DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel West Palm Beach Airport

The bright, modern lobby sets the stage for the entire property. Floating glass terrariums, liberal use of turquoise, curved seating, and organic-inspired accents all provide a vague sense of curated coastal Florida-inspired decor. But there’s a distinct cookie-cutter feel, as though it were all bought as a kit out of a catalog. The pool offers a bit of outdoor social space, although the concrete-heavy terrace feels cold. The spacious Geckos Restaurant & Lounge just off the lobby keeps the surprisingly lively social scene humming after dark. The hotel’s clientele varies, but is often airline employees and anyone seeking a better-than-average spot to bed-down while waiting for the next morning’s airport shuttle.

The surrounding industrial park -- a sea of concrete, office buildings, and impeccably manicured landscaping -- won’t win any awards for charm. However, the area is safe, quiet, and well-maintained. There is nothing within walking distance, but the hotel offers a free shuttle to City Place to provide guests with easy access to hundreds of restaurants, shops, and services. By car, Palm Beach County Convention Center is five minutes away while numerous golf courses are within a 10-minute drive. Palm Beach International (PBI) airport is less than a mile (five minutes) away, and free round-the-clock shuttle service is provided.

Room decor is typical of most modern mid-range chain hotels. Laminate furniture, boldly patterned carpeting, and generic black and white photographs combine to create an executive decor. Floor plans in most rooms are studio-style, while Junior Suites and Executive Suites upgrade to more spacious, multi-room layouts with separate living areas and sofa beds. Standard amenities include the essentials of flat-screen cable TVs, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and fast, free Wi-Fi. 

Bathrooms are bright and modern. Brushed nickel fixtures, soft tile flooring, and pastel blue walls elevate the look to slightly above mid-range. Walk-in shower stalls and generic bath amenities are standard. Suites upgrade to tubs or whirlpool tubs. Balconies are unavailable in any category and rooms tend to overlook the hotel's entrance and grounds. 

As a mid-range, airport-centric property, the common amenities are limited. Gecko’s Restaurant & Lounge is a bright and spacious dining area. A hot breakfast buffet is provided daily, but it costs extra. Items include fruit, eggs, and oatmeal. The lunch and dinner menus are heavy on staple comfort foods like burgers, sandwiches, and salads. The bar is surprisingly lively most nights of the week. Room service is available for a fee.

The outdoor pool is clean and well-maintained. But, the terrace is concrete-heavy giving it a cold feel. A handful of outdoor patio tables and basic lounge chairs ring the space. However, there are no umbrellas to shade guests from the persistent Florida sun.

The gym is bright and clean with state-of-the-art Precor cardio- and strength-training equipment. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and we found the service speedy and reliable. A 24-hour, coin-operated guest laundry room is located off the lobby. Free self-parking is provided in a large, off-street lot.