Pioneer Inn leads with a 9.0 rating and a 9.6 staff score, just a short drive from Palm Beach Atlantic University. For apartment-style living steps from the beach, Fernando Flats scores an exceptional 9.5 and sits within 15 minutes of campus. Both offer top-tier cleanliness and real value near PBAU.
Need a hotel near Palm Beach Atlantic University? These 13 properties are ranked by guest scores, with proximity to campus as the deciding factor.
Why Trust This Guide
I analyzed 13 properties near Palm Beach Atlantic University across 5400+ total verified guest reviews, filtering for an 8.2/10 average guest score and prioritizing locations within a 15-minute drive of campus.
🎯 Quick Picks: Skip to What You Need
- Closest to PBAU (short drive): #1 Pioneer Inn→ Rates
- Best for pet owners: #2 Best Western Plus Palm Beach Gardens→ Rates
#11 Fairfield Inn & Suites Wellington→ Rates - Highest rated (9.5): #4 Fernando Flats→ Rates
- Best for beach + campus access: #7 The Singer Oceanfront Resort→ Rates
- Best value for families: #9 Hampton Inn & Suites Wellington→ Rates
- Full kitchens for extended stays: #12 Kasa Wellington South Florida→ Rates
Editor’s Note on Booking: We use smart routing to find you the best available rates. Clicking our availability buttons checks live pricing across trusted platforms to ensure you secure your stay.
Quick Compare: Top Places To Stay
| Property | Rating | Book |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Pioneer Inn | (1400+ Reviews) |
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| 2. Best Western Plus Palm Beach Gardens | (1050+ Reviews) |
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| 3. Hampton Inn Juno Beach | (700+ Reviews) |
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| 4. Fernando Flats | (600+ Reviews) |
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| 5. Palm Breeze Hotel | (450+ Reviews) |
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| 6. Holiday Inn Express- North Palm Beach | (250+ Reviews) |
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| 7. The Singer Oceanfront Resort | (150+ Reviews) |
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| 8. Palm Beach Shores Resort | (150+ Reviews) |
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| 9. Hampton Inn & Suites Wellington | (150+ Reviews) |
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| 10. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lantana | (150+ Reviews) |
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| 11. Fairfield Inn & Suites Wellington | (100+ Reviews) |
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| 12. Kasa Wellington South Florida | (50+ Reviews) |
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| 13. Serenity at Seascape | (30+ Reviews) |
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Full Reviews: Hotels Near Palm Beach Atlantic University
1. Pioneer Inn
The Vibe
This is the closest property to Palm Beach Atlantic University in terms of drive time, sitting about 10 minutes south on Southern Boulevard. With a staff score of 9.6 and cleanliness at 9.3, guests rave about the “very clean” rooms and “accommodating” team. The free private parking is a huge plus while visiting campus.
What You Actually Get
Rooms are straightforward but spotless — think comfort-focused motel-style accommodations with a 9.3 comfort score backing them up. The free WiFi (8.9) is reliable enough for streaming or light work. Guests love the 24/7 coffee setup in the lobby and the fact that staff will help with restaurant reservations. Note: check-in requires a photo ID and credit card, and there’s a $100 damage deposit. No pets allowed, and children 17+ are charged as adults. If you need an early check-in at 10 AM, the standard time is 2 PM — plan accordingly. This is the top pick for anyone prioritizing hotels near Palm Beach Atlantic University on a practical budget.
Choose this if: you want the easiest commute to PBAU with free parking and a staff that actually remembers your name.
2. Best Western Plus Palm Beach Gardens Hotel & Suites and Conference Ct
The Vibe
A 20-minute drive north, this Best Western is a solid option if you’re bringing a pet or need a conference-style setup. The location score of 8.5 reflects easy highway access, and the included breakfast runs weekdays 6:30-9:30 AM. It’s no frills but functional for an overnight near the Gardens Mall area.
What You Actually Get
Rooms are standard 3-star fare with an 8.4 staff score leading the guest experience. The outdoor swimming pool is open seasonally, and the on-site restaurant saves you from hunting for dinner after a day at PBAU. Free private parking is available. Pets are allowed at $30 per night — request a room with a sofa bed if you need extra space. Cleanliness sits at 7.6, so temper expectations, but for large groups booking 9+ rooms, special policies apply. Breakfast is served weekdays until 9:30 AM and weekends until 10:00 AM.
Choose this if: you’re traveling with a pet or need a hotel with on-site dining near Palm Beach Gardens.
Check Tonight’s Price for Best Western Plus Palm Beach Gardens Hotel & Suites and Conference Ct →
3. Hampton Inn Juno Beach
The Vibe
Twenty minutes north but worth the drive if you want beach access with your campus visit. The 8.5 rating is backed by a 9.0 staff score and 8.9 cleanliness. Guests specifically call out the “excellent” breakfast and the bonus of having a balcony on select rooms. The comfort score of 9.0 means you’ll sleep well before an early PBAU start.
What You Actually Get
Rooms are clean and modern — the King Balcony and King Whirlpool rooms are the ones to book if you want an outdoor perch. Interconnecting rooms are available (King + 2 Queens). The free breakfast is solid, and the fitness center is open 24/7. No pets allowed, and only service animals are accepted. Check-out is a generous noon. The location is ideal if you’re splitting your trip between campus and Juno Beach. Unlike the Best Western, cleanliness here scores 8.9, a full point higher.
Choose this if: you want a hotel near Palm Beach Atlantic University that also delivers a genuine beach vacation.
4. Fernando Flats
The Vibe
This is the highest-rated property in our list by a wide margin, and for good reason. A 15-minute drive to campus, Fernando Flats is a meticulously renovated 4-star apartment complex with a cleanliness score of 9.7 and a location score of 9.7. Guests love the free bikes, the 3-minute walk to the beach, and the garden views. It feels like a boutique stay, not a typical hotel.
What You Actually Get
Each apartment comes with a full kitchen, which is rare this close to the coast. The outdoor swimming pool is surrounded by lush gardens, and the tennis court is a bonus for active travelers. Free private parking is included. Staff scores 9.6 — expect personalized attention. Note: ocean views are partial (from upper balconies), not full. No pets, no parties. The beach is a 3-minute walk, not right out the door. This is the premium pick if you’re willing to drive 15 minutes to campus for an exceptional stay.
Choose this if: you want the absolute best-rated stay within 15 minutes of Palm Beach Atlantic University, with apartment perks.
5. Palm Breeze Hotel
The Vibe
A charming 3-star boutique in Lake Worth Beach, about 10 minutes south of campus. The staff score of 8.6 is the highlight here — reviews call out the “ultra-personal service.” It’s a budget-conscious pick with an 8.2 cleanliness score and an outdoor pool. The continental breakfast is included, which saves time before morning classes or campus tours.
What You Actually Get
Rooms are simple but well-kept, with an 8.0 comfort score. The outdoor pool is small but clean. Check-in is strictly 3-6 PM, though after-hours self-check-in is available with advance arrangements. The property requires a damage deposit and credit card pre-approval. Note: groups booking more than 2 rooms face different policies. No pets. Location is convenient for I-95 access to campus. If you’re on a tight budget, this is a functional, friendly option that won’t break the bank.
Choose this if: you need a cheap, cheerful stop near PBAU with continental breakfast and a pool.
6. Holiday Inn Express- North Palm Beach and IHG Hotel
The Vibe
The Holiday Inn Express in Juno Beach scores an 8.1 overall, with location at 9.1 being its strongest asset. It’s a 25-minute drive north to campus, but being within walking distance of Juno Beach and Loggerhead Park is a draw. The heated pool is a nice touch for cooler evenings.
What You Actually Get
Rooms are standard Holiday Inn Express quality — comfortable at 8.4, clean at 8.6. The free breakfast is “good” per the data, and the fitness center is open. Pets are allowed on request with charges. A $75 damage deposit is required. No hot tub, but the heated pool is solid. This is a reliable chain option for those who want to combine a campus visit with beach time, similar to #3 but with a lower price point.
Choose this if: you want a heated pool and beach proximity with your campus trip, at a fair price.
Check Tonight’s Price for Holiday Inn Express- North Palm Beach and IHG Hotel →
7. The Singer Oceanfront Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton
The Vibe
A 4-star Curio Collection resort with direct beach access, about 15 minutes from campus. The 8.1 rating is decent, but the 8.9 cleanliness and comfort scores are the real story. Each room has a private balcony, and the oceanfront restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is the splurge option for parents visiting PBAU students or for graduation weekends.
What You Actually Get
Rooms are stylish and modern with 8.9 in both cleanliness and comfort. The private beach is the marquee feature — you can walk straight from your balcony to the sand. The “very good” breakfast is included, and the on-site restaurant is open for all meals. Parking costs extra: $27/day for self-parking or $39 for valet. Pets are allowed with charges. With a 9.0 Wi-Fi score, you can work remotely from the beach. Note: check-in is at 4 PM, so plan your campus arrival accordingly.
Choose this if: you want an oceanfront resort experience within 15 minutes of Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Check Tonight’s Price for The Singer Oceanfront Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton →
8. Palm Beach Shores Resort and Vacation Villas
The Vibe
An older 3-star resort on Singer Island with a location score of 9.3 — the third-highest in our list. It’s a 15-minute drive to campus. Guests call it “well kept” and praise the “great staff.” The 8.9 cleanliness score matches higher-ranked properties, and the oceanfront setting is hard to beat at this price.
What You Actually Get
Rooms are spacious with an 8.6 comfort score. The resort features an outdoor pool, tennis court, and a restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. English/Irish breakfast options are available. Self-parking is $15/day, valet is $30. The elevator provides upper-floor access. No pets. Families like this one because of the villa-style rooms and beach proximity. Note: breakfast costs extra unless booked with the rate — confirm at booking.
Choose this if: you want a classic Florida beach resort within 15 minutes of PBAU, without the 4-star price tag.
Check Tonight’s Price for Palm Beach Shores Resort and Vacation Villas →
9. Hampton Inn & Suites Wellington
The Vibe
An 8.8-rated Hampton Inn in Wellington, about 20 minutes west of campus. The staff score of 9.3 and cleanliness of 8.9 make this one of the most reliable choices in the suburbs. Guests praise the “spacious, recently updated” rooms and the “free hot breakfast” that beats most hotel breakfasts hands down.
What You Actually Get
Rooms are large and modern — the King apartments have pull-out sofa beds, making them great for families. Lake-view rooms are available but not standard. The outdoor pool and fitness center are well-maintained. Pets are allowed with charges. Free parking is on-site. The “wonderful breakfast” includes hot items daily. Check-in at 2 PM is earlier than most. Digital check-in via the Hilton app lets you pick your room. No rooms have balconies — important for those who want outdoor space.
Choose this if: you want a reliably clean, spacious hotel with excellent staff within 20 minutes of Palm Beach Atlantic University.
10. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lantana by IHG
The Vibe
A 2-star Holiday Inn Express in Lantana, about 15 minutes south of campus. The standout stat here is the Wi-Fi score of 10.0 — perfect for students, remote workers, or anyone who needs reliable connectivity. The staff score of 8.7 and free breakfast make this a solid budget choice.
What You Actually Get
Rooms are comfortable (8.5) and clean (8.4). Executive queen rooms include sofa beds, which is useful for small groups. The outdoor pool and fitness center are available. Free private parking is included. Breakfast is hot — think cheese omelets, sausage, and pancakes per recent guest feedback. A $100 damage deposit is required at check-in. No pets allowed, and groups of 6+ rooms have different policies. No shuttle to the beach — you’ll need an Uber or car.
Choose this if: you need flawless internet and a free hot breakfast within 15 minutes of PBAU.
Check Tonight’s Price for Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lantana by IHG →
11. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Wellington-West Palm Beach
The Vibe
An 8.5-rated Marriott property in Wellington, about 20 minutes from campus. It’s nearly tied across every category — staff, facilities, cleanliness, and comfort all sit at 9.1. The location scores 9.3, making it a top pick for accessing both Wellington’s equestrian scene and PBAU. Guests call the breakfast “the best free breakfast” they’ve had at a hotel.
What You Actually Get
Rooms are modern and consistent with Marriott’s Fairfield standard — high 9.1 scores across the board confirm this. The outdoor pool and fitness center are available. Pets are allowed on request with charges. Free on-site parking is included. Check-out is at noon, giving you extra time in the morning. The breakfast includes eggs, meats, and a variety of options. No age restriction for check-in. This is a well-rounded choice for families visiting PBAU students, especially those with pets.
Choose this if: you want a pet-friendly, consistently excellent Marriott property near Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Check Tonight’s Price for Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Wellington-West Palm Beach →
12. Kasa Wellington South Florida
The Vibe
A 4-star apartment hotel in Wellington, about 20 minutes from campus. This is for extended stays — each unit has a full kitchen, washing machine, balcony, and BBQ facilities. The location score of 8.9 reflects easy access to both Wellington and West Palm Beach. It’s a quieter, more residential option than traditional hotels.
What You Actually Get
These are full apartments, not hotel rooms. You get a kitchen, garden access, a swimming pool, and a balcony. One dog or cat is allowed on request (charges apply). Note: the property is on the upper floor with no elevator, so it’s not wheelchair accessible. No recliners or ADA features are available. Guests are asked to take out the trash and empty the fridge at check-out, but no deep cleaning is required. If you’re visiting PBAU for a week or more, this setup saves money on eating out.
Choose this if: you’re staying near Palm Beach Atlantic University for a week or more and need a full apartment.
13. Serenity at Seascape: Steps to the beach & Shops
The Vibe
A spacious 950-square-foot apartment in Palm Beach Shores, 15 minutes from campus. With a staff score of 9.3 and location at 9.3, this is a quiet, residential retreat. The entire place is yours — no shared walls with other guests. Guests rave about the “clean, nicely decorated” space and the “quiet at night” atmosphere. Free bikes and beach gear (chairs, umbrella, cooler, towels) are included.
What You Actually Get
You get a full apartment with a kitchen, garden, and access to an outdoor swimming pool. The 950 square feet means separate living and sleeping areas. The property provides beach chairs, toys, an umbrella, a cooler, and towels — you don’t need to bring anything. Free parking is included. Quiet hours are from 10 PM to 7 AM, and bachelor(ette) parties are not allowed. No pets. This is ideal for a couple visiting PBAU and wanting a beach getaway in one package.
Choose this if: you want a private, well-equipped apartment near Palm Beach Atlantic University with beach convenience.
Check Tonight’s Price for Serenity at Seascape: Steps to the beach & Shops →
Final Verdict: Our Top 3 Picks
🏆 Best Overall
#1 Pioneer Inn
Closest drive to campus with a 9.0 rating, 9.6 staff score, and free parking — no other property combines proximity with this level of guest satisfaction.
💰 Best Value
#9 Hampton Inn & Suites Wellington
An 8.8 rating with a 9.3 staff score, lake-view options, and a “wonderful” free breakfast — premium quality at a mid-range price, 20 minutes west of PBAU.
✨ Editor’s Choice
#4 Fernando Flats
Near-perfect 9.5 rating with full kitchens, free bikes, and a 3-minute walk to the beach — the best overall experience within 15 minutes of campus.
How We Ranked These West Palm Beach Hotels
I evaluated 13 properties near Palm Beach Atlantic University across 5400+ verified guest reviews, filtering for an average guest score of 8.2/10. Properties within a 15-minute drive of campus were prioritized, with extra weight on cleanliness and location scores.
- Guest score thresholds: Only properties with 8.0+ overall and 10+ verified reviews
- Score breakdown analysis: Prioritized cleanliness, location, and staff scores — the categories that drive repeat bookings near universities
- Amenity verification: Cross-referenced advertised amenities (kitchens, free parking, breakfast) against guest review patterns
- Location signals: Distance to Palm Beach Atlantic University and walkability to campus-adjacent neighborhoods like West Palm Beach and Palm Beach Shores
Frequently Asked Questions
Which hotel is closest to Palm Beach Atlantic University?
Pioneer Inn (#1) on Southern Boulevard is the closest hotel to PBAU in terms of drive time — roughly 10 minutes south of campus via I-95. It also offers free private parking, which makes the quick commute even easier. For a property within walking distance, there aren’t any directly on campus, but Pioneer Inn’s 6-mile distance is the shortest in this list.
Are pets allowed at these hotels near PBAU?
Yes — several properties in this list allow pets. Best Western Plus Palm Beach Gardens (#2) charges $30 per night. Hampton Inn & Suites Wellington (#9), Fairfield Inn & Suites Wellington (#11), and Kasa Wellington South Florida (#12) allow pets on request with charges. Always confirm pet fees and policies at booking, as some properties limit pet-friendly rooms to certain categories.
Which hotels offer free cancellation near Palm Beach Atlantic University?
Most properties in this list have cancellation policies that vary by room type and rate. Pioneer Inn (#1) and Hampton Inn Juno Beach (#3) typically offer free cancellation on flexible-rate bookings, but it’s not guaranteed. Always check the specific conditions for your dates before confirming. Booking directly often gives you the best cancellation flexibility.
What’s the best time to visit West Palm Beach for a campus visit?
November through March offers the best weather — highs in the 70s, low humidity, and minimal rain. Summer months (June-September) are hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms, though hotel rates drop significantly. If you’re visiting PBAU for a specific event, book at least 4 weeks ahead during peak season (February-March for spring semesters).
How do I get from Palm Beach International Airport to these hotels?
Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) is the closest airport, located about 3-4 miles from downtown West Palm Beach. Pioneer Inn (#1) is just 3.4 miles from PBI, making it the most convenient post-flight option. Most properties recommend renting a car for the 15-20 minute drive to campus. Uber/Lyft is readily available, and several hotels offer free on-site parking.
Which hotel offers the best value for a family visiting PBAU?
Hampton Inn & Suites Wellington (#9) at 8.8/10 and Fairfield Inn & Suites Wellington (#11) at 8.5/10 are the top family picks. Both offer free breakfast, outdoor pools, and spacious rooms. Hampton Inn has lake-view rooms and sofa beds; Fairfield Inn scores an impressive 9.1 across all categories. Both are about 20 minutes from campus and include free parking.