Bottom Line Up Front: This place is a circus of a ”Motel 6” on the beach. I booked this hotel well in advance of an anniversary trip and the disconnect at the beginning should have been a warning sign. I booked, I paid, and no confirmation was sent...a week later I called, no answer, call was dropped once answered, three attempts later I was speaking to someone and they emailed a confirmation (brilliant!). The big day finally arrives and after a 7 hour drive we arrive at the Isla Grande Beach ”Resort”. To be fair, the front looks nice as does the lobby, but it is a facade. We booked a Beach View room outside of the main hotel tower in their two story buildings which flank the pool and neither of which really had a beach view (you could make out the water if you could see past the buildings of the pool, the people, etc) but ”beach view” is a bit misleading. We checked in and were given a map to our room. The parking lots closest to these rooms is a small strip, encumbered by dumpsters, tight parking, and other obstacles. We navigate through the labyrinth of creepy hallways to access the path to our room, yes! we made it! We were immediately greeted by our second story neighbor's yapping dogs out on the balcony who were none too happy to have a downstairs neighbor. After a brief talk with my wife we both decided that this wasn't going to work, and that we came to South Padre to relax. Barking dogs did not fit in that equation. I lugged our baggage back to the car and returned to the front desk. They seemed quite surprised by my report and we were offered another room on the opposite side of the pool and assured me they would send someone to speak with the guest about his dogs. Back to the rental car and on to the opposite, but equally creepy, parking lot scenario along with additional outdoor hallways reminiscent of a parking garage. We arrive to our new locale and all seems quiet on this side, and aside from passing by a room that was smelled like it was hosting a Cheech and Chong style gathering (it stunk of weed for those who are not familiar), this just might work! The room is remarkably outdated, really cheap furnishings and the smell of many a year of service. There are one inch gaps under the door that adjoins our neighbor's room allowing the full auditory experience of their conversations, bathroom use, etc (but more about that later). I make the final journey to the car and back with our remaining luggage and beach gear, its unseasonably warm for September so I am thoroughly looking forward to a swim and some relaxation! My wife, still in a bit of shock to the 1980s style (and smell) of the room is also excited to relax. No sooner can I unzip the suitcase and our neighbors return from their outing which clearly involved copious amounts of booze as these ladies are loud, slurred, and generally unaware of their broadcast. Now I can hear conversations (which I never should have heard), bathroom use, and the elder of the group a 50 so
