Southwind Inn

The quiet was the one thing I liked. I chose this place to try something different because it was close to the island, but the room was filthy. There was hair all over the bathroom, from the towel rack to the sink and tub, plus toilet paper on the floor. Too bad it was so dirty, because I can't give it a better review.

The room was clean, and the bed was more comfortable than I expected. The price seemed fair for the area, and the view of the cemetery, which I believe is on the same property, was beautiful. Getting checked in was confusing, though. We waited 15-20 minutes for someone to come to the front, and there was uncertainty about whether we had a reservation. We finally reached someone by phone who spoke English. Then at 3am, we were woken up so someone could check whether our toilet was leaking.

The pool was very clean and well maintained, and the room was quiet and had a kitchenette with a microwave, fridge, cupboard, and sink. It’s pet friendly, too. The pet fee was $10 a night, with a limit of 2 pets, and that was the lowest price I found. There’s no carpet, so bring a pet bed or blanket. WiFi kept going in and out, so keep that in mind if you need a steady connection. The Bay was completely fenced off when we visited, with construction underway, so there was no access and it seems likely to stay that way for a while. It’s still only a 10 minute drive to South Padre, and everything you need is 2 to 10 minutes away by car. A good option for budget-conscious travelers with pets.

The rooms have been newly renovated, with appliances including a refrigerator, microwave, TV, portable heater, hair dryer, and coffee maker. The beds were comfortable, and the bathrooms were clean and tidy. It’s on the bay side of Port Isabel, right across from the old cemetery, so the area is very quiet and good for a night’s sleep. The air conditioner is in the kitchen if you need it. I’d definitely stay here again.