Many people favor the Hilton Garden Inn on South Padre Island (rightfully so; it’s a great hotel). Travelers — especially families — shouldn’t overlook the La Quinta Inn & Suites South Padre Beach, however, which is located right next door to the Hilton. The hotel offers a fantastic array of amenities for families, including a beachfront pool (and a beachfront location), free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and even a martini bar for mom and dad. Plus, the hotel’s location gives you front-row seats to the island’s fireworks.

The hotel has a total of 147 accommodations on four floors, with several categories to suit the needs of all families. Guestrooms and suites are equipped with mini-fridges, microwaves and coffeemakers, and some have balconies. Rollaway beds and cribs are available and there isn't a charge for either, but they should be requested in plenty of advance. Connecting rooms are also available and should be requested before your trip.

King With Sleeper Sofa
This room comfortably sleeps up to four people.

King Suite With Jetted Bath
This room also sleeps up to four guests, but is better suited for a couple.

Two Room Family Suite With Three Beds & Balcony
Of course, this variation is the most ideal for families. One bedroom has a king bed, while the other room has two queen beds. There's also a sleeper sofa, which means you can sleep up to eight guests total.

Executive King With Ocean View
This room has a king bed and queen-size sleeper sofa, plus extra space for families to spread out.

King Suite With Balcony Gulf View
This room sleeps up to four guests and provides a lovely view of the Gulf of Mexico.

Two Queen Executive With Gulf Front View
Most rooms come with sleeper sofas, though this one does not. It sleeps up to four people and provides beautiful views.

Two Queen With Pool View
The kids will love this room, which features a view of the pool area. It sleeps four (five if you order a crib or rollaway bed).

Two Queen With Sleeper Sofa
This room sleeps up to six people, with two queen beds and a sleeper sofa.

Two Queen With Balcony Ocean View
This room is ideal for a family of four, with two queen beds and a balcony from which to enjoy the views -- especially nice for the summer fireworks!

Beach
The La Quinta Inn & Suites is located right on the beach, and guests can easily access the sand and surf via a private walkway. Note: The walkway includes a set of stairs, so using strollers may be cumbersome. Umbrellas and chairs can be rented by private vendors on the beach.

From Memorial Day to October, fireworks are hosted on the beach and guests of the La Quinta Inn enjoy a prime view.

Pools
The hotel offers an activity pool with spray features and a hot tub, just steps from the beach.

Complimentary Tablets
Tablets are available for use in the lobby (but can't leave the lobby) -- a nice perk for hard-to-please teens.

Breakfast
The hotel provides complimentary breakfast, which includes made-to-order waffles, eggs, cold and hot cereal, fruit, pastries and other morning favorites. Breakfast and seating are available in the hotel's conference rooms on the fourth floor, from 7 to 10 a.m. daily. Highchairs are available.

Grill
The hotel has a grill that's open Labor Day to Memorial Day (or around those times), and serves summertime favorites such as burgers and tropical cocktails.

All About the Extras
Wi-Fi
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available to all guests.

Gift Shop
The hotel has a gift shop with snacks, beverages and toiletries available for purchase, plus beach and pool gear -- noodles, snorkels and more. It is open 24 hours, and items can be charged to your room.

Laundry
The hotel has a coin-operated laundry facility. Each cycle costs $2, and detergent is available in the gift shop.

Fitness Center
The hotel has a fitness center with a few cardio machines, plus an all-in-one weight trainer. The gym is open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. with key-card entry.

Pet Policy
Both cats and dogs are welcome at the hotel (a brand standard), with a maximum of two pets per family.

Check-In/Check-Out
Check-in is at 4 p.m. and check-out is at 11 a.m.

The Art of Smart Timing
The hotel is busiest during spring break (March to mid-April) and during the summer months. If you'd like to avoid the crowds and heat, consider a visit in September or October. In October, the island's annual Sand Castle Days takes place right behind the hotel.

Getting There
Many people who visit South Padre Island come by car, but if you need to fly, opt to fly into Brownsville/South Padre International Airport -- it's about 30 minutes from the hotel. You can also fly into Valley International Airport in Harlingen. If you are flying to South Padre Island from out of state, you'll probably need to fly into a major airport first (such as Dallas/Fort Worth) and then catch a connecting flight to Brownsville or Harlingen.

Getting Around
You'll need a car to get around the island, and parking is free at the hotel.

For Mom and Dad
You wouldn't typically associate a martini bar with a La Quinta Inn & Suites, but this location opened one in 2015 and it's a big hit with parents. The small, casual lounge offers your favorite concoctions, plus a pool table. It's open 4 to 11 p.m. (or later during peak periods).