The 7 Finest Hotels on South Padre Island in 2023 Top Choice: Hilton Garden Inn South Padre Island Best for Budget Travelers: La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham South Padre Island Beach Ultimate in Luxury: Isla Grand Beach Resort Perfect for Business Trips: Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites South Padre Ideal for Spring Break: La Copa Inn Great Off-Beach Selection: Best Western Beachside Inn Top Apartment-Style Hotel: Seabreeze Beach Resort TOP CHOICE Hilton Garden Inn South Padre Island
Featuring comfortable rooms, reasonable rates, and a prime beachfront location, the Hilton Garden Inn South Padre stands out as one of the premier hotels in the Texan resort town. The establishment offers 156 spacious rooms, including Junior Suites with separate living areas and pull-out sofas. While the decor adheres to the typical style of a large hotel chain, the accommodations are impeccably clean, comfortable, and convenient – everything needed for a straightforward place to rest after a long day.
Guests will likely find themselves exploring the vast property, taking advantage of amenities like the expansive outdoor pool and whirlpool. Additionally, On the Border, a Tex-Mex restaurant, provides made-to-order breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while the hotel also boasts a fitness center and a 24-hour business center. In the lobby, a 24-hour market sells essential items for guests, such as sunscreen or late-night snacks. Of course, the main attraction is the beach – accessible via a boardwalk for guests to enjoy the sand and sea.
BEST FOR BUDGET TRAVELERS La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham South Padre Island Beach
While the La Quinta Inn & Suites brand is generally associated with budget accommodations, its South Padre Island location stands out as one of the top lodging choices in the area. This is due in part to its affordability, but also because of its prime beachfront position, right next to the renowned Clayton’s Beach Bar, a spring break hotspot that’s always full of energy.
The hotel’s 147 rooms offer excellent value, featuring microwaves and coffee makers in all rooms, with soaking tubs and balconies in most. Surprisingly, the decor is modern and fresh for a hotel chain. Around the main pool area, guests will find numerous loungers, a kid’s splash pool, the Lookout Bar, and a sun deck for sunbathing – all with direct beach access. Other amenities include a gift shop, a gym, free Wi-Fi, and a complimentary hot breakfast with made-to-order omelets, a waffle maker, and unlimited coffee.
ULTIMATE IN LUXURY Isla Grand Beach Resort
While luxury may be a loose term on South Padre Island, the Isla Grand Beach Resort offers a wide range of amenities that are expected from a top-notch property. With 193 accommodations that vary from hotel-style rooms with pool, garden, or beach views to two-bedroom condos with full kitchens and private patios, guests have ample options. While the hotel-style rooms may have somewhat dated decor, the condos offer a more contemporary style.
The resort boasts exceptional facilities, including a lagoon-style pool with hot tubs, a smaller pool with a waterfall, tennis courts, a gym, a business center, and extensive conference facilities. The beach, complete with a volleyball court and rentable lounge chairs and umbrellas, adds to the allure. Food and beverage options are plentiful, with choices ranging from a beachfront café to multiple bars featuring live music.
PERFECT FOR BUSINESS TRIPS Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites South Padre
For business travelers, the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites South Padre provides a reliable choice. While some aspects may appear somewhat standard, the familiarity of a chain hotel can be comforting when on a business trip. Moreover, the rooms are more modern than many others found on South Padre Island.
This property proves ideal for business travelers due to its proximity, just a 13-minute walk from the South Padre Island Convention Center, a hub for meetings and events. While it may lack beachfront access, it offers amenities such as a small fitness center, a pool with an outdoor bar and hot tub. The hotel also stands just a three-minute walk from the beach. Furthermore, guests can enjoy complimentary hot breakfast and Wi-Fi, with numerous restaurants within walking distance.
IDEAL FOR SPRING BREAK La Copa Inn
South Padre Island is synonymous with spring break in Texas, and La Copa Inn is the ultimate place to stay during this time. The budget-friendly rates are a major draw for students and young travelers, but the hotel’s notoriety also stems from granting guests access to some of the best parties during spring break, making it a true hotspot during those few weeks in March. Otherwise, the property adheres to standard South Padre Island expectations.
While the rooms may not be particularly chic, they offer comfort. Beyond the standard accommodations, Jacuzzi Suites provide more space. Amenities include a pool and hot tub, a gym, and a complimentary buffet breakfast. The hotel is conveniently situated directly on the beach.
GREAT OFF-BEACH SELECTION Best Western Beachside Inn
Despite its name, the Best Western Beachside Inn isn’t situated on the beach itself. It’s a five-minute walk away, which is manageable unless guests are traveling with young children and carrying umbrellas, picnic baskets, or floaties. However, the hotel’s rates are more affordable and appealing for many travelers because it’s not directly on the beach.
The hotel’s modern and well-maintained facilities show significantly less wear and tear than some other properties on the island. All room categories come equipped with mini-fridges, microwaves, and flat-screen TVs, but they may not offer vast amounts of space. Guests may want to consider upgrading to a King Suite for more room. Other features of the hotel include an outdoor pool with a hot tub and a small mini-market. Additionally, a free hot breakfast with an extensive menu is available to all guests.
TOP APARTMENT-STYLE HOTEL Seabreeze Beach Resort
A considerable number of accommodations on South Padre Island consist of privately owned condos available for rent by visitors. One of the finest options is Seabreeze Beach Resort, a 48-unit property that caters to a mature crowd – the minimum age for renting a condo is 25. This apartment-style lodging is perfect for travelers seeking a self-catered vacation, as each condo includes a full kitchen, dining area, and living room, along with one to two bedrooms. Each unit is also equipped with washers and dryers.
While units are individually decorated, most offer a comfortable and casual residential ambiance. Some are even pet-friendly. Amenities are limited to two pools and a hot tub, but the resort does provide housekeeping and a front desk. Positioned directly on the beach, it’s conveniently close to restaurants, shops, and entertainment.