Ice skating in South Florida is becoming a reality as The Ben Hotel prepares to open the region's first outdoor ice-skating rink in West Palm Beach. The rink will be open from Saturday to March 1, 2025, allowing locals and visitors to skate under the sun. To enhance the winter experience, The Ben will also feature chalets and new dining options, creating an Aspen-like atmosphere.
According to the City of West Palm Beach release, The Ben Hotel is known for hosting unique events like the Princess Brunch and rooftop parties, so this latest venture fits right in with their "Exactly Like Nothing Else" theme. By combining palm trees with ice skating, they’re making use of Ice America’s technology. Mayor Keith A. James praised the opening, calling it a significant achievement and expressing his pleasure that South Florida's first outdoor ice-skating rink is in West Palm Beach, enhancing the city’s appeal for business and tourism.
To keep the rink in top shape, an advanced refrigeration system will be used. Ice America’s setup uses aluminum coils to maintain solid ice, even in warm temperatures. The company, based in Southern California, developed this sustainable solution to bring winter fun to warm climates. It's an ambitious effort that brings a taste of winter to the beachfront.
Ice skating is just the highlight of the Winter Wonderland at The Ben Hotel. The venue will feature winter-themed food and drinks, a VIP area for special guests, and a variety of seasonal events for all ages. General Manager Bernardo Neto expressed excitement about bringing this magical experience to the local community, aiming to create memorable moments filled with both ice and coziness.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, when The Ben Hotel’s Winter Wonderland opens to the public. The rink will be open daily until March. Ticket information is available on the hotel’s website. Each skating session lasts 90 minutes, providing plenty of time to enjoy the experience.
