Hilton Singer Island Oceanfront/Palm Beaches Resort

From the outside, the narrow, eight-story building looks like many other Hiltons. The bland architecture, cream-colored walls, and teal balcony railings recall the design aesthetic popularized in late ‘80s Florida. The interior has been renovated since then, however. The seating is transitional-style with a look that blends nightclub with executive boardroom, an ocean-inspired color palette carries through from the carpeting to the bolster pillows, and organically shaped patterns and artwork add visual interest. The main restaurant hums along at meal times but doesn’t feel conducive to lingering. For that, guests gather at the outside beachfront bar or by the pool -- both lively spaces throughout the day. The vibe isn’t strictly adult-only, but it does feel adult-centric. The clientele tends to be businesspeople gathering for the hotel’s ample event space or leisure couples.

The hotel is situated along Singer Island’s quiet, palm-lined “resort row,” among a dozen other towering hotels and resorts facing the Atlantic Ocean. To the west side of the island lies rows of relaxed vacation condominiums. Aside from a modest strip mall (with a handful of restaurants and stores) a half-mile south, there’s little within walking distance. Guests willing to take a car over the bridge back to the mainland will find dozens more restaurants, bars, shops, and supermarkets within an eight-minute drive. Palm Beach International (PBI) Airport is 20 minutes south, but the hotel does not facilitate transportation of any kind.

Room decor is typical of the Hilton brand: mostly modern furnishings with a vaguely sophisticated look and feel. Every category is a studio-style layout with similar square footage. The only difference is in the bed configuration (one king bed or two queen beds) and the view. Some rooms offer limited views of only the parking lot, while others afford panoramic ocean views. The list of standard amenities includes: mini-fridges, air-conditioning, safes, flat-screen TVs, and private balconies. Wi-Fi is only available via paid daily plans. Bathrooms are modest in size and fit and finish. Shower/tub combinations, hairdryers, and Peter Thomas Roth bath products are standard.

Florida’s Gold Coast beaches are among the best, cleanest, and most beautiful in the country. The four-mile stretch of beach that connects to this hotel is no different. The soft, powdery sand is groomed daily, and it shows. Rip currents can be an issue in the area, but the water is typically swimmable (even for children) throughout much of the year. The resort fee includes rental of bicycles, kayaks, snorkel gear, and stand-up paddleboards.The two restaurants offer distinctly different vibes. Ketch, the main restaurant, is a bright, open dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the beach and pool. Toward the rear is a more intimate lounge/bar with full cocktail service. A buffet breakfast is served here daily (fee), while lunch and dinner are both a la carte with a focus on locally sourced seafood. Just outside is Coconuts on the Beach -- a relaxed, all-weather bar with flat-screen TVs and partial ocean views.The outdoor pool is adequately sized. Rows of lounge chairs and umbrellas ring the space, and private cabanas are available for rent. The entire terrace is technically beachfront, but a wooden fence and rows of tropical landscaping preclude even a glimpse of the ocean. There’s also a hot tub at the rear of the space, and a tiki bar  delivers poolside drink service.The property offers more than 6,000 square feet (557 square meters) of meeting and event space with the largest room being 1,600 square feet (149 square meters). The fitness room is bright and modern with free weights and a handful of Precor cardio machines that feature individual flat-screen TVs. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property (even at the beach) for a daily fee. Likewise, parking requires a daily fee regardless of whether or not guests self-park.