Hotel South Beach Inn (South Padre Island, USA)

Laid-back and comfy. Set back from the bustle and noise in a smaller residential neighborhood, this is a quiet and safe spot. A pet-friendly, no frills accommodation within easy walking distance of the beach, movie theater, bars and restaurants (The popular Blackbeard's is only one block away). This locale is so close to the beach, most guests returned to their rooms to use the bathroom rather than search for beach restrooms. There are landscaped grounds, colorful flowers and lounge chairs, grills available for cooking out, picnic tables with umbrellas, a playground for the kids and a large on-site pool which is kept very clean. The rules are clearly posted and security cameras are within view, unlike at some other venues, so all the guests know what is expected and understand it will be enforced. Plenty of convenient parking right outside your door. Excellent value.

Clean, comfortable rooms with adequate amenities. Sheets and towels are plentiful and always fresh. Fully-equipped kitchenettes are available with most units so you can save a buck cooking some of your own meals on-site. Rooms vary in size, so ask about square footage and/or suites if you need more space. Full bathrooms are in all units, and some even have built-in toddler potty seats. Ask about this at booking if traveling with little ones!

Most found the staff to be charming and courteous, more than happy to suggest area attractions and places to eat.

Double-check the hotel website's policies if you're unsure about your vacation dates. Some have reported their reservations were non-refundable.

Some felt their rooms could use a renovation as well as a good scrub.

Some reported their rooms were a bit cramped and lacked space between furniture.