Palm Beach Shores Resort & Vacation Villas

From the parking lot, one look at the dated architecture and bright pink exterior is enough to know this hotel hasn’t been updated in years. The interior decor is likewise dated with heavily lacquered wood and worn leather sofas. However, everything is clean and well-maintained to the degree that it can be. Guests gather throughout the day at the nautical-inspired restaurant/bar but rarely linger for long. The outdoor pool is the heart of the action from late morning until after dark. The atmosphere has a lively, mostly family-friendly bent any time of day. Occasionally, it boils over to a loud, party vibe but this isn’t a raucous, Spring Break kind of resort. The clientele is an even mix of couples and families seeking a beachside vacation on a budget. 

Singer Island is well known as a vacation community. The narrow barrier island is home to quiet housing developments on the Intracoastal side, and tall beach hotels and resorts facing the ocean. The moderately trafficked road is pedestrian-friendly. However, there isn’t much to see beyond a few small strip malls (with a dozen restaurants and shops) one half-mile south. Guests willing to venture eight minutes by car over the bridge back to the mainland will likely find everything else they might need including more restaurants, bars, shops, and a Publix supermarket. Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) is 20 minutes away by car. The hotel offers paid shuttle service.

The decor in every room is past its prime. Rattan seating, off-white tile flooring, and a brown-heavy color palette all hint at early ‘90s hotel aesthetics. Most elements are well-maintained, but we noticed minor issues like chipping paint and a struggling air-conditioning unit in our room -- all of which only underscore the hotel’s real age.

With regard to layout, square footage, and amenities, every room is identical. The only distinction is in the balcony view which either faces the ocean, the pool, or the Intracoastal Waterway. The available amenities are good for a mid-range hotel. Kitchens (minus an oven) are especially nice to have at this price point. Every room also features two flat-screen TVs, a coffeemaker, and air-conditioning. Free Wi-Fi is advertised, however, we were  unable to connect during our stay. Bathrooms are likewise dated, but spacious with a separate tub and shower, plus dual sinks. Generic bath amenities and wall-mounted hairdryers are provided.

Features are focused on making a beach vacation convenient. The hotel’s semi-private stretch of sand is lovely, routinely cleaned, and connects to Singer Island’s larger four-mile beach that’s among the area’s most beautiful. Unfortunately, to enjoy any part of the beach -- including the chairs and water sports equipment -- requires additional fees. For guests willing to overlook this nickel-and-diming, the ocean is lovely and calm enough to swim or snorkel (even for children).

The freeform pool is sparkling and well-maintained. However, the jam-packed rows of lounge chairs and dense landscaping that hides any glimpse of the ocean detracts from the ambience. Poolside drink service is available from the adjacent tiki bar, and numerous games and water sports are hosted daily.

The resort’s sole dining space, The Islander Grill & Tiki Bar, is in a dark, wood-heavy room with a nautical theme that borders on kitschy. The rattan furnishings, hospitality-grade carpeting, and yellow tablecloths all feel dated. The menu is heavy on Western favorites. Breakfast options are typical of any greasy spoon diner. Lunch and dinner feature hearty pub-style fare like fried fish, burgers, and pizza. Just outside the restaurant is a small tiki bar where guests can eat and order from the full liquor menu.

The spa is simple in every respect but offers a full menu of massages, beauty treatments, and salon services. The fitness room is dated and cramped to the point that some machines touch one another. Free Wi-Fi is offered in every common area, but we were unable to connect. Whether guests choose to valet or self-park, the same mandatory daily fee applies.