This post is the first in a new category called “Features” about businesses and organizations of interest and/or benefit to friends, family, or other travelers looking for a recommendation and are based upon my personal experiences. Often, they will be about favorite places that have become very special through numerous visits over the years.
The beach-front entrance to the Hilton Garden Inn South Padre Island Beachfront hotel at South Padre Island, Texas.
Island Time officially begins when you pull into the palm-studded parking lot. Scarlet hibiscus stretch forward from lush, tropical grounds to welcome you. Your road-weary body rouses to the whisper of sea breezes and the faint scent of salt air tickling your nose. The hotel entrance doors part and the sounds of the “Mixed Nuts” performing a Beach Boys classic in the bar area waft in the background. You’ve reached vacation base camp – the Hilton Garden Inn, South Padre Island, Texas.
The beachfront hotel is conveniently located between party-central, Clayton’s, the island’s activity hub, to its south, and Andy Bowie Park and the quieter parts of the beach, to its north. On-site dining options include a full restaurant, featuring cooked-to-order omelets at the breakfast buffet; room and poolside service; and a deck food truck. Enjoy live music, drinks, and fireworks from the beach-side deck on weekends.
Rooms are spacious, clean and comfortable, just as you would expect from a Hilton property. Book a room with a full gulf view, if possible, although the rooms with partial views offer both gulf and bay views. Those views give you a real sense of just how narrow the half-mile wide island really is. Room balconies have tables and chairs perfect for sitting, sipping and losing yourself in the hypnotic rhythm of the surf washing in and out over the beach.
The well-maintained outdoor facilities include a large pool, two hot tubs, and ample lounge seating. Pool-side attendants stroll by often so there’s no need to get up for food or beverages. Clean restrooms are located on the north side of the hotel and are accessible from the pool area.
The hotel gift shop is stocked with irresistible trinkets for yourself and gifting those back home. Or, just stand for the “I” at the #SP_ photo op by the beach deck and snap and share a souvenir selfie to your favorite social media.
Hashtag SP_
The hotel has a coin laundry in case of accidents or if you didn’t bring quite enough clothes. With all of its amenities, there’s is no reason you would have to leave the hotel. But of course, you’re going to want to see, do and visit the other great attractions on the island.
As for the Mixed Nuts, hearing them play when you enter the door on return visits just means you’ve reached your island home, for a day, a week, or however long you stay.
Hilton Garden Inn South Padre Island Beachfront, 7010 Padre Boulevard, South Padre Island, Texas, 78597, Phone: (956) 761-8700
Want to see more of South Padre Island? See Sandcastle Days: Fall’s Fun Fest At The Beach!
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