La Isla South Padre Residences

There’s a lot to like for the price. The condos had tall ceilings, updated appliances and bathrooms, and a large, updated kitchen stocked with dishes, utensils, pots, and pans. We even found Tupperware for leftovers, though we still bring a few extras to be safe. The washer and dryer were a plus. Outside, there are two 3-4 ft pools, an outdoor shower, three grilling areas, and a huge covered picnic pavilion above the pool with three sections and lots of seats. Families were eating, playing cards, and listening to music there. The place was mostly clean and enjoyable, and everything nearby was convenient. Schlitterbaun was within walking distance, as were gift shops, and the beach was less than a mile away. Animal sanctuaries, boat tours, and restaurants were within a five-minute drive. We did have some issues. We got only two trash bags for seven days, and there were sugar ants in the kitchen. The beds were so hard and uncomfortable that we slept on the sofas. Power washing started around 7 a.m. most mornings and was loud enough to wake us; it also sent water inside that we had to clean up. There were no darkening curtains, so the sunrise could wake us too, especially after late nights following a full day at the beach or parks. No shampoo or hygiene products were provided. The rails felt flimsy with small children around, and several bath towels had black hairs on them, making me wonder if they use a linen service. I'd recommend the place and we may come back next year, but I hope they add memory foam to make the beds less rock hard, do a better job treating the ants, and provide cleaner, hair-free linens. The towels were gross enough to make us think about whether we'd return.