By Daniel Westlake
The Sheraton at South Padre Island
When staying in South Padre Island--the small strip of island off the far southern tip of the State of Texas--be sure to stay in a hotel facing the Gulf of
Mexico. Most of the cheaper accommodations are off Padre Boulevard right in the middle of the island, ranging from the Sheraton to the Radisson to the surprisingly nice Holiday Inn Express. South Padre Island is known both as a destination for college kids to swill away spring break (or some other long weekend) and a good birding and fishing spot for those looking for a quieter, inexpensive vacation.
Wows and Woes
Spring Break South Padre Island
While a nice place to visit, South Padre's accommodations don't offer what slightly more expensive destinations of a similar ilk--Cabo San Lucas, Miami or San Diego--would offer a beach vacationer. That said, it's a cheap, convenient getaway for those in the area. If you're going to South Padre to just get away--or drink the week away and party--the rooms will probably do just fine.
Insider Tips
Gulf of Mexico side of South Padre Island
Renting a condo or hotel room at the Wanna Wanna Inn or Padre South Hotel on Gulf Boulevard on the beach might be ideal as it offers the best of both worlds: picturesque ocean views and access to all the nightlife the main strip of South Padre has to offer.
Author's Most Memorable Moment
My favorite moment was drinking at the swim-up bar in the Sheraton hotel's "largest swimming pool in South Texas." It is one of the more entertaining bars on the entire island.
Bottom Line
If you're looking for a hotel room in which to party in or have some down-time between outdoor activities, South Padre offers a variety of perfect options.
About the Author:
Hailing from Austin, Texas, Daniel Westlake has written under pen names for a myriad of publications all over the nation, ranging from national magazines to local papers. He now lives in Los Angeles, Calif. but regularly travels around the country and abroad, exploring and experiencing everything he can.
