Courtyard South Padre Island

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As a platinum-level Marriott member for many years, I have stayed at many Courtyard hotels.as well as similar facilities. This is one of the most overpriced ones I have seen. It was off-season in South Padre Island (a resort area that has a distinctive peak season), yet the prices I paid were nowhere in line with the service I received. The biggest issue was the way that this hotel is laid out. When you first drive up, it is difficult to locate the entrance to the parking lot, even though this is a relatively large hotel. It is challenging to find a parking space in the main parking lot, so you typically have to park across the street. It takes about 7-8 minutes to walk to the hotel from across the street. I was surprised that they don't have a shuttle (golf cart) from that parking lot as temperature is an issue most of the year. Once you enter the hotel and check in, there is still a further long walk to get to your room. For some strange reason, the conference center part of the hotel is situated between the reception area and the majority of the hotel rooms. And, if that were not enough, the signs marking the way from the lobby to the hotel rooms as well as to the restaurant, Bar Louie, are difficult to locate. I don't believe that I have ever seen a hotel organized in such a slipshod manner. In addition, on Friday night and Saturday night, you could still hear the band playing in the hotel rooms. The furniture and the carpets are a bit worn. I found a nickel under a piece of furniture in my room, the cleaning staff had not done their job properly. Breakfast was not included in my room rate (even though I am platinum). They do not offer recycling for water bottles or aluminum cans, of which I noticed piles in the garbage cans. On the brighter side of things, some of the staff, particularly Vanessa, an assistant manager, were helpful. My room was relatively large, had a balcony with a partial view of the ocean, and everything worked in the room. The swimming pool is a good attraction for children. There is access to the beach.

We had a room with two queen beds and a balcony. The view was wonderful! Our room overlooked the beautiful salt water pool and beyond that, the beach. Since we went during the week, the hotel was not very crowded although it seemed like there were several conferences going on. The desk clerks were not very friendly but the staff on the floors were very accomodating. Our room was huge but the bathroom was regular size. Room looked exactly as advertised. We did not visit any of the bars or food areas but what they had looked very nice. The best part of the hotel was the pool- it was beautiful and well kept. A short walk took you to the beach. I must say it was very disappointing. I remember South Padre having clear water and it was pretty murky. Some people were surf fishing but they did leave once they noticed swimmers were coming in to the water. Take your own chairs or beach towels unless you want to rent chairs and umbrellas from someone on the beach who was doing that. It was a very good location but South Padre has lost some of its charm- unless you are looking for candy and ice cream shops galore!

We wanted to go there for dinner but the drinks and starter were so bad that we moved elsewhere. The waiter was kind but the cocktail which should be cold was not cold at all and undrinkeable. Yug... I left it there after a sip and told the waiter who did not offer a solution. The calamaris were not warm, leave alone hot. Did it come out of the deep fryer or how come? Can not tell... My husbands beer had no foam at all, so not a clean glass? I see good reviews and wish I had one too. So we left without having dinner.