Finding a hotel that doesn't feel like a cardboard box is surprisingly hard in South Florida. You've got the ultra-luxury resorts on the ocean that cost a month's mortgage, and then you've got the highway motels that feel, well, sketchy. The Residence Inn Palm Beach Gardens FL sits in that weirdly perfect middle ground. It's not trying to be a five-star Ritz, but it's definitely not your average roadside stop.
Most people booking a room here are either in town for a month-long corporate gig at Carrier or TBC Corporation, or they're golf fanatics who realized staying at PGA National is pricey and they'd rather spend that cash on greens fees. Honestly, the location is the biggest flex this place has. It’s tucked away on RCA Boulevard, which means you’re basically seconds from the I-95 on-ramp but far enough back that you don't hear the constant hum of traffic while you're trying to sleep.
What the official photos don't tell you about the layout
When you look at the Marriott website, everything looks sterile. Perfect. In reality, the Residence Inn Palm Beach Gardens FL feels more like an apartment complex than a hotel. It’s an all-suite property. That matters. If you’re staying for three nights, having a full-sized fridge isn't just a "nice to have"—it’s a game changer for your wallet.
The layout is spread out.
You aren't trapped in one massive, windowless tower. It’s a series of buildings. This makes the walk to the lobby for breakfast a bit of a trek if you’re in the back units, but it also means it’s quieter. No kids sprinting down a long, carpeted hallway at 7:00 AM right outside your door. Well, usually.
The kitchen situation is legit
I’ve stayed in "kitchenette" rooms before where the stove was basically a hot plate that couldn't boil water. Not here. You get a real stovetop, a microwave, and a dishwasher. It’s quirky because they actually provide the dish soap and the popcorn. It's those little things. You can actually make a decent meal instead of eating lukewarm takeout on your bed like a sad traveler.
The "Gardens" lifestyle and why location is everything
If you haven't spent much time in Palm Beach Gardens, you should know it’s basically the golf capital of the world. The Residence Inn Palm Beach Gardens FL is strategically positioned. You are less than five miles from PGA National Resort. If you’re here for the Cognizant Classic (formerly the Honda Classic), this is where the caddies and the mid-tier media folks often crash. It’s functional.
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But it’s not just golf.
You’re right down the street from The Gardens Mall. This isn't your dying 90s mall; it’s high-end. Think Chanel and Louis Vuitton. Across the street is Downtown at the Gardens, which is an open-air shopping area with a movie theater and a bunch of decent spots to grab a drink.
- Pro tip: Walk over to Yard House if you want a massive beer list.
- The Beach: You're about 10-15 minutes from Juno Beach.
- Logistics: The drive to PBI (Palm Beach International Airport) is a straight shot south on I-95, usually taking about 20 minutes unless there’s a wreck.
Acknowledging the "Extended Stay" Vibe
Let's be real. This is an extended-stay hotel. That means you’ll see people who have lived here for three months. You might see a family whose house is being treated for termites or a consultant who is tired of living out of a suitcase. This creates a different energy than a vacation resort. It’s calmer. More domestic. People are actually using the outdoor grills by the pool to cook dinner. It feels like a neighborhood, which can be a relief if you're feeling homesick.
Dealing with the South Florida humidity and maintenance
Florida is brutal on buildings. The salt air and the humidity eat everything. One thing you have to watch for at the Residence Inn Palm Beach Gardens FL—and really any hotel in this area—is the AC performance. These units work hard. Most guests report that the rooms stay crisp, but if you're sensitive to that "Florida smell" (that slightly damp, tropical scent), just know it's a part of the geography.
The staff here handles it well. Marriott’s standards are generally high, and because this property caters to long-term business travelers, they can't afford to let the maintenance slide. If a lightbulb is out or a drain is slow, they’re usually on it faster than the leisure-focused hotels on the beach.
The Breakfast Breakdown
It’s free. Don't expect a Michelin-star brunch. You’re getting the standard Marriott Residence Inn spread:
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- Waffle makers (the highlight, obviously).
- Folded eggs that may or may not have been frozen yesterday.
- Oatmeal with a decent topping bar.
- Coffee that is surprisingly strong.
Is it amazing? No. Does it save you $25 a morning versus going to a cafe? Absolutely. If you want "real" food, head over to Sara's Kitchen nearby. It's a local staple for a reason.
Is it actually worth the price tag?
Pricing in Palm Beach Gardens fluctuates wildly. If there’s a golf tournament or a boat show in town, rates triple. Generally, you’re looking at $180 to $350 a night.
Compared to the Hilton Garden Inn or the DoubleTree nearby, the Residence Inn usually wins on space. If you’re a solo traveler who just needs a bed, you might find a cheaper rate elsewhere. But if you have a dog (yes, they are pet-friendly) or you need to actually work from your room, the extra square footage is worth the premium.
The Workspace Reality
The desks in these rooms aren't an afterthought. They are actual desks. With the rise of remote work, this is where the property shines. The Wi-Fi is stable enough for Zoom calls, and there are enough outlets that you aren't hunting behind the nightstand to charge your laptop.
Surprising details about the pool and patio
Most hotel pools in this category are tiny "plunge pools" that feel like you're swimming in a fishbowl next to the parking lot. The pool area at the Residence Inn Palm Beach Gardens FL is actually decent. It’s surrounded by tropical landscaping, which provides a bit of a privacy screen.
The fire pit area is the real winner. In the winter (which, in Florida, is basically two weeks in January), sitting out there with a drink is genuinely nice. It’s where the "Mix" events happen—social hours where they sometimes serve snacks and drinks. It’s a bit old-school, but it works for networking.
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Misconceptions to clear up
- "It’s on the beach." No. It is not. Don't show up with a surfboard expecting to walk to the sand. You need a car.
- "There’s a full restaurant." Nope. They have the breakfast and the evening social, but for lunch and dinner, you’re on your own or using your kitchen.
- "It’s brand new." It’s not. It’s well-maintained, but it’s an established property. If you want ultra-modern glass and steel, look at the newer builds in West Palm.
Managing your stay: Actionable advice
If you've decided to book, there are a few ways to make the experience better.
First, ask for a room away from the I-95 side. While the noise dampening is good, the rooms facing the interior courtyard or the back of the property are significantly quieter.
Second, utilize the grocery shopping service. It’s a staple of the Residence Inn brand that people often forget about. You give them a list, they buy the food, and they put it in your fridge. You just pay for the groceries. If you’re arriving late at night, having milk and cereal already in your room is a lifesaver.
Third, check the parking. Parking is generally ample, but during peak seasons, it can get crowded. They don't charge for it (at least as of my last check), which is a rarity in South Florida these days where everyone wants to "valet" your car for $30.
The Bottom Line on Residence Inn Palm Beach Gardens FL
It’s a workhorse hotel. It’s reliable. It’s clean. It gives you enough space to breathe so you don't feel like the walls are closing in after forty-eight hours. Whether you're here for a wedding at the Borland Center or a corporate training session, it delivers exactly what it promises: a functional, comfortable home base.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check the Marriott Bonvoy App: Prices change daily; booking direct often gets you the "Member Rate."
- Map your commute: If you are working in Jupiter or West Palm, check the rush hour traffic on 95—it can turn a 10-minute drive into 40.
- Stock the kitchen: There is a Publix grocery store about 5 minutes away on Northlake Blvd. Go there as soon as you check in.
- Pack for the weather: Even if it’s 90 degrees outside, the AC in the lobby and rooms is usually set to "Arctic." Bring a hoodie.