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Where to Stay on South Padre Island
 As a local, people always ask me for advice on what hotels and condos to reserve for their vacations, getaways, honeymoons, etc. This is probably the hardest part for me to write because a hotel/condo's interior can change at any given time and can go under dramatic changes in a short time span. However, I will be give you some lodging suggestions based on my own experiences, magazines, world-of-mouth, Internet message board posts, friends, family and general suggestions from local residents.
The best way to help you choose a hotel/condo is by a ranking system that will help you choose what you are looking for. The results rank from top to bottom, with the top being the best in their respective categories. If you would like to comment on some of these choices, feel free to post a message in our message board.
Updated Dec.28.2004
Top 5 Hotels | Top 5 Condos | Top 5 Budget Motels
Other Lodging Choices
Top 5 Hotels of 2004
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My Comments |
Radisson Resort : |
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Great location. Near lots of activity in the heart of the business district AND right on the beach! |
Bahia Mar Hotel : |
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One of the most popular hotels on SPI. Also one of the first. Northern portion of Island. Good, quiet location on the beach with perhaps the best courtyard/pool on the island. |
La Copa Inn : |
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Brand new and getting great word of mouth! Beach view and great location. Not too close and not too far away from everything. Best bang for the buck! |
Howard Johnson : |
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Heart of the Island, good walking point |
Padre South : |
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Good location, near Radisson. Bubbling jacuzzi in courtyard overlooks ocean. |
Other Suggestions : |
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Want more ideas? Search for more here... |
Need further help picking a choice? Ask in our Message Board!
Top 5 Condos of 2004
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My Comments |
Sunchase : |
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My personal favorite. Very classy and elegant. Heart of SPI and the best views of the ocean. A bit expensive. |
Bahia Mar Condos : |
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Very big and nice rooms. Great courtyard with interesting people. Good vibe here. |
Gulf View : |
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More laid back area, but comfortable. Very clean rooms and good price. Dont let the exterior fool you. |
La International : |
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Awesome balcony view! You can almost touch the ocean water from your room. I would've ranked this one higher if it weren't for the so-so rooms (they were doing repairs when I was there). |
Aquarius : |
N/A |
Easy beach access. Okay rooms, but great view of the ocean. |
Other Suggestions : |
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Want more ideas? Search for more here... |
* All of the above condos were beachfront properties
Top 5 Budget Motels of 2004
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Comments |
Quality Inn: |
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Bay side, but very new and nice. |
Comfort Suites: |
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Great comfort. Complimentary breakfast. |
Days Inn : |
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It's more of a hotel than motel. |
Travelodge: |
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Ways up North, but good price. |
Island Inn: |
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Fun little motel with character, courtyard. |
Other Suggestions: |
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Want more ideas? Search for more here... |
Other Lodging Choices
There is also a beautiful RV park right at the southern portion of the island. This is the ONLY RV Park on the island (Website). However, there are more RV parks just across the bridge in Port Isabel and are a bit cheaper.
There are several Bed & Breakfast choices on the island, but unfortunately I've never stayed at one. World-of-mouth says that the "Brown Pelican Inn" [Website] and "Casa de Siesta" are great choices and they also usually get good write-ups in local and national magazines.
The island is not the only place for lodging. You can find some brand-new hotels in Port Isabel, a town that connects SPI to the mainland with a two-mile long bridge and a magnificent lighthouse that overlooks the waters. Port Isabel is a small fishing town that is home to local fisherman who sell their catch to local markets and grocery chains for a living and so the party scene is non-existent around here, but prices on beer and other items are generally a bit cheaper than SPI. The local restaurants are to-die for, especially if you dine with the town’s staple item: shrimp.
And, last, but not least, you can still camp out on the beach itself. It’s something that everyone should do in their lifetime, especially at SPI. Camping grounds are available anywhere north of Beach Access 6 in the northern portion of SPI. If you’re interested, check out a set of rules before you go.
Page THREE : Things to Do on South Padre Island
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