Hotel Biba

The brick-lined parking lot leads to a palm tree-framed entrance in a bright orange building with plenty of Southern plantation charm. Inside, the tiny, white-on-white reception area includes the original winding staircase, plus a bold retro contemporary decor. Attempts were made to carry this aesthetic through to the rest of the property with varying degrees of success. The Biba Bar and breakfast area feature chrome bar stools, all-white color palette, and zebra accents. But, the effort falls apart at the outdoor pool terrace -- the hotel’s only other real common area that’s seen better days. Guests are a mix of budget travelers including business travelers, couples, and small families.

With nearly 300 historic buildings, the surrounding El Cid neighborhood is among West Palm Beach’s more historical and sought-after areas. Just beyond the parking lot, Belvedere Road is a bustling, mostly walkable, commercial strip lined with restaurants, shops, and a Publix supermarket. One block east is Florida’s popular Intracoastal Waterway with numerous walking and boating opportunities. Five minutes north lies the downtown core and City Place -- a large lifestyle center with upscale retail stores and dozens more restaurants. Palm Beach International (PBI) Airport and some of South Florida’s best beaches are all reachable in 10 minutes by car. No airport transportation is provided by the hotel, however, Uber is readily accessible.

Room decor is crisp, clean, and bright. However, there’s a distinct sense the designers forgot the finishing touches, like wall decor or any hints of color beyond the occasional painted accent wall. The resulting feel is more stark and cold than sleek and modern. During our visit, we noted areas of peeling paint, chipped fixtures, and furniture in disrepair. Floor plans in every category vary, though most range from tiny to modest with little more than a bed, a single lounge chair, and a tiny writing desk. Some rooms add small, semi-private terraces. Standard amenities are minimal, even for a budget hotel. Flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi are the only notable in-room features. Bathrooms are small, but bright and modern. Beautiful glass and marble shower stalls and generic bath amenities are standard throughout. Some rooms have outdoor terraces, but views are unexceptional. 

The outdoor pool terrace is the hotel’s biggest selling point and best feature. While it’s mostly well-maintained (though it was closed for repairs during our visit), it’s a bit charmless. A handful of lounge chairs and red plastic patio furniture dots the space below a dozen palm trees that add a minimal amount of life to the space. Beyond the pool, the only other social space, Biba Bar, is in a tiny, all-white room with a handful of chairs and barstools. It functions daily as a breakfast area where free continental breakfast of pastries, fresh fruit, and hard boiled eggs is served. While the selection is passable, the food quality receives mixed reviews. Friday and Saturday nights during peak season, the space opens as a proper bar with a full menu of beer, wine, and cocktails. Just outside is a quiet, tree-lined garden courtyard with dining tables.Wi-Fi is free in every common area, and we found the speed and reliability acceptable. Self-parking is provided in two off-street lots.