Best Western Palm Beach Lakes Inn

Almost every vestige of hotel architecture from the middle of the last century can be seen here. There’s an open courtyard design, all-brick construction, and the exterior hallways found in classic roadside motels. But, instead of feeling well past its prime, there’s an undeniable vintage charm about it. It helps that the hotel has undergone more renovations in the last decade than in the previous four. The four buildings around the courtyard enclose the large outdoor terrace in a way that feels homey and inviting. Elements of Mediterranean and South Florida charm abound. Because there are few indoor spots for guests to gather and relax, the pool terrace is the de facto social hub. Surrounded by nice landscaping, dozens of potted tropical plants, shuffleboard games, and a jumbo chess set, the grounds feel less like a budget hotel and more like a pared-down mini-resort. The clientele tends to be businesspeople, large groups, and international travelers who come to shop the area’s increasingly popular retail/outlet scene.

The hotel is situated on a bustling, eight-lane thoroughfare with a steady stream of all-day traffic. While it’s not a charming neighborhood, the many sidewalks provide guests with easy access to the Palm Beach Outlets across the street and a Target next door. A bit farther in either direction are dozens more restaurants, fast food outlets, shops, and stores. By car, City Place and some of Palm Beach’s most stunning beaches are less than 15 minutes away. For a nominal per-stay fee, the hotel provides unlimited shuttle service within a three-mile radius. This provides immediate transportation to countless attractions and points of interest in West Palm Beach.

The hotel has seen numerous updates in the last decade. Rooms are bright and contemporary with tasteful pops of color, fresh carpeting, and abstract artwork that all feel at least a half-step above most budget chain hotels.Room categories differ only in bed configuration (either one king bed or two queen beds), but the overall square footage is similar. The floor plans allow just enough room for the bed(s), a work desk, and a basic entertainment stand. The list of amenities is decent for a hotel in this price range: mini-fridges, microwaves, and flat-screen TVs. Wi-Fi is free, although we could only find a fleeting signal in our room at the rear of the property. The motel-style architecture and exterior hallways compromise the privacy in every room. Modest guests will likely want to keep the curtains drawn for privacy.Bathrooms are cramped with only enough square footage for one person to stand. The generic fit and finish is modest and typical for this price range. Shower/tub combinations and generic bath amenities are standard.

The outdoor pool is this hotel’s greatest asset. It’s larger, cleaner, and more charming than one might expect in a budget hotel. Dozens of lounge chairs, patio dining sets, and a covered gazebo provide plenty of seating. The tropical landscaping that surrounds the terrace helps bolster the illusion that there isn’t a freeway just on the other side.There is no full-service restaurant. However, a modest dining area attached to the lobby serves a free continental breakfast with a decent selection of well-reviewed food such as bagels and hard-boiled eggs. The 24-hour fitness room is small but features a handful of cardio- and strength-training machines, plus free weights and flat-screen TVs. Wi-Fi is free in all common areas, although the signal can be unpredictable at the rear of the property. Free self-parking is provided, and guests can pay a small fee for unlimited use of the shuttle. The parking lot and hotel grounds are staffed with overnight security.