Holiday Inn Express And Suites South Padre Island

O.k. This first part is the hotel review. This hotel is the second to last hotel on the far North end of South Padre. Parking is excellent, both in front and behind the hotel. Hotel is Very new. Very clean. Free broadband internet connections in rooms. Free internet access in business office. Printer, scanner, fax access. Beach towels. Rooms were new, clean, and roomy. Had iron and board, Microwave, refrigerator. TV. View of lagoon in front and pool in back. Not quite tall enough to see the gulf. During mid May, the hotel was a ghost town, very quite! No bar, no restaurant. Continental breakfast with dining area and large flat screen TV. Pool is nice, not heated, but has a small waterfall in the back of it. 3- 5 feet of water. Music. No direct sun after about 3 p.m. Hot tub is nice. Big enough for 8 adults. Clean. Outdoor bathrooms at pool. Also , like they have an area out there to host a picnic. It's contrary to the no food or smoking signs, as I saw a large barbeque one day and a grill on another day. Exercise room with a few machines, very new. Small shop with pop, ice cream, lotions, etc. Hotel staff was friendly and helpful. I felt it was an excellent deal for under a hundred a night.

Tourist areas of South Padre are fun, but get old after the first day. Water park, bungee jumping, lots of gift shops. Good area for a 3 day weekend. A few excellent buffets. Pay beach on South end, with another on North end. It's like 4 or 5 a day for the car. Rent a chair and umbrella for $12. Chairs are $8. Only till 4.pm, which is strange. Beaches were inundated with the locals. English is not a primary language there. It was very friendly, festive and family oriented. Lots of fishermen catching everything from Sea Trout to Stingrays. Fun to watch. Most pay beaches had small shops and restaurants. Will go back again someday.... Maybe in 5-6 years, this will be more developed, as quite a few of luxury town homes and resorts are just now starting to be built on the North end.

I guess I've been to too many really nice beaches on both coasts and thus expected too much. It's an average Holiday Inn. It had a partial view of the ocean. It is on the beach, but the beach is all seaweed with brown ocean water and brown ocean water waves crashing. No one was swimming, though 15 miles down the road in Port Aransas there were some swimmers.

The area is so underdeveloped and barren. I guess I expected more activity, not necessarily a Myrtle Beach, but perhaps a Jacksonville Beach, with more hotels and restaurants. I can see that many Texans from an hour or two away might consider this a little getaway for them. Needless to say, I would never return to this area again. It was the culmination of my San Antonio and New Mexico trip. Call me a beach snob, but give me Amelia Island or Hilton Head or any New England beach. There were two seafood restaurants at the long causeway to the island. Pretty good and reasonably priced.

I have also stayed at many HIEX and particularly like the newer ones like this hotel. Immaculatly clean, well-run and good value. Rooms are like new and kept immaculte. The hotel itself has a small swimming pool at the back and is at the end of the strip as it were - one of the last hotels before you arrive at the convention centre and leave town! It is about 2 miles to walk into the "centre", but this is quite a pleasant walk and there are pavements/sidewalks on both the main road as well as the road which runs along the coast. South Padre has a range of places to eat, and although it appears to be a bit too "party" orientated, it does offer something for everyone. The beaches in the area are beautiful.

We've stayed in many Holiday Inn Express's and this is probably one of the nicest. The building was very clean and quiet, although it was quite empty when we stayed. The rooms are spacious and the pool area looked nice, even though we spent our time down at the beach- a short walk away. The rooms are pretty ordinary, but the high ceilings, large bathrooms and ceiling fans give the place a little more upscale feel. Since windows don't open, I'd recommend a room in the front of the hotel so you can at least wake up and look out at the water(the Laguna Madre). And the hotel is far enough from the road that noise is not a problem (and on the quiet end of the main drag).

If you don't need a beach front room, I'd recommend this place. There seem to be a lot of cheaper places around but they appear to be in busier areas and some look a bit run-down. My only complaint is

that the bed was on the hard side and they could use better pillows. But otherwise, decent place.

Fabulous stay at this immaculate, new hotel. We stayed in a suite for 3 nights and thoroughly enjoyed the pool with waterfall, hot tub, complimentary breakfast with warm cinnamon buns. Friendly and helpful staff. Great rates.

Swam at the beach, saw the sea turtles, went horseback

riding, and fishing. Can't wait to go return!

We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express South Padre the

last week in October. We had a "suite" on the 4th floor. It was quite roomy with a minifridge, microwave, small kitchen sink, and a few dishes and cups. Very nice bathroom and a very clean hotel. The staff was super friendly. I am a Priority Club member and I stay at a lot of Holiday Inns. The South Padre HIX would certainly rank in the top half. Nice pool too.

A couple drawbacks. The hotel was about a block off the beach; you could not walk barefoot down to the shore. We did leave after 3 nights and moved to the La Quinta for two reasons: All of the windows in the entire hotel are sealed shut. It was so nice outside that we wanted to open the windows and let some fresh ocean breeze into the room. The windows do not open and it got kinda' stuffy. Although the air conditioning worked great, why would you build a nice new hotel in a beach resort with sealed windows?

Also, we paid $109 per night. A bit high for the last week in October which is the off-off-season. There were only about 8 cars in the whole lot.

Couldn't believe the lack of service at this hotel when my wife and I stayed two days ago. Room was not clean at check in and some older lady Maryanne or something, said she was the manager, but was utterly rude, crude and very unrefined. We asked for a clean room and were told to sit in the lobby and look at the unclean and dead-fish filled aquarium while they found a room the was clean. Couldn't. Had to wait for one to be cleaned up and stuff. It was 9 at night people! Why does this happen? Bad management. Staff was totally snickering n stuff at us. Bad experience!

Although I never actually made it to this hotel I want to share my experience. I live in Houston when Hurricane Rita was a huge threat to the coast, and was mandated to evacuate. We opted to head south to avoid the huge traffice jams that were heading north. I called on Thursday night for a reservation---they not only discounted the rate by 2/3 but also waived their cancellation policy since the storm was so unpredictable. We never had to leave since the storm went East and we opted to stay and ride it out. In an age where a profit margin is the bottom line, my family truly appreciates the compassion this company offered when our future was uncertain.

My family and I just got in last night from South Padre Island. I wanted to let y'all know about the staff, breakfast, pool, closeness of the beach, and other little details.

First of all the hotel just opened in March and everything was nice smelling, clean, and had very inviting decor w/ comfy chairs to sit in. The front desk personell was very nice, and helpful when I needed help w/ a place to eat, shop, etc.... They always took their time, and did it w/ a smile. The breakfast consist of 4 types of cereal, yogurt, bagels, crossaints, muffins, english muffins, bread to toast, boiled eggs, variety of juice, ice water, coffee,fruit and the best of all~ WARM cinnamon rolls. They of course have all the spreads, toppings you can imagine to make it the way you like. They have staff that is there to help if needed and is ready to refill items that are needed. The breakfast area overlooks the beautiful tropical pool, and waterfall~~ or you can watch the t.v that is on. I read after breakfast also in the dining room in the very comfortable soft couch they have,, but couldn't stop watching the fish in the tank.

The room were spacious w/ wide windows. Our room overlooked the bay and was very pretty. We also had a microwave/ and a large "mini" fridge to keep our sandwich , drinks in... the ice machine was just outside so it was nice not to have to walk a mile to get ice . Since the rooms were new,,,, you didn't have to look at built up grime in the bathrooms. They mentioned they had the best shower heads ,,,,but~~~~I thought they were way too high for the full benefit of getting the best water pressure. I loved the fact that the shower curtain was "bent on an oval" so you didn't have to worry about touching it. When we would leave the room,, we would always come back to a very clean room w/ enough towels for the 4 of us which were soft and large.

The hotel was a short walk to the beach, which makes it nice ,so you won't have to drive ,and get your vehicle all sandy. We bought short, light weight chairs w/ straps, so we could sit on instead of our towels. The beach isn't crowed at all in that area.... it is quiet, peaceful, clean, and you feel like you have your own little piece of paradise. ( the boys said they didn't feel any crabs, they didn't get any stings, and not much seaweed at all/// i didn't get in because ~~ I am the one that always get stung by a jelly fish.....but they didn't see not one !) We were able to go back and wash our feet off at the faucet provided at the hotel. The access to the beach is through the pool area which like I stated before was very nice,, it also provided several table and chairs w/ "thatched hut" covering to sit under. The pool also has a pretty waterfall... I loved the way they provided plenty of routes so you wouldn't have to go all the way around. You have to have your hotel key to enter all doors...which is a nice secured feeling.

While on the Island we went to Schlitterbahn,,,which was small compared to the one in New Braunfels, but instead of standing in long, long lines you are able to stay on your float. The park is more suitable for smaller children also~~ I felt the New Braunfels one is for older teens. My teens weren't impressed w/ the rides in this park because they all felt like you were on the same ride....and they were very short.. Sorry this is just our opionion. They did love watching the boogie bahn...and my husband, yes can u believe,,,,,,,loved going in the house to walk around and get wet, and to get water dumped all of him. (lockers were provided/picnic area also,,but guest would save the table for all day use, when they weren't there but for a few minutes at a time~ we didn't get a table///but were graciously allowed to sit at a table at another location)

We went to Glady's Porter Zoo. The cost was around 10.00 pp which at first I thought was high,, but after we got in we enjoyed it so much. The animals actually walked and moved around the whole day. I am so use to just looking at a animal sleeping, but they kinda act like they are putting on a show for you,, the monkies for sure! And,, you are very close to them. I found the zoo to be clean, and shaded. You will have to pick up a brochure at the hotel w/ a map... we thought they would have signs,, but they didn't even have a "Ringgold" street sign provided for us to find. (the zoo is in brownsville ; a short trip throught port isabel, and takes about 20 minutes??? it was fast because we were sight seeing,, and the traffic is not heavy and you can take your time where ever you go on and around the Island)

We left the zoo and went next door to a beautiful, clean, and spacioius park w/ free entry and plenty of picnic tables over looking the water. But beware of ducks trying to join you....he-he.

After that,, we walked over to Metamoras Mexico. We parked our vehicle for $300.00 on Elizabeth and walked across the bride , bring your camera,, and it cost .25 cents to go across and .30 to come back/ which you will go through customs. We have been to Cancun, Cozumel, Calica, Progresso, Jamica, Caymen,, etc. and now I know what they mean by being so " touristy" (is that a word?he-he) Metamoras was almost the same (we took a 9.00 taxi ride to town square and $7.00 ride back / very short ride though for the price???) It was shoppning for them , so we got to enjoy seeing everybody out,, music was every where,, it was slow paced,, kids were eating icecream while sitting on the steps. It was hard to believe that I have traveled for days to go someplace so close to home ( 9hrs away from my home town) They have the same exact gifts,, but doesn't move as often,, they had men playing guitars in the restaurants,,, but no one bothered you. It was a nice day. They say Progesso is a good place to go also..when I had ask if it was very far from Metamoras,,the store clerk told me yes,,, but I dont' think she understood me ?

The next day, the boys and my husband took a Bay fishing tours for Opreys. They had a fun time. They were able to bring sandwiches on board in a soft side cooler, which I had bought a new one for the trip,, or they had food to purchase. It was 40.00 pp for a 1/2 day trip. 7a.m-1p.m.

they caught fish,,but not many keepers,, but they said it was fun anyway. The seas were not 1-3ft like we were told so my youngest got sick at first,,which he has been on 7 cruise ships and has never gotten sick,, so if you do tend to get sea sick just take something the day before. I had sent some pills w/ them, but of course being teens they didn't take them. They also have some to purchase. They told me that they would remove your fish, bait if you would like, and had a very, very nice crew on board. I enjoyed them fishing also!!!!

I enjoyed the fishing trip as much as they did! I went shopping, and bought several things. The interesting thing to me was that you were able to go into a store, pick your own style, color, and size t-shirt,,which had fruit of loom, jerzee, etc and then go look at the huge selection of iron ons to customize your t-shirt. They have a shop on every block, so I was wore out, and decided to have lunch. I had been eating where the boys would enjoy so this time I decided to eat soup, sandwich or a salad.. So, I came across the strip mall, right at the "Y" to go to Port Isabel...hwy100?? Well it was a Bistro called "Yummies". It was decorated w/ Texas cookbooks , souvieners that you could purchase. I hate the chicken salad sandwich w/ yummy fresh fruit, and ice tea. The couple who sit next to me , must of been regulars because the owner,,with a french accent???? sorry but it was very pretty sounding,, and she was dressed in culanary style also which made it even more pleasant. I couldn't decide what I wanted so she recommend the chicken salad, but I wished she would of remembered the soup because I forgot to get some, and the couple next to me had the tortilla soup that looked delicous. I had already ate my whole sandwich and hated to ask for soup too. he-he.

It was time to go get my crew... so when we passed the cinema we decided that if we hurried back to the hotel we would have time to catch a movie ,, since they didn't feel like being outdoors right then. So we made it and enjoye the movie. After that we ate real authenic Mexican food at Bigios . It was very rich and good! That evening we went back to the pizza place for HUGE shakes! (forgot the name; formally pizza x-press..across from KFC~~not many employees so the girl behind the counter was very busy and looks it!) We had ordered pizza the night before. It was out of this world. I guess the wait was worth it... we had called it in,,and still had to wait a good while after we got there,,so be patient and give your self plenty of time so you wont' be starving like we were) We also ate at Blackbeards. It was 100.00 for the 4 of us. We got the choose any 2 combo. It looks crowded but they have a nice cool, breezy deck to sit out on and enjoy a drink, but we didn't even have to wait. I think the parking is just small? I thought the bake potato, and shrimp were delicous,, I just did not like the way they cooked the scallops,,so you may want to special order yours,,, It was very good in all...and a nice atmosphere, w/ excellent staff.

After eating we were going to go to Louies and watch the basketball game on their 56 screen t.v.'s but the boys caught site of the bungee jumpers, and decided to watch them a minute, and then decided to ride the go-carts. I believe this cost $9.00 per person. or 12.00 for a double which btw goes a lot faster in the line.. they had to wait way over 30 minutes to ride. We were full and tired from the busy day ,, so we called it a day and went back to the room . O, my husband and I walked next door and shopped while they waited in line)

I guess I have taken up enough space and I hope you will enjoy your trip as much as we did. We have been on several cruises, and just wanted to do something different, and we loved the fact that we were on our own schedule on the Island, and was able to stay as long as we wanted everyday (we mostly went in the evening to relax) . I am accustomed to staying in the finest hotels in Houston,,and I enjoyed this one just as much,, for the mere fact that everything was close. I didn't wear blisters on my feet walking to get ice, or I didn't have to wait on valet,, or walk in a dark garage if I wanted something out of my vehicle,, or wait on an elevator to go down to get a drink while on a cruise. Another thing is that,,,it was so inexspensive we are going to be able to take another trip. Which may be to see the Astros in Houston.....or Galveston Island,, both places which we have visited numerous times, and love both as much as Padre Island....they just aren't as laid back......

(teen ages: 14/17. Our ages, 41/38

We had origionally planned to stay at Bahia Mar but it was a DUMP, so we moved to Holiday Inn Express and that was the best move we made! The hotel was clean, comfortable and the rooms are nice. We spent a lot of time in the lobby with the group we were there with and never felt uncomfortable. The staff was very helpful and courteous.