A West Palm Beach Stay That Felt Like Home (But Better)
When I was planning a quick trip to West Palm Beach with my two teens, I wasn’t looking for a basic hotel room. We needed space, a kitchen to prep a few easy meals, and a place where we could actually relax—not just sleep. That’s what brought us to AKA West Palm Beach, and honestly, it turned out to be one of the best choices we’ve made for a family getaway.
If you’ve ever searched for West Palm Beach accommodations that feel more like a home than a hotel, you’ll love what AKA offers. These suites have full kitchens, roomy living areas, and private balconies—so you don’t feel stuck in a single room with everyone’s stuff everywhere (been there!). If you’re like me and always check if there are hotels in West Palm Beach with kitchens, this is one to bookmark.
It’s also a great spot if you’re planning a longer stay or just want to feel more settled. The vibe is relaxed and upscale at the same time—perfect for a weekend trip, but also ideal if you’re looking for a luxury extended stay in West Palm Beach.
And if you’re traveling with your dog? This is easily one of the most pet-friendly hotels in West Palm Beach. They have free treats at the café, a full dog spa (yes, really), and even a dog “wine” menu. We didn’t bring our doodles this time and totally regretted it.
We were hosted by AKA West Palm Beach, but as always, all opinions are my own—and if you’ve followed me for a while, you know I only share the places I genuinely love. We’ve stayed at AKA Alexandria before, and I already love the AKA hotel brand. I really loved that this hotel had room to breathe, space to hang out, and it gave us that “I could live here” feeling that’s hard to find when you’re traveling.
Spacious Suites That Feel Like a Stylish Home Away from Home
One of the things that made our stay at AKA West Palm Beach so easy and comfortable was the space. We were traveling as a family—me and my two teens—so having enough room for everyone to spread out (and not drive each other crazy) was a must.
My daughter and I stayed in a beautiful two-bedroom penthouse suite on the top floor, and it honestly felt more like an apartment than a hotel room. We had two full bathrooms, a kitchen with a full-size fridge and oven, a cozy living area, and a balcony with views of the pool and even a little glimpse of the ocean. Waking up in the morning and drinking coffee with a the great view was such a peaceful way to start the day.
The kitchen was a huge plus. I had brought a few things for my daughter, who eats gluten-free, and being able to store her snacks and lactose-free milk in the fridge made things so much easier. We also heated up leftovers one night and made simple breakfasts, which helped us avoid having to eat out for every meal. If you’re looking for hotels in West Palm Beach with kitchens, this one really hits the mark—especially if you’re traveling with kids or anyone with dietary restrictions.
The little welcome touches made us feel instantly at home. AKA had left a box of chocolates in each room, along with their own branded water bottles, some snacks, and even gluten-free cookies just for my daughter. It was thoughtful and personal—one of those small things that really stuck with us.
My 17-year-old son had his own separate studio suite, which was probably his favorite part of the trip. His room had a king bed, a sitting area, a small kitchenette with a fridge and microwave, and its own balcony. For a teen who values his independence (but still wants to be close by), this setup was perfect. He got to chill out in his own space, and we got to enjoy time together in the bigger suite without stepping on each other’s toes.
If you’re traveling as a family with older kids or teens, this kind of setup is a game-changer. It’s hard to find family-friendly hotels in West Palm Beach that actually give everyone some breathing room. But here, it felt like we each had our own mini retreat while still getting to share the experience.
It’s also a great option for couples or solo travelers—especially those planning a luxury extended stay in West Palm Beach. The suites are stylish but not overdone, with clean lines, calming colors, and a real sense of comfort. Everything felt intentional, from the layout to the lighting, and it all worked together to make us feel relaxed and at ease.
Poolside Vibes, Fitness with a View, and a Lounge You’ll Want to Live In
There’s something about walking into a hotel pool area and immediately wanting to drop your bags and stay awhile. That’s exactly how we felt at AKA West Palm Beach. The pool is beautiful, peaceful, and thoughtfully designed—surrounded by palm trees, lounge chairs, and views of the Intracoastal Waterway.
My teens and I spent a lot of time here, just relaxing. The pool has two tanning ledges, which made it feel like a mini resort, and there’s no super deep end, so it felt very family-friendly. It wasn’t crowded or loud—it was more of a calm, spa-like vibe, which we all appreciated. We even had lunch by the pool one afternoon, ordering sandwiches from a.market on Olive (more on that in the next section), which made the whole day feel extra laid-back.
One of the perks of staying at West Palm Beach hotels with pools is having the option to slow down. After exploring the city or walking along the boardwalk, coming back to a quiet, comfortable pool was a treat. Whether you’re spending the day poolside or just sneaking in a morning swim, this space makes it easy to unwind.
Right next to the pool is the hotel’s fitness center, which overlooks the pool deck. Even though I didn’t plan on working out (this was a vacation, after all), I popped in to check it out and was seriously impressed. The gym has Technogym equipment—including their Excite Live line—which offers personalized workouts with mobile connectivity. I could definitely see this being a huge bonus for anyone on a longer stay in West Palm Beach who wants to keep up with their routine without leaving the property.
Just off the pool area, there’s also a cozy lounge. This became one of my favorite spots to sip coffee in the morning or wind down with a drink in the evening. Whether you’re reading a book or just people-watching, the lounge is calm, inviting, and beautifully designed. It’s the kind of space you don’t always find in boutique hotels in West Palm Beach, and I found myself gravitating toward it more than I expected.
Everything about these shared spaces—pool, gym, lounge—felt elevated but not over the top. It struck that perfect balance between luxury and comfort, which is something AKA West Palm Beach seems to do really well.
Gourmet Eats: a.market on Olive + The Blind Monk
I’ll be honest—when I stay at a hotel, I don’t always expect to love the food. But AKA West Palm Beach surprised me in the best way. Between the casual bites at a.market on Olive and the on-site restaurant The Blind Monk, it’s easy to enjoy great food without ever leaving the property.
We ended up at a.market more than once. It became our go-to for breakfast, quick lunches, snacks, and—very important—really good coffee. My daughter was thrilled to find that they had gluten-free bread (a rare win when traveling), which meant she could enjoy any of the sandwiches on the menu. The caprese and the chicken sandwich were our favorites, and their breakfast sandwich was also a hit. We had coffee outside at the café tables one morning, took sandwiches up to our suite, and even had lunch delivered to the pool—super convenient, and everything was fresh and flavorful.
This is the kind of spot that makes a longer stay in West Palm Beach feel easy. You don’t have to run out for every meal, and it’s perfect for grabbing something quick without compromising on quality. It’s also a great option for families, especially if you’ve got teens who always seem to be hungry (like mine).
The Blind Monk is not just a hotel restaurant—it’s a local favorite that’s been around for over a decade. The menu focuses on artisanal small plates and craft cocktails, and it’s known for its friendly vibe and great wine list. Whether you’re staying at the hotel or just looking for where to eat in West Palm Beach, it’s a spot worth checking out.
Having both a.market and The Blind Monk on-site really sets AKA apart from other West Palm Beach accommodations. It adds that extra level of convenience and quality that makes the whole stay feel smoother and more enjoyable.
A Spa Experience That’s as Relaxing as It Is Transformative
During our stay at AKA West Palm Beach, I had the chance to experience the Body+Beauty Lab, and wow—this wasn’t your typical hotel spa visit. It was a blend of self-care and high-tech skincare that left me feeling relaxed and like my skin had just taken a few steps back in time (in the best way).
The appointment started with a full skin analysis, where they scanned my face and gave me a personalized breakdown of everything from sun damage to fine lines to skin “age.” It was fascinating—and honestly kind of empowering—to see a full picture of what my skin really needed, rather than just guessing.
I chose the Hydrafacial with Dermasleek, a non-invasive treatment that left my skin glowing and noticeably smoother. The esthetician walked me through every step and tailored the experience based on the scan results, which made the whole thing feel really personalized. It was just the right mix of clinical and calming—perfect if you want real results without anything harsh or overwhelming.
If you’re someone who likes a little pampering with a purpose, the Body+Beauty Lab is a must. It’s open to locals too, so even if you’re not staying at the hotel, it’s a great spot to treat yourself. And if you are staying? It’s one of those bonus experiences that makes AKA West Palm Beach stand out among boutique hotels in West Palm Beach. It’s not just about where you sleep—it’s about how you feel while you’re there.
AKA West Palm: A Pet-Friendly Paradise
Even though we didn’t bring our doodles with us on this trip, it didn’t take long for us to realize that AKA West Palm Beach is one of the most pet-friendly hotels in West Palm Beach. Everywhere we turned, there were thoughtful little touches for dogs—from free treats at the café to a full-on pet spa.
The lobby café even has a special dog menu that includes things like “dog wine.” (Yes, that’s a thing. No, I didn’t know that either!) I kept thinking about how much Lily and Willow would’ve loved it there—lounging in the suite, walking through the nearby parks, and getting pampered at the spa.
And yes, there’s an actual dog spa on site: the AKA Pet Spa powered by D is for Dog. Guests can book professional grooming sessions, or if you prefer the DIY route, you can bathe your pup yourself in a designated area. It’s super convenient, especially if you’re staying longer or just don’t want to leave your dog behind while traveling.
We saw a mix of small and large dogs during our stay, and it was clear that the staff and other guests welcomed them with open arms. It didn’t feel like a hotel that just allows pets—it felt like one that celebrates them.
If you’re planning a trip and looking for dog-friendly West Palm Beach options, this one checks all the boxes. Spacious suites, nearby green spaces, and next-level amenities for your pet make it easy to bring the whole family—furry members included.
Exploring West Palm Beach from AKA: The Best of Both Worlds
One of the things I loved most about AKA West Palm Beach was the location. It’s tucked into a quiet corner of downtown, but still close to everything. If you’re wondering where to stay in West Palm Beach that gives you both city convenience and beachy relaxation, this is the spot.
We were able to walk to restaurants, shops, and even the boardwalk at South Cove Natural Area, where we spotted a sea turtle gliding through the water—such a peaceful little surprise! The city skyline views from the boardwalk were stunning, especially at sunset, and it’s only a few minutes from the hotel on foot.
When the weather turned rainy one evening, we took advantage of AKA’s complimentary electric car service and rode over to the Clematis Street area for lunch and ice cream. Once the rain cleared, we walked back. That’s how close it all is. Having the option to grab a ride but still be in the heart of everything made a big difference—especially when you’re traveling with teens and want to make things easy.
One of the best things about AKA West Palm Beach is how close it is to just about everything. We didn’t have to do much planning—great spots to eat, relax, and explore were all nearby, which made our trip feel easy and laid-back.
We spent one morning at the Norton Museum of Art, which was just a short walk from the hotel. It’s a beautiful space with inspiring exhibits and a peaceful courtyard area. Even my teens enjoyed it, and it was nice to do something calm and creative without needing to jump in the car or make a whole day of it.
Another afternoon we headed to the Cox Science Center & Aquarium, which was a fun mix of hands-on exhibits, marine life, and even a planetarium. It was one of those places that works well for a wide range of ages, and it didn’t take long to get there, which was great.
We also visited Mounts Botanical Garden, where we wandered through tropical plants and sat quietly in the butterfly garden for a while. It felt like a little escape from the city, but we were back at the hotel relaxing by the pool not long after.
And of course, we couldn’t leave without checking out Worth Avenue and the iconic Palm Beach Clock Tower. We browsed shops, grabbed coffee, and walked along the beach for a bit. Being so close to Palm Beach made it easy to enjoy both the city and the coast without having to choose between them.
Everything we wanted to do was just… easy to get to. That’s what made the location so great. Whether we were walking, using the hotel’s electric car service, or heading out for a short drive, nothing felt like a hassle. AKA West Palm Beach really does give you the best of both worlds—right in the middle of it all, but still relaxed and peaceful when you’re ready to come back and unwind.
If you’re looking at West Palm Beach accommodations and want a place that makes it easy to explore both downtown and Palm Beach, AKA West Palm Beach gives you the best of both worlds. You’re right in the middle of everything, but the property still feels calm and tucked away.
Paula studied architecture and now makes a living as a freelance writer,traveler and amateur photographer.She started her writing & publishing career as the editor of Bebé y Mamá, the first parenting magazine in Guatemala.She is the founder of www.GrowingUpBilingual.com and www.365thingsswfl.com and writes articles in Spanish and English for both magazines and the web on travel,food and bicultural and bilingual parenting .
When she is not on a plane or road trip she likes to create recipes inspired in the flavors of her native Guatemala.
