Best Western Plus Palm Beach Gardens Hotel & Suites & Conference Center

Tufted brown leather Chesterfield sofas, a paneled wood ceiling, and an oversized bookcase in the lobby make a good first impression. But, most common areas feel purely functional with few guests lingering any longer than they have to. It makes for a quiet social scene. The breakfast area empties out quickly. The pool terrace was empty during our visit; and most guests find their way to the bar for one after-dinner drink before retiring to their room early. Guests are likely to be businesspeople and executives seeking a clean, well-situated spot to sleep. 

The hotel's surrounding area is all business. Route 1 is a densely packed commercial strip lined with easily recognizable chain stores, markets, and restaurants like Starbucks and McDonald's. While technically walkable, it’s not designed as a pedestrian-friendly way. Guests will likely need to rely on hired transport or rent a car to reach most of the restaurants, golf courses, and other attractions in the area. Kayaking, beachcombing, and hiking at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park and numerous other public beaches are within a five-minute drive. Palm Beach International Airport is 25 minutes south along the highway. Those looking to rent a car will find an Enterprise Rent-A-Car office within a five-minute walk of the hotel.

The dark, laminate furniture and colorful accent walls are all a step above budget-grade, yet ultimately unmemorable. Entry-level Standard Rooms differ only in the bed configuration. All feature a one-room, studio layout with a small seating area and desk. Standard amenities in every room are flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, and free Wi-Fi. A dozen Suites add a bit more square footage and a sofa bed. Bathrooms in every category are small, though not cramped. Fit and finish includes subtle touches like quartz countertops. Generic bath amenities are standard, along with walk-in shower stalls. A handful of upgraded rooms add jetted tubs. Many of the rooms overlook the parking lot. 

Features here are typical of a mid-range hotel in the area. The heated pool is well-maintained and pristinely clean; half a dozen lounge chairs ring the pool deck. A waterfall, a stone fireplace, and an outdoor lounge along the interior wall all add dashes of sophistication.

The adjacent bar feels surprisingly modern with a curved granite bar and dark wood barstools. Large flat-screen TVs provide the only source of entertainment. A well-reviewed continental breakfast is provided here free each day. The selection includes grab-and-go pastries, fruits, and coffee, along with a few hot items. After dark, the bar offers beer, wine, and simple cocktails.

The fitness center near the lobby is windowless and cramped with space for only a handful of cardio machines. Coin-operated guest laundry is available. Wi-Fi is free throughout and we found the service reliable. Free self-parking is provided in a large, off-street lot.