Hampton Inn West Palm Beach Central Airport

From the outside, the hotel's architecture is reminiscent of a million other U.S. chain hotels, spruced up with greenery and palm trees. Inside, there’s ample gathering space in the lobby and adjoining breakfast lounge. Businesspeople congregate here throughout the day to conduct meetings and for a change of scenery from their rooms while working. The outdoor pool is surrounded by stone columns and, with ample greenery to give off an almost garden patio feel, is the only other common area. Collectively, there’s little social scene. But, since the hotel is mostly targeting day-tripping executives, stuck passengers, and airline employees, no one seems to mind.

Beyond the hotel's parking lot lies intersecting roads that crisscross through and around the airport -- all full of rental car offices, mid-range airport hotels, and nondescript commercial buildings. A handful of chain restaurants (Burger King, Wendy's, IHOP) is within a 10-minute walk. For anything more, guests will need to hail an Uber or taxi. City Place and the world-class beaches of Florida’s Gold Coast are less than 10 minutes away by car. Palm Beach International (PBI) Airport is the only destination to which the hotel offers free shuttle service. However, it is just a five-minute drive away.

Room decor is typical of most any Hampton Inn or similar mid-range hotel built in the last 20 years. Laminate furnishings, bold orange seating, and abstract artwork all create a feel that’s contemporary but safe. Most entry-level rooms are similarly sized within a studio-style floor plan, whether offering a single king bed or two queen beds. Suites upgrade to more spacious layouts with separate bedrooms and living rooms with pullout sofa beds. Standard amenities in every room include large, flat-screen TVs, microwaves, and mini-fridges. Wi-Fi is free, and we found it to be fast and reliable during our visit. Bathrooms are of average size, however, quartz countertops, textured wallpaper, and travertine-look flooring all elevate the look and feel above mid-range. Most rooms overlook the hotel's parking lot or grounds. 

Features add value to an airport layover, which is why most guests are here. The outdoor pool is clean and well-maintained and the surrounding terrace is lined on one side with dense palm trees and tropical vegetation to add privacy and a whiff of life to the space. Between the row of loungers and two outdoor dining sets, there’s enough space for a few dozen guests to relax.

A wide relaxation lounge with couches and TVs is situated just off the lobby. Across the hall is a work lounge where a hot, free breakfast buffet (pastries, oatmeal, eggs) is served daily. By late morning, the space becomes a place for guests to gather over free coffee and cookies, and there's a plethora of outlets to power their laptops. It’s a bright, contemporary, cafe-like atmosphere conducive to working.

Wi-Fi is fast and free in every common area. The fitness room is small, but it provides a handful of modern Precor machines and yoga equipment. Free self-parking is provided in a large, off-street lot.