Escape to Paradise: Downtown West Palm Beach's Best Kept Secret (Residence Inn)
Escape to Paradise: Downtown West Palm Beach's Best Kept Secret (Residence Inn) - …Or Is It? A Messy, Opinionated Review
Okay, so, Escape to Paradise… They're calling it that. The Residence Inn in Downtown West Palm Beach, Florida. Let me cut right to the chase: it’s a mixed bag. Kinda like my dating life, actually. Lots of potential, a few red flags, and ultimately, you roll the dice and hope for the best. This review is gonna be a bit…well, me. Expect some serious oversharing, some gushing, and a whole lotta "WTF" moments.
First Impressions – The Good, the Bad, and the Lobby…and the Wheelchair Access (Accessibility)
Right off the bat, I gotta commend them on the accessibility. This is HUGE for me. I'm not in a wheelchair myself, but I always appreciate a hotel that actually thinks about it. They've got solid ramps, elevators that don't feel like they’re from the 1950s, and that's a win. It's a good starting point for people of all abilities. It's not perfect, there are always those little nooks and crannies that get overlooked. But they are on the right track.
(Rambling Section!)
I'm picturing my friend, Sarah, who uses a wheelchair, and how much this sort of thing matters. It’s not just about the ramps being there; it's about the feeling of not being an afterthought, of being able to actually enjoy the space like everyone else. Damn, I'm getting emotional… Okay, back to the review.
On-Site Stuff - Restaurants, Lounges, and My Urgent Need for a Martini (Dining, drinking, and snacking)
Okay, so about that martini… The bar situation is… okay. Not amazing, not terrible. Fine. They have a poolside bar which is the true salvation but more about that later. The restaurants, plural, are a bit exaggerative. They have a place for breakfast so I wouldn't call it a restaurant as such. The poolside bar is a serious winner. Seriously. It's a vibe, the kind of relaxed, sunny vibe that makes you instantly want to order a ridiculously overpriced cocktail and pretend you remember how to flirt. On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Okay, all the restaurants/lounges were accessible. So, good job there.
Getting Connected (Internet, Internet Services, Wi-Fi…)
This is the 21st century, people! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (and a shoutout for a free Internet access – wireless in all rooms) THANK YOU. I'm a digital nomad at heart, so this is basically a dealbreaker. Not a fan of the Internet – LAN thing, kinda antiquated. More important than the Wi-Fi is the Internet working for the world to continue to turn to me. Wi-Fi in public areas good, I guess. But I'm always in my room or a bar.
Rooms and Relaxation (Ways to Relax, available in all rooms)
Okay, the rooms. Here’s where it gets…interesting. I stayed in a non-smoking room. Non-smoking is a must these days. The air conditioning worked beautifully - a godsend in Florida. The bed was comfy (extra long, which I love – that's a plus!). The bathroom had a bathtub and a separate shower/bathtub. So many options. I'm not sure why that is important, really. I wish it had a better view. The satellite/cable channels with on-demand movies saved my life when I was battling a sudden, soul-crushing bout of jet lag. The coffee/tea maker was my best friend every early morning.
Now the not-so-great. The soundproofing wasn’t the best. Loud neighbors are my nemesis. And the décor? Let’s just say it wasn’t the most… inspiring. Think “beige on beige” with a hint of “corporate bland.” I'm not asking for a psychedelic mural, but a little oomph, people!
What the Hell is a…(Spa/Sauna/Steamroom/…Body Wrap?)
Now I’m a simple soul. Massage? Yes, please. Swimming pool [outdoor]? Absolutely. Everything else? I'm like, what is a Body wrap? So, I didn’t try any of the spa stuff. I’m a pool and a margarita kind of guy. The presence of this stuff is definitely a checkmark for the luxurious types, but I was firmly on the "bare minimum" program.
Cleanliness and Safety – Covid Times (Cleanliness and safety)
Okay, this is important. The hotel clearly took COVID seriously. Everywhere you turn, there’s hand sanitizer. Daily disinfection in common areas. My room seemed squeaky clean. The staff was masked, and I felt safe. Although, I'm a germaphobe by nature; I was constantly washing my hands and spraying everything with that Purell I brought from home.
The room sanitization opt-out available and the staff trained in safety protocol were impressive. Individually-wrapped food options made me feel a little less anxious. The cashless payment service was super handy. I appreciated all these things.
Food, Glorious Food? (Dining, drinking, and snacking continued)
Breakfast. Breakfast [buffet]… but it's no longer the buffet. I saw some breakfast takeaway service so that may be the alternative that you need. Coffee shop, is also a must. And the hotel had it- a life-saver in the morning, no question about it. I didn't sample the lunch or dinner, so I can't tell you if the Asian restaurant is good or if the Asian breakfast or the Western cuisine is worth it. I did wish it had a proper espresso machine, though.
Services and Conveniences – The Nitty Gritty
Okay, the basics. Daily housekeeping? YES! My bed was made every morning. Thank you, amazing people! There's a convenience store onsite, which is clutch for snacks and last-minute essentials. A concierge is available. The whole shebang. The staff was generally helpful and friendly.
For the Kids (Babysitting/Family Stuff)
I didn't have any little ones with me, but they did seem kid-friendly.
Getting Around (Getting Around)
Airport transfer - I didn't use the airport transfer, but it's available, which is cool. Car park [free of charge] is a big bonus. Parking can be such a pain in some areas!
Final Verdict – The Good, The Bad, and My Unsolicited Opinion
So, is the Residence Inn in Downtown West Palm Beach "Escape to Paradise?" Well, maybe. If you're looking for a clean, convenient hotel with good accessibility and a decent pool area, it's a solid choice. BUT it's not a luxury cinco estrellas experience. It's more… a solid three and a half.
Here’s the breakdown:
- The Good: Great accessibility, free Wi-Fi, a good breakfast, sparkling clean rooms, and that damn pool bar. And all the safety protocols during the pandemic.
- The Bad: Bland décor, so-so food, and the occasional noise issue.
- The Verdict: I'd go back. Especially for the pool bar. And the free Wi-Fi. And I'm always, always down for accessible places. It's not perfect. But it's a good starting point, and sometimes, that's all you need to escape, even if it's just for a little while.
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your perfectly polished travel blog post. This is me, Lauren, attempting to wrangle a weekend in West Palm Beach from the cozy, slightly-too-firm embrace of Room 307 at the Residence Inn. Let's get this chaotic ball rolling…
West Palm Beach: A Weekend in Paradise (Maybe?) - A Messy, Unfiltered Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, Agony, and Avocado Toast
1:00 PM - Arrival and the "Welcome to Your Hotel Room, You Poor Soul" Ritual: Well, the drive down from… (never mind, let’s not get into where I was coming from - it’s a long story involving a rogue GPS and a questionable gas station hotdog) was a journey. Finally, I tumble out of my car, a disheveled mess, and thankfully into the air-conditioned embrace of the Residence Inn. The lobby is… fine. Standard hotel lobby. The staff, however, are saints. They actually smile at me, despite the look in my eyes which I’m pretty sure is one of pure existential dread. Check-in: smooth. Now, the room. 307. Ah, yes. 307. It's… adequate. Clean enough. The air conditioning works, which, in Florida, is akin to discovering the fountain of youth.
2:00 PM - Unpacking and the Existential Dread of the Luggage: Ugh. Unpacking. The absolute bane of my travel existence. It’s like staring into the abyss of my own wardrobe and realizing how little I actually know about me anymore. Why did I pack that neon green fanny pack? Seriously, Lauren? (Also, I swear my suitcase is haunted. It’s always heavier than I remember.)
2:30 PM - Refueling: The Avocado Toast Saga: Gotta eat. Gotta survive. This hotel, praise be to the breakfast gods, apparently offers a free breakfast. Okay, this is where it gets interesting. The "build your own" toast station. Now, I know what you're thinking: toast, Lauren? How exciting can toast be? Trust me. Its the most exciting thing, the toast was the perfect level of crisp, and they had everything I needed - avocado, everything bagel seasoning, and a tiny bit of red pepper flakes. A masterpiece. I ate two. Maybe three. Don't judge me. (They did run out of bananas though which was tragic.)
4:00 PM - Poolside Panic (More or Less): Okay, the pool. This is where my inner monologue officially goes haywire. The pool itself is lovely, but… the people. The sheer number of people lounging poolside, looking effortlessly tan and happy? It’s intimidating. I walk toward the pool, take one look at all the bronzed perfection, and promptly retreat back to my room to binge-watch bad reality TV. You know, for research purposes.
6:00 PM - Dinner, Drinks, and Questionable Decisions: Found a cute little place downtown called "Hullabaloo". Brick-oven pizza and craft cocktails? Yes, please! The pizza was amazing and the cocktails were strong and I had a fantastic conversation with the bartender. (And, yes, maybe I ordered a second cocktail. Don’t judge. This trip is about embracing my inner chaos.) I think I found an idea or two for my book - or maybe that was the cocktails talking.
9:00 PM - Back to the Room (and Regret): Bedtime. Maybe I should have gone to bed earlier… but, the after-drinks thoughts… The whole trip is going on well, I don't have much to complain regarding the hotel.
Day 2: Sunshine, Snails, and a Serious Lack of Organization
8:00 AM - Breakfast Redemption (Or, Another Round of Toast): Okay, more avocado toast. This time, I got there before the bananas ran out. Victory! Seriously, little victories like this are what keeps me going. Also, a little coffee to kickstart today's adventures.
9:00 AM - Palm Beach Stroll and Snail Encounters: Okay, I attempted to explore Palm Beach. I say “attempted” because I got distracted by a particularly magnificent snail. Yes, a snail. Large. Shiny. Beautiful. I watched it for, like, ten minutes, completely forgetting my plans. (I take it back on my earlier critique, It really is a paradise! The ocean, the palm trees, that snail. It was all perfect.)
11:00 AM - Culture Shock and Art: The Norton Museum of Art. I tried to be cultured, I swear. The art was interesting, but my brain kept drifting back to that snail. Also, I may have accidentally touched a sculpture (it was a very tempting sculpture, okay?). Apologies to the art gods.
1:00 PM - Lunch and Regret in Equal Measure: Found a cute cafe. Ordered a salad. Ate it. Realized I should have ordered a burger. Regret. Moral of the story: always order the burger.
2:00 PM - Retail Therapy (or, the Emptying of My Wallet): Palm Beach's shopping district. I may have bought a ridiculously expensive hat I don't need. But it's fabulous. My justification? "Self-care."
4:00 PM - Palm Beach Lake Trail - (More or Less): Attempted to bike the Palm Beach Lake Trail - it starts and ends with you going around the West Palm Beach, and runs along the Intracoastal Waterway, offering beautiful views from start to finish.
7:00 PM - Sunset & Dinner: Walked around the park, grabbed a bite somewhere, now back and about to rest.
9:00 PM - Late Night Binge watching I love this hotel so much, I think I'll stay in my room until tomorrow…
Day 3: Farewell, West Palm Beach (and the Unfinished To-Do List)
8:00 AM - Breakfast, (You Guessed It): Last day, last chance for avocado toast glory! (Seriously, somebody needs to write a thesis on the addictive properties of avocado toast.)
9:00 AM - Check Out: The Sad Goodbye: Sad. But also, relieved.
10:00 AM – Departure: See ya later, West Palm Beach!
The Verdict:
West Palm Beach? Definitely worth it. Did I accomplish everything I wanted to? Absolutely not. Did I embrace the chaos? You betcha. Did I find the perfect avocado toast? Oh, yes. This trip? A messy, wonderful, imperfect success. And that, my friends, is what it's all about. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap. And maybe a therapy session. But mostly a nap.
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Escape to Paradise: Downtown West Palm Beach's Best Kept Secret (Residence Inn) - The *Real* Deal FAQ
Okay, first things first: Is this place *actually* a secret? Cause I swear, I can find a Taco Bell on Google Maps...
Hah! Good point. Secret? Maybe not. But "underrated gem" feels more accurate. Look, the Residence Inn in Downtown West Palm Beach isn't exactly the kind of place that screams "Instagram Influencer Paradise" (thank the heavens). It's more like… a solid, reliable friend. You know, the one who always has your back and doesn't need a fancy filter to shine. It's *there*. And for some reason, people haven't fully clued in on how legitimately *good* it is. Maybe it's the fact it's not flash, maybe it's the price point. Whatever. I'm here to spread the gospel of its under-appreciated…ness.
The rooms. Spill the beans. Are we talking cramped closets, or… actual livable space? I need to know because I have a LOT of luggage (don't judge).
Alright, let's talk ROOMS. This is where the Residence Inn really shines. I'm talking *suites*. Actual suites. And, oh sweet merciful luggage gods, they are spacious. I’m not lying when I say the first time I went in there I was so relieved. Especially after the tiny box I'd stayed in the night before in Miami. Okay, so the rooms… They've got separate living areas, a mini-kitchen (that's a godsend, let me tell you), and a decent-sized bedroom. Trust me, your luggage will thank you. The bathroom is… fine. Functional. Not spa-like, but hey, you're not paying for a spa, are you? I've stayed there for a couple of weeks a time and never felt like I was suffocating. Important distinction.
Breakfast. The make-or-break moment for any hotel. Is it the usual sad continental spread? Or… dare I dream… something slightly better?
Breakfast. Ah, the breakfast. Okay, so, it's a Residence Inn, not a Michelin-starred restaurant. Temper your expectations, people. But… it's *good*. Actually, it's better than good. It’s GREAT. The usual suspects are there – the fruit (decent – sometimes even *good*), the yogurt (always there, thank you), the make-your-own waffles (a classic, never fails to make me smile), and the scrambled eggs (actually edible!). And the best part? They're *always* stocked. I'm talking constantly, so you're not showing up at 9:30 AM to find a barren wasteland of empty trays. I can even say, I once overate on waffles here. I'm not proud of it, but I'm not *not* proud of it either.
Pool time! Is the pool a refreshing oasis or glorified bathtub? Sun loungers, are there enough? Asking for a friend (who is me).
Okay, the pool. This… this is where things get a little… imperfect. The pool is small. Like, *really* small. Not quite a bathtub, but you're not going to be doing laps. More like a refreshing dip and a spot of sunbathing. The sun loungers? They're usually enough, but sometimes, if you're there during peak season, it can be a bit of a Hunger Games situation. I remember one time, I swear, I saw a woman stake out a lounger at 7 AM with a towel. I mean, the dedication was admirable, but come on! It's not the Four Seasons pool, but it does the job. It's good for a cool down (important in West Palm!), or a quick swim. I've spent hours there, and only one time was I annoyed about not getting a lounger. So, overall, a win. Just, you know, be prepared to maybe have to wait. First world problems, am I right?
Parking? I've heard Downtown West Palm is a nightmare. Do I need to sell a kidney to afford parking at this place?
Parking. Ah, parking. Yes, Downtown West Palm can be a parking Hades. But the Residence Inn? Relatively painless. They have their own parking garage. It's not free (nothing is, really), but it's not gouging your wallet. It's reasonable. And, crucially, it's *right there*. Huge win. I've stayed at places where I had to walk a mile in the scorching sun to get to my car, dragging suitcases. Not fun. So yeah, parking gets a thumbs up from me.
Location, location, location! How close are we to the action? Beaches? Restaurants? I am a tourist, after all!
Location, location, LOCATION! This is where the Residence Inn really nails it. You're in the heart of downtown West Palm. Clematis Street is a short walk away – packed with restaurants, bars, and nightlife. Palm Beach is a quick drive (or Uber ride) over the bridge. The beach? Maybe 5-10 minutes away, depending on traffic. You're close to everything. Really, really close. I mean, I once walked to the Kravis Center for a show; That's how convenient it is. I could practically roll out of bed and be at a decent restaurant in, like, five minutes. It's a seriously walkable area, which is a big bonus in a place where the sun is always *trying* to kill you.
What's the vibe? Is it a family-friendly zone? Party central? Just… chill?
The vibe? Chill. Mostly chill. There are families. There are business travelers. There are people like me, who just appreciate a good, solid hotel without the unnecessary fluff. It's not a party hotel, thankfully. Nor is it a super-kid-centric place. People are generally… polite. You're not going to find a raging pool party at 2 AM (which, frankly, is a huge relief). It’s a place where you can relax. And that, my friends, isRoam And Rests
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