11 Best Hotels for Spring Break on South Padre Island

South Padre Island has developed a curious kind of split personality when it comes to tourism. The vibe is part vacationing family and couples and part spring break, and the lines tend to blur. But that’s what makes SPI so much fun, especially during springtime. The pristine white sand beaches, a ton of water sports and activities, and excellent beachside resorts define spring break on South Padre Island. What’s more, the accommodation options range from luxurious seaside sprawls to fun, small-time boutique hotels. So, everyone has a staying option when it comes to SPI. No matter what kind of stay strikes your fancy, this barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico off the southern coast of Texas is the perfect destination for building lasting spring break memories.

Whether your idea of beach life is laying on the sand and building sandcastles or partying the day and night away, South Padre Island is perfect. Plus, it also lies along the route for the best Texas road trips, so you might as well make a beach vacation out of it, right? Here’s a guide to staying on SPI during springtime.

La Copa Inn Beach Hotel

11

The stunning beachfront location of the La Copa Inn Beach Hotel was what drew us in, with its prime spot allowing us to soak in breathtaking Gulf of Mexico views, no matter where we were on the property. We loved the stylish rooms and suites, all of which came with private balconies fronting the ocean. Our furnished balcony became our personal haven. But even the rest of the room was comfortable, with mod-cons like plush beds, modern bathrooms, and even coffeemakers to begin the day.

The amenities at this beachfront hotel were no less amazing, especially the La Copa Cabana & Bar, which served a range of culinary delights, including local seafood specialties and cocktails. The top feature, though, was the beachside pool along with the poolside bar. Not only did it offer mesmerizing and unobstructed views of the ocean, but it even offered direct beach access via a wooden walkway! It’s no wonder it’s one of the best beachfront hotels in South Padre Island, TX. A Starbucks and an onsite gift shop round up the amenities here. All in all, we had a fantastic beachfront spring vacation here.

The Upper Deck Hotel And Bar

10

Best for spring break parties. We were looking for a raucous party place to spend our couples-only SPI spring vacation, and The Upper Deck Hotel And Bar was perfect for it. Since it’s an adults-only hotel, we were only surrounded by people aged 21 years and above, and we had a fantastic time staying there. Plus, we were just a two-minute walk from the beach!

After a day of adventure exploring SPI or spending at the beach, we’d retreat to the wonderful pool deck at this hotel. Not only did we enjoy a swim, but also we had loungers to relax and unwind with cocktails later on. When the hunger pangs came calling, we didn’t have to step out either. We simply had to head to the onsite Poolside Bar & Grill for a delicious meal, which included delectable breakfast spreads, by the way. Don’t miss delights like summer peach tea and the French dip sandwich.

All rooms and suites at this hotel came with comforts like plush beds, TVs, and private modern bathrooms with showers/baths. For larger groups like us, the deluxe suites with living rooms and kitchenettes were perfect. Since we wanted to splurge, we went for the two-bedroom bungalow, which afforded us lots of space.

Casa Rosa Inn

9

We were looking for a hotel in Port Isabel, located right across from Queen Isabella Causeway, and the Casa Rosa Inn was perfect. The location is doubly perfect as the Wave Shuttle Bus that provided free transportation around had a bus stop right near the hotel.

Casa Rosa Inn might be a charming motel-style accommodation, but it was very comfortable for our SPI springtime stay. The center of all activity is the outdoor freeform pool, which is surrounded by loungers, daybeds, and chairs for hanging out after a swim. In fact, there was even a gazebo where we could all sit together and mingle with fellow guests. Moreover, the family picnic/barbecue area was perfect for grilling alfresco meals and enjoying them in a different setting. Even though they didn’t have a restaurant and didn’t offer meals, we loved the morning coffee on offer in the lobby.

Guestrooms at the Casa Rosa Inn are equipped with a small refrigerator. The rooms and suites are done up in Southwestern style and boast comfy mod-cons, including small fridges and microwaves.

Isla Grand Beach Resort

8

Best SPI resort with private beach access. What could be better than a spring break vacation in SPI than staying somewhere with private beach access? We’re talking about the beachside paradise of Isla Grand Beach Resort in southern SPI. And since we wanted a splurge-worthy, luxurious SPI vacation, what better than this place which is one of the best 5-star beach hotels in South Padre Island?

We loved that this resort was overflowing with amenities, apart from the fantastic beach out front, complete with parasols and daybeds. Firstly, we had the choice of two swimming pools, a larger family-friendly one and a smaller and quieter adults-only one, where we’d spend all our time. What’s more, both pools were surrounded by vibrant umbrellas and loungers, so we could even unwind poolside and order snacks and cocktails from the poolside bar. Plus, thanks to the hot tub nearby, we could even enjoy a soak in the bubbling waters. Later, a massage at the spa was just what we needed, while those who love working out can find the fitness center. Finally, multiple eating options, including an outdoor burger grill, a cafe, and a lounge, wrap up the amenities here.

What we loved about the digs here was that they were anything but traditional rooms and suites. Instead, we had the choice of three types of cabana rooms, with garden, beach, and beachfront views. Our beachfront room was perfect for our spring vacation in SPI.

Rain Dancer

7

Our idea of a spring break was a quiet beachside vacation rather than a party-fueled one. That’s why we loved the Rain Dancer, a fancy condo accommodation with a huge outdoor terrace. This condo rental was one of the nicest and most serene stays in South Padre Island and sits right in the heart of the town, half a block from the beach. We had our pick of accommodations here, which ranged from one-bedroom condos to two-bedroom apartments. Nevertheless, all units came with private bathrooms with bespoke bath products and fully-equipped kitchens. So we could whip up our own meals whenever we wanted.

Our days would begin by brewing a cup of coffee from the Keurig coffeemaker, followed by a quick breakfast and a day at the beach. After coming back, we’d spend the day at the gorgeous outdoor swimming pool, which even had chairs to the side to unwind after a swim. The quiet location was absolutely perfect to spend a tranquil day just lazing around. Finally, we’d wind up the day on the furnished patio with a grill, enjoying alfresco dinners in SPI. Free Wi-Fi, free parking, and classy beach decor all around round up the place.

Margaritaville Padre Island Hotel & Resort

6

Best location. Staying at the Margaritaville Padre Island Hotel & Resort made for the nicest spring break vacation on South Padre Island. Nestled on the southern edge of SPI, Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island boasted the best location on the island. That’s because it sat right on the beach overlooking the Gulf Coast, and we enjoyed direct beachside access thanks to the boardwalk. On many days, we’d enjoy lounging on the daybeds under the parasols on the sandy expanse.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Margaritaville Resort South Padre (@margaritavilleresortsouthpadre)

Back at the resort, we had a lot of options to relax too. For one, there was the outdoor pool deck, where, after a leisurely swim, we could relax on the loungers with sweeping views of the beach and the sea. Thanks to the swim-up poolside bar, we could even enjoy chilled margaritas, draft brews, and light bites right at our daybeds. Another highlight was hitting the St. Somewhere Spa, where the massages really rejuvenated us. And when we wanted to unwind with drinks and food, the Salty Rim Bar and Grill, with its ice-cold beers and Tex-Mex tacos, awaited us. In fact, that’s where we’d begin our days with hearty complimentary buffet breakfasts.

We had a great number of choices for rooms and suites, all of which nevertheless came with cable flat-screen TVs, coffee machines, fridges, and luxe bathrooms. The best was our beachfront suite, which also had a kitchen, a laundry room, and a beautiful oceanfront balcony with gorgeous views.

El Delfín Lodge

5

Best value for money. We were looking for a value-for-money place to unwind in South Padre Island, and the El Delfín Lodge was perfect. It sits right in the heart of the northern end of the barrier island, near the South Padre marina. Plus, it was just a block from the South Padre Island Beach! After a day of indulging in beach activities, we’d retire to the lovely outdoor swimming pool at the lodge for a more serene unwinding experience. The pool was the heart of the lodge, with most of the rooms overlooking it. What’s more, there were even daybeds for us to relax after a swim. Besides the pool and the sun terrace, the lodge even had a shared lounge, free Wi-Fi, and a business center, free coffee in the morning, despite not having a restaurant.

We had our choice of non-smoking rooms, all of which came with private modern bathrooms and flatscreen TVs. In fact, our room even came with a patio and views of the city and the beach rather than the pool. The best bit here is the staff, who speak not only Spanish and English but even Hindi and Gujarati – how cool is that!

Hilton Garden Inn South Padre Island

4

We were looking for a reliable chain hotel with a beachfront location on SPI, and what better than the Hilton Garden Inn South Padre Island? This resort truly had it all, right from amazing amenities to impeccable service, and it even had beach access! In fact, a wooden walkway led directly from the pool deck to the sandy beach, so we could enjoy beach time anytime we wanted.

The Hilton hotel itself was a haven of relaxation. After a day at the beach, the refreshing pool deck with a lovely pool and a hot tub was the perfect retreat to unwind. We’d even laze on the loungers after a swim, having ordered snacks and drinks from the poolside bar. Later on, we’d head to the onsite restaurant for a hearty dinner, and it was also where we’d begin our days on a high note with a breakfast spread.

We loved the spacious and well-appointed rooms and suites, especially since ours even came with a private balcony overlooking the beach. So, we’d have extraordinary sunrises to look forward to, especially since we could even spy the lovely Clayton’s Pier right from our room.

Courtyard by Marriott South Padre Island

3

Sitting right on the sandy beach, the Courtyard by Marriott South Padre Island was one of the best beachfront hotels for a spring vacation on the island. We didn’t even need a walkway to access the sands, as we were right on the sands as we stepped off the property, like the pool deck.

As expected, the amenities at this five-star Marriott property were plentiful – and impressive, might we add. Our favorite place on the property was the pool deck, which not only had a large saltwater swimming pool but also a kids’ pool. So, we’d enjoy drinks at the swim-up bar while the little ones enjoyed themselves. What’s more, the popular beachfront hotspot Bar Louie was an excellent spot to drink cocktails and enjoy delicious food. An onsite gym and complimentary parking wrap up the amenities here.

“We had a fantastic spring vacaton at this luxurious Marriott property!”

WOW Travel

Since this Marriott property is one of the newest hotels around, it has some of the largest rooms and suites on the barrier island. Besides being spacious, they also had flatscreen TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, free Wi-Fi, and, the standout, sea-facing balconies.

Best Western Beachside Inn

2

We had a lot of things to like about this Best Western Beachside Inn. Since we were just a five-minute walk from the beach, we had a lot of fun on our spring vacation while staying at this well-located hotel. Since we were staying here for a while, the spacious and comfortable rooms, which came with coffeemakers, microwaves, and fridges, were very enjoyable to stay in. What’s more, they also had LED TV with HD channels for our entertainment. Did we mention that our room came even with a bathtub? Yes!

We loved the amenities at this property. For one, our days began with a free hot breakfast, which was great despite the fact that there was no restaurant on the property. After that, we’d head to the beach or the outdoor pool, which is a highlight of the property. After a swim, we’d sprawl on the loungers or enjoy a soak in the bubbling waters of the whirlpool right next to it. Thanks to the laundry facilities on the property, we didn’t have to worry about clothes or the lack of it during our extended stay here. Finally, the 24/7 front desk staff ensured that we weren’t wanting for anything

Florence

1

Condo rentals are very popular in SPI, as it’s evident by now. So, we were looking for a condo stay on the island, especially one on the beach. And what better than Florence to stay in during our spring vacation at South Padre Island? Located right on the beach of SPI Boulevard, this beautiful, stylish, and spacious condo was all about luxurious living and fantastic amenities. 

For starters, we had the options of one and two-bedroom condos and apartments, so you could imagine how spacious and huge they were. What’s more, they all had fully-equipped kitchens, so we could whip up meals anytime we wanted. There was even a separate dining area where we could enjoy meals, along with a living space that had stupendous beach-facing views. Finally, our condo even had a private balcony where we’d spend hours just soaking in the magnificent ocean views.

If you thought this condominium was only about the stay, then think again. We even had an outdoor pool to head to where we could swim in and lay next to when we wanted to unwind. Plus, of course, we had direct beach access via a wooden walkway right from the deck. What could be better?

Our Verdict!

While we loved all SPI stays, we made a specialized list of our favorite ones:

• Best for spring break parties: The Upper Deck Hotel And Bar
• Best SPI resort with private beach access: Isla Grand Beach Resort
• Best location: Margaritaville Padre Island Hotel & Resort
• Best value for money: El Delfín Lodge

Where to Stay in South Padre Island?

The iconic South Padre Island is one of the best places to visit in Texas, and it’s easy to see why. Since we wanted to make the most of our SPI experience, we went about looking for the best neighborhoods to stay, and this is what we found.

Firstly, there’s Padre Boulevard, a lively strip that’s the very heart of SPI and is home to the best waterfront hotels, shops, bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues in the town. Since we were craving a buzzing atmosphere, this neighborhood was our top pick. Secondly, there’s Isla Blanca, which sits on the southernmost end of SPI and is an absolute haven for beach bums and nature lovers like us. This sprawling coastal retreat not only had white sandy beaches for picnics and swimming but was also perfect for birdwatching and bay fishing.

Finally, there’s the extremely family-friendly North Padre Island, which has a quieter and more serene atmosphere. Not only does it have uncrowded beaches with lots of water sports, but also there’s endless fun for kids.

Are you traveling with a furry friend? Check out the top pet-friendly hotels in South Padre Island.

Recommended Restaurants / Bars in South Padre Island:

• Driftwood Landing: With incredible views of Laguna Madre, this place is one of our favorite places to soak in the sunset views. The relaxed and rustic beach-style décor is perfect for unwinding with a drink in hand, whether it’s a signature cocktail, beer, or wine. Don’t miss the gin-based Driftwood Mojito, with sunset drinks sometimes turning into all-night drinks too!
• Longboard Bar & Grill: This local hangout of a surf-themed bar is right on the water and is famed for its delicious cocktails, live music, spectacular sunsets, and even the fireworks displays at SPI. There are even live bands who play here, with weekends being Country Saturdays and Latin Sundays. What’s more, they have a wide variety of cocktails, spirits, wines, and beers, along with a superb food menu that has the likes of street-style tacos.

Recommended Activities in South Padre Island:

• Did you know that South Padre Island is the world’s unofficial Sandcastle Capital? Yes! In fact, it’s home to the Largest Outdoor Sandcastle in the USA, and the highlight of the year is the sandcastle-building competition that takes place every year. American Sandcastle Champion Andy Hancock even taught us the art of building the perfect sandcastle on the beach, and the experience was engaging, fun, and unforgettable.
• Original Dolphin Watch: We bet you didn’t know that South Texas had dolphins, right? We went dolphin watching on the 90-minute Original Dolphin Watch cruise, where we saw them in their natural habitat, complete with refreshments.