Hampton Inn West Palm Beach Florida Turnpike

On the surface, this Hampton Inn feels like most any other midrange chain hotel. But, thoughtful accents like Corinthian-style columns anchoring the pool terrace and an oversized fountain in the lobby elevate the ambience above similar hotels in the area. Once the breakfast rush dies down, the lounge hums throughout the day with executives working on their laptops or conducting impromptu meetings. The surprisingly intimate outdoor pool provides the only other space to relax, though it’s typically empty. After the sun sets, guests will need to venture off-site for food and entertainment. The clientele is mostly groups of businesspeople and executives, ensuring that, during the day, it’s easy for most guests to feel like they have the hotel almost to themselves.

The hotel feels secluded in a commercial complex a few hundred feet from Florida’s Turnpike. Adjacent the hotel is a strip mall with a Walmart and other retail stores. A few feet farther, along bustling Okeechobee Boulevard, are a handful of chain and fast food restaurants (McDonald's and Wendy's), plus Emerald Dunes Club golf club -- all within walking distance. The nearest public beach at Palm Beach Island is one of the area’s best and less than 20 minutes east by car. Palm Beach’s PBI airport is reachable in 15 minutes. However, the available shuttle van only takes guests within a two-mile radius of the hotel.

Room decor is typical of modern mid-range chain hotels. Clean-lined furniture, bold pops of color, and a single accent wall create a look that’s crisp and pleasant, but ultimately cookie-cutter. Every room features a studio-style floor plan and either one king bed or two queen beds. Standard amenities include flat-screen HD TVs, coffeemakers, and fast, free Wi-Fi. Some upgraded rooms and every suite category add a more spacious floor plan, plus mini-fridges, microwaves, and sofa beds. Bathrooms are bright and modestly sized. Shower/tub combinations are standard along with Neutrogena brand bath amenities. Balconies are unavailable in any category and views tend to overlook the hotel's parking lot or grounds. 

Features are typical to the Hampton Inn chain. Although the heated outdoor pool is small, the terrace feels surprisingly intimate. Thoughtful landscaping ensures privacy and the illusion that there isn’t an industrial park on the other side. Two tall Corinthian-style columns and a fountain add a bit of Mediterranean flair. A dozen lounge chairs and patio dining sets ring the space, plus an awning-covered section adds shaded reprieve from the sun.

A hot free buffet breakfast with bagels and eggs is served in the first-floor lounge where the walls are dotted with flat-screen TVs tuned to international news. After breakfast service, guests congregate throughout the day to conduct informal meetings or work on their laptops.

The gym is small and set with Precor cardio machines and free weights. A Suite Shop off the lobby sells basic a la carte snacks, drinks, and microwaveable dinners. Wi-Fi is fast and free throughout the property. Self-parking is provided in a large, safe lot.