South Padre Island, Texas Reviews and Ratings

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Overall Rating:

Poor
Imagine soft sand squishing between your toes, the roar of the waves cascading across a picturesque beach, the sun warming your glistening skin to a bronzed finish. No, this isn't some far away ...more
6 reviews of South Padre Island, TX | write a review
Ratings & Reviews
1.Traveler Beware
Submitted by:lwelling
February 9, 2009
Husband and I traveled to SPI February 2009 on business/pleasure trip. Encouraged by local folks who'd been there alternately referring to it as "paradise" and "like being in the Bahamas." Don't know what they're on or if it once was something but it's nothing now. Our expectations were very low and were in no way exceeded. Two of the larger hotels are still closed after Hurricane Dolly in July 2008. Chain and popular motels' weekends are sold out weeks in advance; can't poss... More
Husband and I traveled to SPI February 2009 on business/pleasure trip. Encouraged by local folks who'd been there alternately referring to it as "paradise" and "like being in the Bahamas." Don't know what they're on or if it once was something but it's nothing now. Our expectations were very low and were in no way exceeded. Two of the larger hotels are still closed after Hurricane Dolly in July 2008. Chain and popular motels' weekends are sold out weeks in advance; can't possibly understand why. We were able to get a room at one of the smaller beachside motels understand why. Entire room amenities consisted of one small sliver of soap a few thin towels and plastic cups. No hangers no blankets no heat no clock door could be opened with credit card through the jamb although freshly painted and redecorated no doubt due to recently having been underwater. Drunken guests screamed and ran up and down all day and night trash everywhere limited parking next to construction site okay dive bar attached with all food cooked in same grease giving everything a distinct fishy flavor office still not open to check out at 9am. Town is largely deserted businesses closed construction halted midway entire population appears to be locals barely hanging on or elderly Winter Texans. This isn't meant to be unkind insensitive or cause harm to an area hit by hard economic times and natural disasters but it doesn't take seven months to bring something back unless there wasn't anything there in the first place. This is where the Sling Blade crowd vacations. We couldn't get out of there fast enough drove back to Harlingen airport and paid penalties to fly out early. If you've ever been anywhere even remotely sophisticated don't go to SPI. Wish someone would have told us the truth; we would have rather just handed them the grand wasted on this trip. Trying to spare the next folks the same pain.
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2.Traveler Beware
Submitted by:lwelling
February 9, 2009
Husband and I traveled to SPI February 2009 on business/pleasure trip. Encouraged by local folks who'd been there alternately referring to it as "paradise" and "like being in the Bahamas." Don't know what they're on or if it once was something but it's nothing now. Our expectations were very low and were in no way exceeded. Two of the larger hotels are still closed after Hurricane Dolly in July 2008. Chain and popular motels' weekends are sold out weeks in advance; can't poss... More
Husband and I traveled to SPI February 2009 on business/pleasure trip. Encouraged by local folks who'd been there alternately referring to it as "paradise" and "like being in the Bahamas." Don't know what they're on or if it once was something but it's nothing now. Our expectations were very low and were in no way exceeded. Two of the larger hotels are still closed after Hurricane Dolly in July 2008. Chain and popular motels' weekends are sold out weeks in advance; can't possibly understand why. We were able to get a room at one of the smaller beachside motels understand why. Entire room amenities consisted of one small sliver of soap a few thin towels and plastic cups. No hangers no blankets no heat no clock door could be opened with credit card through the jamb although freshly painted and redecorated no doubt due to recently having been underwater. Drunken guests screamed and ran up and down all day and night trash everywhere limited parking next to construction site okay dive bar attached with all food cooked in same grease giving everything a distinct fishy flavor office still not open to check out at 9am. Town is largely deserted businesses closed construction halted midway entire population appears to be locals barely hanging on or elderly Winter Texans. This isn't meant to be unkind insensitive or cause harm to an area hit by hard economic times and natural disasters but it doesn't take seven months to bring something back unless there wasn't anything there in the first place. This is where the Sling Blade crowd vacations. We couldn't get out of there fast enough drove back to Harlingen airport and paid penalties to fly out early. If you've ever been anywhere even remotely sophisticated don't go to SPI. Wish someone would have told us the truth; we would have rather just handed them the grand wasted on this trip. Trying to spare the next folks the same pain.
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3.SPI offers music and beaches
Submitted by:kleverfella
October 15, 2008
I have been going to SPI since I can remember but now I have another reason to go. I just discovered the South Padre International Music Festival last year. I am from Austin and I love music festivals like ACL and SXSW but now I can have the beach and live music. I went last year and I am going at the end of October this year on Halloween. It was a blast last year! I highly recommend anyone to check it out. ... More
I have been going to SPI since I can remember but now I have another reason to go. I just discovered the South Padre International Music Festival last year. I am from Austin and I love music festivals like ACL and SXSW but now I can have the beach and live music. I went last year and I am going at the end of October this year on Halloween. It was a blast last year! I highly recommend anyone to check it out.
Date of Trip to South Padre Island, TX: June2008
Purpose of your trip: Personal
Cost of your stay: $500-$1000
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4.South Padre Island is Texas Best Vacation Spot
Submitted by:JDSalinger12
July 20, 2008
South Padre Island is great place to take the family. Warm weather good beaches and plenty of activities. If you enjoy trying water sports like windsurfing or kiteboarding this is a great spot. If you have never tried deep sea fishing you will definitely want to do it here. Also if you like shopping they have tons of shops. There is plenty to do there and it is reasonably priced. I do recommend you check out my website for further tips and advice on activities in South Padre Island.http://... More
South Padre Island is great place to take the family. Warm weather good beaches and plenty of activities. If you enjoy trying water sports like windsurfing or kiteboarding this is a great spot. If you have never tried deep sea fishing you will definitely want to do it here. Also if you like shopping they have tons of shops. There is plenty to do there and it is reasonably priced. I do recommend you check out my website for further tips and advice on activities in South Padre Island.http://www.south-padre-island.net
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5.One of Texas best spot to Chill
Submitted by:Clarinete02
October 13, 2007
My family and I loved our visit to South Padre is was a very relaxing time for us. Beaches are so clean and we spent most of our time there. Restaurant have great food and views while you dine. We went when Summer was over which made it less crowded. My spouse and there company take a trip every year to SPI because the fishing is so great and they really enjoy their time there. Be sure to visit the convenient store there on the strip because they make homemade tacos that are the best. We would... More
My family and I loved our visit to South Padre is was a very relaxing time for us. Beaches are so clean and we spent most of our time there. Restaurant have great food and views while you dine. We went when Summer was over which made it less crowded. My spouse and there company take a trip every year to SPI because the fishing is so great and they really enjoy their time there. Be sure to visit the convenient store there on the strip because they make homemade tacos that are the best. We would like to mke it a yearly vacation trip.
Date of Trip to South Padre Island, TX: September2005
Purpose of your trip: Personal
Cost of your stay: Under $500
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