You’ll mostly find chain hotels on South Padre Island in Texas, a destination where vacation rentals are especially popular. If you’re looking for a luxury property, however, you’ll find it Isla Grand, smack dab in the middle of the island and located right on the beach. The hotel actually offers a combination of traditional guestrooms and condos, so it’s possible to rent an apartment and enioy resort-style amenities, such as swimming pools, tennis and onsite dining.

Traditional guestrooms offer patios or balconies and mini-fridges. Some have sleeper sofas, as well -- specify that you'd like a room with a sofa bed when booking. Rollaway beds and cribs are available upon request.

Beachfront Cabanas
These rooms are located on the hotel's lower level, allowing easy access to the pools and beach. They feature patios and either one king bed or two queens.

Beachview Cabanas
These rooms also have either one king or two queen beds, but offer balconies since they aren't located on the ground level.

Pool & Garden View Rooms
These rooms are slightly cheaper in price, with partial ocean views and two queen beds or one king bed and a sleeper sofa.

High-Rise Condos
The resort offers 65 condos, all of them privately owned, but booked via the resort. They are individually furnished and decorated, though most of them have fully equipped kitchens, washers and dryers, and balconies.

Pools
The hotel offers two pools. The bigger of the two could be considered the activity pool, with zero-entry and water sprayers for youngsters at one end. The other pool is quiet in comparison, and a nice retreat for those traveling without kids.

Tennis
The hotel has two tennis courts, with limited equipment available. It's best to bring your own to ensure you'll be able to play!

Hermit Crab Races
During popular visitation times, the hotel organizes hermit crab races at Quarterdeck's. Which hermit crab do you think will win? Pick one and you could win a prize! The hermit crabs, who live in a tank at the restaurant, race to the finish line on a small table that's set up in the afternoons.

Windjammer's Beachfront Café
Windjammer's Beachfront Café is available to both hotel guests and the general public, who enjoy daily specials and buffets -- including a lavish seafood buffet!

Quarterdeck Lounge
The Quarterdeck Lounge is a popular spot for adults, with live music hosted almost every night. Open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., it's casual enough that kids are welcome earlier in the day -- especially for the hermit crab races!

Hammerhead Deck
Hammerhead Deck offers al fresco dining and casual fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner; it also serves alcohol. Offerings include burgers, sandwiches and salads, along with a kids' menu that includes a hot dog, burger, chicken fingers, grilled cheese and shrimp basket.

Isle Grand Coffee Hut
Visit the Coffee Hut for a morning pick-me-up. It serves Starbucks coffee, along with specialty pastries, snacks and sandwiches, in a rustic setting. Hours vary depending upon hotel occupancy.

Hungry Surfer Poolside Grill
Open seasonally, the Hungry Surfer serves up burgers, sandwiches and sodas -- the kids love it.

Whiskey Shack Poolside Bar
If you want to enjoy a cocktail (or several) by the pool, head to the Whiskey Shack, open seasonally.

All About the Extras
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.

Gift Shop
The hotel has a large gift shop with souvenirs, beach gear, toiletries, drinks and snacks on offer. Purchases may be charged to your room.

The Art of Smart Timing
It's always a good time to visit Isla Grand and South Padre Island. We recommend autumn, when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are few.

Getting There
Fly into Brownsville (BRO) or Harlingen (BLANK), both an easy drive from the hotel. Or, you may need to fly into a major airport, such as Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, and then catch a connecting flight to one of the smaller airports.

Getting Around
Parking is plentiful and free at the resort; you will need a car to get around the island.

For Mom and Dad
Head to the Quarterdeck Lounge for a drink and live music. If interested in leaving the resort for dinner, we recommend anything at Gabriela's or Sea Ranch Restaurant.