Meris Gardens Bethany

I got a good deal on this cute, clean place, and the staff were kind and really helpful. It felt like a safe area, too. Free breakfast and pets allowed were nice extras. The beach is about a mile away; I drove because it was hot, and parking near the boardwalk was inexpensive. The boardwalk itself didn’t impress me much since it’s small and most businesses are elsewhere, but I still had a nice one-day getaway. People at the businesses were friendly, and the area felt very family friendly.

The staff were polite and very helpful, and the ceiling fan kept us comfortable in early May. There’s no A/C, though, so I’d think twice about staying later in summer. Our room had two beds, a flat-screen TV, and a full bath. We skipped breakfast because Bethany has so many great restaurant options. Parking was a bit tight with our SUV, but still easier than downtown. Meris Gardens is off the main road and close enough to get to the water in minutes, so it’s worth considering if you need a place to sleep near Bethany Beach.

Room 5 had a comfortable queen bed, and the small shower was spotless. The beachy decor was nice, too. We were in a hurry on this trip, so we didn’t get to enjoy all the amenities. I’d like to come back.

They called while I was driving out and said I’d be charged another $40 for the dogs, even though the booking site hadn’t mentioned an extra fee. I would have canceled after that, but cancellations weren’t refundable and I had no time to pull over and find somewhere else. The $199 rate already felt too high for a small, run-down place so far from the beach. The restroom was falling apart, both beds were uncomfortable, and one had dirty sheets. The price felt excessive for the location and condition even before the dog fee. If you can, stay somewhere else.