The Inn At Boynton Beach

From the outside, the hilltop reception area and overall architecture of the building look like any typical chain hotel. At one point, it was taken over by a Holiday Inn and there are still some remnants of that history. Unfortunately, it hasn’t seen much TLC in the years since. The lobby has been revamped but is the only space to receive any special treatment. A walk through the few common areas reveals every shade of tan and brown. Aside from the drab pool terrace, there is precious little space to unwind outside of one’s room. The clientele includes a mishmash of budget travelers -- anyone seeking dirt-cheap, utilitarian lodging with convenient access to the Gold Coast beaches.

The location is convenient to I-95 and is just five minutes from dozens of restaurants, bars, shops, the Intracoastal Waterway where there are plenty of outdoor and water sports activities. A few minutes more takes travelers to a handful of beautiful public beaches and state parks. A steady flow of traffic clogs the adjacent four-lane road any time of day. The street is technically walkable, but mostly charmless. The hotel does not provide transportation to Palm Beach International (PBI) Airport located 15 minutes away. However, Uber is accessible in the area and is often the best way to get around without a rental car.

Among a sea of beige, brown, tan, and white (with clashing rainbow-striped curtains), it's obvious the rooms aren’t trying hard to impress anyone in terms of decor. They’re functional but dated with clear maintenance and cleanliness issues. All feature studio-style layouts and similar square footage large enough for a bed, love seat, and work desk. Standard amenities are identical in every category: flat-screen TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. There’s also free Wi-Fi in every room, although many complain of its speed and reliability. Bathrooms are cramped and dated with poor paint jobs, peeling grout work, and what appear to be original shower/tub combinations. A solid selection of toiletries are provided. Rooms tend to overlook the neighborhood or parking lot. 

The outdoor pool is the hotel’s most notable amenity. It’s clean and mostly well-maintained but could still use a fresh coat of paint. Two dozen lounge chairs and patio sets ring the space. However, the lack of shaded areas means guests are exposed to the Florida sun all day.

The sole dining space is also basic and functional. Laminate seating and ‘90s-era fabric patterns hint at the lack of any recent updates. A pared-down buffet breakfast is served daily. Many guests complain about the lackluster selection and overall poor food quality.

For a budget hotel, the fitness room is modest, but workable with half-a-dozen cardio machines and a single, flat-screen TV. Wi-Fi is free, but poor in most common areas. Free self-parking is provided in a large lot.