmth that puts everyone at ease. The décor and table settings convey a sense of occasion without feeling pretentious, creating a comfortable environment for conversations to flow freely. Lighting and acoustics are managed well to foster intimacy while still supporting lively group interaction, ensuring everyone can be heard without feeling overwhelmed by noise.
Service quality at The Palm Court elevates this experience further. Group gatherings often benefit from servers who are attentive but unobtrusive, and here staff strike that perfect middle ground with a friendly, personal approach. Reviews highlight servers like Mary, known for being quick, cheerful, and engaging, who enhance the guest experience by anticipating needs while creating a relaxed, positive atmosphere. This makes it easy to focus on your friends and family rather than on the logistics of the meal. The staff’s professionalism, combined with their genuine warmth, encourages guests to linger longer—transforming a meal into a shared experience marked by comfort and good humor.
Why is The Palm Court’s food and drink selection ideal for hosting friends and family?
Central to gathering at The Palm Court is its excellent food and drink offering that caters well to groups looking for variety and quality. The menu reflects a thoughtful blend of traditional and contemporary dishes, designed to please different palates. From fresh, vibrant starters like avocado toast and seasonal fruits to richly flavored entrees and decadent desserts, the food is consistently tasty and beautifully presented. This variety encourages sharing and sampling, which is perfect when dining with friends and family who enjoy trying multiple dishes and exchanging opinions.
The drink selection complements the food wonderfully, with a carefully curated wine list that supports celebratory moods and casual toasts alike. Whether your group seeks something sparkling to start the evening or a robust red to pair with the main course, options are plentiful and well chosen. This harmony of food and drink allows every participant to find something satisfying, enhancing the sense of occasion while keeping the mood relaxed and convivial. Additionally, prices are fair, which means hosting a group meal won’t strain your budget, encouraging repeat visits and larger gatherings.
What makes The Palm Court a versatile venue for different types of group meetups?
The Palm Court’s versatility is a major virtue, making it suitable for a wide range of occasions with friends and family. Whether you are organizing a casual brunch, an elegant dinner party, or a milestone celebration like an anniversary or birthday, the venue adapts with ease. Private dining rooms and the option to reserve larger tables provide flexibility, allowing groups to create the experience they envision without compromise. The attentive pacing of meals and ability to accommodate special requests show the staff’s dedication to making events run smoothly and enjoyably.
Beyond the dining area, The Palm Court’s setting enhances flexibility; its décor blends classic and contemporary touches that create a timeless backdrop suitable for casual and formal events alike. The venue is also family-friendly, catering to multi-generational groups with a relaxed but polished atmosphere. Additionally, its location—in a well-regarded neighborhood—makes it an accessible and attractive choice. Visitors often comment on the convenience of parking and the overall ease of planning gatherings there. The combination of excellent service, appealing food, and accommodating spaces makes The Palm Court a natural pick whether you’re rallying a small group of close friends or hosting an extended family to celebrate life’s special moments.
What do guests say about their experiences at The Palm Court?
Guest reviews highlight The Palm Court’s ability to deliver consistently positive experiences that make it highly rated. Many visitors focus on the quality of the food and the excellent, personable service by staff members who go the extra mile to make guests feel valued. For example, private events hosted at The Palm Court are often described as “wonderful” and “memorable” due to the attentive staff and the stress-free environment. The presence of staff members like Mary and Alex, who create a lively and welcoming atmosphere through their attentiveness and extra touches—like on-site photography—adds a unique dimension to gatherings that guests greatly appreciate.
Reviewers also note the setting’s elegance combined with an inviting atmosphere as key factors making it stand out. From the moment guests arrive until the end of their meal, the care in pacing, presentation, and personalization reassures groups that they chose the right place for their meetup. Although some mention that prices are reasonable, the overall feeling is that The Palm Court offers excellent value for an experience that elevates ordinary group dinners into special occasions. High ratings and repeated visits attest to the venue’s success in balancing quality, service, and ambiance to fully support social connection.
Why is The Palm Court your best choice for hosting a meetup with friends or family?
Choosing The Palm Court means opting for a place where every detail is designed to foster connection, enjoyment, and lasting memories in the company of those you care about. From the first bite to the last toast, the combination of superb food, thoughtful service, and an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and warm ensures your gathering will be more than just a meal—it becomes an experience. The flexibility of accommodating groups, the attentiveness of staff, and the range of quality offerings create a setting where friends and family can relax, celebrate, and deepen bonds.
With consistent positive feedback and a well-earned reputation, The Palm Court rises above typical restaurants by not only delivering excellence on the plate but by crafting an entire environment conducive to social joy. Whether you're commemorating a special occasion or simply catching up over delicious food, this venue stands ready to welcome your group with open arms and expert hospitality. When you rally at The Palm Court, you choose a place that values your time together as much as you do.