Planning femur lengthening at Paley in Feb–Mar next year — hotel recommen

Hi everyone,
I’m planning to have femur lengthening surgery at the Paley Institute around Feb–Mar next year, and I’m starting to prepare my accommodation plan.

Since mobility will be extremely limited after surgery, I want to pick a hotel that’s truly recovery-friendly.

So far I’ve seen a few common recommendations:

Homewood Suites

Hawthorn Suites (I noticed they offer a Paley patient discount)

I’d really appreciate hearing from people who have actually stayed near Paley:

1️⃣ Which hotel did you stay in? How was your real experience?

Was the room spacious enough for walker/wheelchair use?

Was the bathroom accessible and easy to shower in?

Was the shuttle reliable?

How was noise level, cleanliness, kitchen setup, etc.?

Anything that made your recovery easier (or harder)?

2️⃣ How long did you end up staying in West Palm Beach?

If Day 1 = surgery day,
how many days did you stay before you were able to leave?

I keep seeing that the average seems to be around 80–100 days, but I’d love to hear real numbers from people who have done femur lengthening.

3️⃣ Any hotels I should avoid, or things I should definitely prepare in advance?

(e.g., shower chair, grab bars, extra pillows, etc.)

Thank you so much to anyone willing to share — your experience really helps those of us preparing for our first lengthening surgery. 🙏

Which hotel did you stay in? How was your real experience?  - Homewood. Friend there now. Very good. A bit expensive, but shuttle picks you up. Breakfast is free. Most hotels here that are decent are not cheap. Rooms are nice, clean.

Make sure you have someone to be with you for at the first 14 days if you can. If not, it's going to be difficult. This is no joke. Expensive. You don't want to fall, or hurt yourself.

Was the room spacious enough for walker/wheelchair use? Yes.

Was the bathroom accessible and easy to shower in? Difficult to take shower. Baby wipes, wet wash cloth, pool shower once you get ok to go into the pool. The walker won't fit it in and you can't put much weight on legs.

Was the shuttle reliable? Yes. But the PT people have to get your name on the list.

How was noise level, cleanliness, kitchen setup, etc.? Not much noise. Kitchen adequate.

Anything that made your recovery easier (or harder) - Make sure you get PT sked when you get the machine.

This hotel is only 8 minute drive from facility. Drivers are reliable, friendly. The facility parking is difficult for most of the day no open spaces. They will drop you off and pick you up.  There are about five other patients here now at various stages. All are very friendly, give advice quickly. The patients are the ones to chat with for advice, what to look out for. You will be in pain. Don't use all the oxy pills right away. You get 42 and that's it. Save most for the last 6 weeks or so...if you can. Just learn to deal with the pain. Nerve damage is the real painful problem so be aware of that. 

My friend, and all the other patients here have zero regrets. It's boring sitting there, but who cares. Bring a book or two.

 How long did you end up staying in West Palm Beach?  Safety, quality of care. You can go to other places in the states, not too keen on overseas.

If Day 1 = surgery day,
how many days did you stay before you were able to leave? Friend still there at hotel. 3rd week after surgery.

I keep seeing that the average seems to be around 80–100 days, but I’d love to hear real numbers from people who have done femur lengthening. 80-100 days sounds about right. 80 is the min. with the machine, but might be problems. One leg might be slower than the other. Also, if nerve pain, might slow down to 3 times a day vice 4. Which adds a week or two at the end. No big deal.

3️⃣ Any hotels I should avoid, or things I should definitely prepare in advance? This hotel is close, big advantage is many patients stay here. That is the key to success. They are ahead of you, provide great advice, support. Very nice people too. You might find a cheaper hotel, (80 days is about 14k) , but this place is more than adequate. Don't over think it.

(e.g., shower chair, grab bars, extra pillows, etc.)  Hotel has extra shower chairs, but you will have a hard time getting in and out of the shower for a while. Just use a baby wipe, wash cloth, then the pool shower when cleared for pool. Don't need extra pillows.

Make sure you stretch a bit prior to arriving. The PT guys/ DR's will tell you to stretch at least 2-3 times a day. It session is about 30 minutes or so. Slow and easy. Not a race.

It's a difficult procedure, but you can manage it. Should bring a friend for the first 14 days, but if that is not an option, so be it.

Thank you for sharing all of that — I really appreciate the honesty. It helps to hear from someone who’s actually going through it.

Good point about the first 14 days and the PT schedule — I’ll make sure to stay on top of that. And thanks for the advice on saving the oxy for later weeks.

It’s reassuring to hear that you and your friend have zero regrets. That makes me feel more confident going into this.

Wishing your friend a smooth recovery!