Port Aransas. It's Texas - Island Style Reviews
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What really makes this place stand out is what you experience while staying here. From outside appearances at the street, it's hard to tell that this place is a gem in disguise. Once you're on the grounds and can see the pool and the colorful flowers, you begin to realize that it's not another big-box hotel or a sleazy motel. Then as you pass by the owners and exchange small talk, you realize that the owners genuinely enjoy what they do. They work hard, bring a nice presence with them, and do the best they can. The room my wife and I stayed at was connected to the office. To a person with high expectations for a fancy room, you would find yourself being unsatisfied. But to someone who just wants to get away from the world and relax, the room and the nearby sitting area outside is perfect. Glad that we found this place.
Tip - If you're looking to be directly on the beach, this isn't the right place. But believe me, the pool and this location in general is a fine getaway from the beach and in the night, I'd say the pool is far better than being out on the beach.
We visited this lovely place twice and found it very enjoyable. It is located adjacent to the water treatment plant which may seem to be a negative point, but the effluent from the plant provides a pond that is attractive to wildlife (especially birds). There are lovely plants with identifying tags bordering a path that leads to a boardwalk with a viewing tower located over the pond. On the tour with the birding experts, I saw white-tailed hawks, brown and white pelicans, herons, cormorants, grebes, roseate spoonbills, humming birds, and other migratory fowl. This area is a great place for bird watchers, especially during migration season. The two experts leading the tour were very knowledgeable and generous in sharing their equipment (scopes). There's supposed to be an alligator in the pond, but we did not see it!
Wonderful location to observe migrating birds with alligators thrown in extra. The boardwalk & observation tower are great. Lyndon was a very knowledgable & helpful tour guide.
My wife found this place in the back of Texas Monthly, and loved how dog-friendly it claimed to be. Upon our arrival, Candy was very helpful, and explained everything we needed to know...for us and our dog. They offered dog treats, dog bowls, dog towels, poop bags, dog-washing areas....and the rooms were concrete floors, so very easy to sweep up the sand from our dog and (our feet). The bed was comfortable, the fridge and freezer worked great, we had a small oven and stove, which worked great when we cooked fresh Red Snapper.
Keep in mind, it is a dog-accommodating motel. Its priced accordingly. You are expected to take out your own trash, and do your own dishes. They offer the service, but I believe you pay about $50 for it. None of that bothered us, as it feels more like you are renting a small house, rather than a hotel or motel.
The lodge is just a few blocks from the beach, but we chose to drive down the beach a mile or so. I highly suggest you do this, because you can let your dog off the leash down that way.
Candy made great suggestions for meals, seafood, and entertainment. My wife and I enjoyed spending our two-year anniversary here, as did our furry kid, Marley. We will certainly return!
