Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa

With its wide balconies, liberal use of glass, and clean-lined architecture, the resort could be any upscale South Florida high-rise hotel or condominium building. While its sheer scale seems to hint at luxury, the exterior is bland and cookie-cutter in the way that most area beachfront hotels are. The interior is a blend of one grand space into another, all awash in modern, Transitional-style seating and bright, ocean-inspired colors. Though not explicitly divided, the resort offers two different outdoor areas, each with a distinct vibe. Adjacent to the chic restaurant/lounge, the Infinity Pool is quieter, relaxed, and ideal for couples. On the other side of the property, the Lagoon Pool -- with its kid-friendly waterslides and lively vibe -- is more conducive to families. The clientele tends to be a mix of every type of traveler.

The resort is well-situated on tourist-centric Singer Island. The adjacent Route A1A is lined with towering upscale hotels to the east, and relaxed, low-slung vacation condos along the Intracoastal to the west. One-half mile south is a strip mall with a handful of restaurants, shops, and services. Guests looking to explore beyond the resort’s semi-private beach will find a handful of beautiful public beaches and state parks at Riviera Beach just over the nearby bridge. Palm Beach International (PBI) Airport is 20 minutes south, but the hotel does not provide shuttle service.

Room decor is sleek, upscale, and contemporary. High-end finishes cover every surface including marble on the floors, granite in the countertops, stainless steel appliances, and tasteful, contemporary lighting.

The suites all offer similar amenities but differ in the view (Ocean, Resort, or Intracoastal) and bed configuration (one bed or two beds). All units feature a spacious, condo-style layout with separate sleeping, living, and dining areas, plus well-stocked, gourmet kitchens and private furnished balconies. The list of amenities is similar from room to room and is among the best in the area. Multiple flat-screen smart TVs allow guests to watch programming from their own Netflix or Hulu accounts. Wi-Fi is fast and reliable, (but only available with a pricey daily fee). Every room features a premium minibar with snacks and liquor, but all are exorbitantly priced. Combination washer/dryers are standard throughout.

Bathrooms are also large and luxurious. Marble countertops, jetted tubs, oversized, door-less shower stalls, and upscale Thaan bath amenities are all standard.

The hotel offers more resort-style amenities than almost any other hotel in the area. With a wide, pristine beach, two outdoor pools, a swanky restaurant/lounge, and a full-service spa, it closely resembles an upscale Caribbean all-inclusive (but with some pesky charges).

Florida’s Gold Coast beaches are among the most beautiful in the country, and the hotel’s semi-private stretch of sand is no different. The pristine sand is cleaned daily and numerous water sports options are available for additional fees. The water is typically safe and swimmable any time of year, even for families and children.

The two large outdoor pools offer distinctly different vibes.The Infinity Pool is located near the main restaurant and outdoor lounge and provides a relaxed, adult-centric air with a hot tub and ocean views. Toward the interior of the property, the Lagoon Pool is more family-friendly. Poolside drink and snack service are available at both pools.

The main all-day restaurant, 3800 Ocean, is divided into two spaces. The swanky, intimate lounge-style bar features a deep wine vault and is lively most nights of the week. The airy, open-concept restaurant side offers mostly American cuisine with seafood specialties. Breakfast is served either buffet-style or a la carte; lunch and dinner are offered a la carte. 24-hour room service is available for a fee.

The spa is bright and contemporary, but ultimately quite cookie-cutter. A long list of traditional/specialty massage and salon services is available. Spa guests also have exclusive access to the spa’s outdoor pool and hot tub. The adjacent gym feels bright and new with modern cardio- and strength-training machines, plus ample yoga equipment.

Wi-Fi and valet parking are available, but only for a daily fee on top of the mandatory, exorbitant resort fee that's charged daily for use of the resort facilities.