The island of Palm Beach is the epitome of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, oozing with glitz, glamour, and the occasional scandal. Royalty and celebrities come to winter here, and there are plenty of lavishly priced options to accommodate them. Happily, there are also a few special inns that offer reasonably priced rooms in elegant settings. But most of the more modest places to lay your straw hat surround the island.
A few of the larger hotel chains operating in Palm Beach include the Palm Beach Marriott/Fairfield Inn and Suites, 2870 S. Ocean Blvd. (tel. 800/228-2800 or 561/582-2581), across the street from the beach. Also beachside is the pricey Ocean Club Beach Resort, formerly known as the Palm Beach Hilton, 2842 S. Ocean Blvd. (tel. 561/586-6542). An excellent and affordable alternative right in the middle of Palm Beach's commercial section is a condominium that operates as a hotel, too: the Palm Beach Hotel and Condominium, 235 Sunrise Ave., between County Road and Bradley Place, across the street from the Publix supermarket (tel. 561/655-4586). With prices starting at about $120 in the off season and $200 during season, this clean and comfortable place for accommodations is a great option for those looking for the rare bargain in Palm Beach.
In West Palm Beach, chain hotels are mostly on the main arteries close to the highways and a short drive from downtown. They include Best Western, 1800 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. (tel. 800/331-9569 or 561/683-8810), and, just down the road, Comfort Inn, 1901 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. (tel. 800/221-2222 or 561/689-6100). Farther south is Parkview Motor Lodge, 4710 S. Dixie Hwy., just south of Southern Boulevard (tel. 561/833-4644; www.parkviewmotorlodge.com). This 28-room motel is the best of many along Dixie Highway (U.S. 1). With rates starting at about $75 for a room with TV, air-conditioning, and phone (don't laugh; some don't have any), you can't ask for more.
For other options, contact Palm Beach Accommodations (tel. 800/543-SWIM).
