Surf Motel

Off Season Surprise

Budget accommodations. We're an "older" couple visiting SPI during off season Oct. 26 & 27. Call Mike the manager before you go to check on island activities during your stay (you may or may not want to be there during bikers weekend for example), he's very nice and helpful. The Bar & Grille were closed (no problemo), and it was quiet (what we wanted). Pets are allowed along with grilling on the wooden deck = potential for problems but not our experience. Walk down the back steps and you're RIGHT ON THE BEACH.

Room had a very strong musty/moldy smell and the a/c couldn't handle the humidity, other than that the room was amazingly adequate. Tile floors (no carpet was probably a good decision) for sand clean up.

I'd recommend the motel with the above reservations. Please don't go expecting the Hyatt.

Unique Quality: RIGHT ON THE BEACH! Gulf side of the Island. We visited SPI to walk the beach at sunrise & didn't have to drive or walk a boardwalk to get there - I'm not sure how many hotel/motel/condo locations can say the same at even double or triple the price. It's right there - on the beach! Bar, grille, and pool were all closed for the season which was okay since I brought cold beer and enjoyed it on the bar's deck where I couldn't if it was open. Room rates were adjusted accordingly. Almost straight across the island (the short way) is Amberjack's Restaurant and Tequila Sunset bar, either very nice for watching the sunset over Laguna Madre Bay.