Hawthorn Suites
You'll have plenty of room to spread out your gear in these modern one-bedroom suites with separate living and dining areas and a full kitchen. The kitchens have granite countertops and gleaming stainless steel appliances. Bathrooms are big, decked out with tile and marble counters. Added amenities, like free Wi-Fi, a complimentary hot and cold breakfast buffet, and a free shuttle service (within five miles of the hotel) help save money, too. There's also an outdoor pool, fitness room, and laundry open 24/7. The only downside is that even with the hotel shuttle, you'll likely need a car to get back and forth to the beach. Depending on season, you could book an online rate for as little as $79 a night in 2009; the average price was around $135.
Hawthorn Suites
301 Lamberton Drive
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) 472-7000
www.hawthornwpb.com
SpringHill Suites West Palm Beach
Clean, sparse and modern, this hotel opened in fall 2009, and it's conveniently located off I-95 and a short, six-mile or so ride to the coastline. The suites include a separate sitting area with sleeper sofa and a tiny kitchenette, with a mini refrigerator, sink and microwave. The décor is neutral colors and dark wood, and amenities include flat-screen TVs, a small fitness room, a heated outdoor pool and free coffee and continental breakfast in the lobby. There's an on-site laundry and free Wi-Fi in all the guest rooms. The best part of staying here is the price tag. In 2009, you could snag a suite for under $100. It's an easy five- to 10-minute drive to the downtown area.
SpringHill Suites West Palm Beach
2437 Metrocentre Blvd.
West Palm Beach, FL 33407
(561) 689-6814
(888) 287-9400
www.marriott.com
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites MetroCentre
You get a decent-sized, immaculately kept room, free Wi-Fi and complimentary breakfast for half (or more) of what you'd pay for a beachfront property. The hotel is easy to find, right off I-95 and a short drive to the beach. With the money you save, take scuba diving lessons or sign up for that sport fishing trip. Room rates hovered around $100 a night in 2009. The hotel is only four miles from City Place in downtown West Palm Beach.
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites MetroCentre
2485 MetroCentre Blvd.
West Palm Beach, FL 33407
(561) 472-7020
hiexpress.com
Barefoot Mailman Motel
You'll find small, clean rooms with retro furnishings at this longstanding, low-rise, budget motel in nearby Lantana, off I-95. Sit under the garden gazebo and watch the world go by (there's free Wi-Fi in and around the motel) or head to the beach. The Intracoastal Waterway is a block away and the ocean is about a 20-minute walk. The Palm Tran Bus service stops outside the motel every 20 minutes. Downtown West Palm Beach is about nine miles away.
Barefoot Mailman Motel
138 Dixie Highway
Lantana, FL 33462
(561) 585-0600
barefootmailman138.net
Article Written By Pamela Wright
Pamela Wright is a freelance writer, author of more than two dozen guidebooks, and hundreds of articles. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications, including "National Geographic Traveler," "Family Circle," "Family Fun," "Backpacker," "Hemispheres," "Cooking Light," "Yankee" and more. An active member of the Society of American Travel Writers, she holds a Bachelor's from Michigan State University
