10 Affordable U.S. Beach Hotels for Your Last Summer Hurrah

Situated smack in the middle of Ocean Drive, and across the street from a world-famous beach, this affordable property occupies a prime piece of South Beach real estate. In addition to a beachfront location (beach chairs and umbrellas are included in the resort fee), the Congress has fun clubs at its doorstep -- thumping beats and all -- that draw lots of party-minded travelers. But its modern, massive suites provide a calm refuge from the area’s bumping joints. The heated rooftop pool with beautiful panoramic views of the ocean is another low-key spot to unwind after a night of carousing.

The only Biloxi hotel that sits directly on a sandy beach, this all-suites property brings a dose of Miami to Mississippi. Its South Beach-inspired decor -- including a blue and white exterior and pretty mosaic tiling -- stands out, and its spacious suites with small kitchens and living areas make it a perfect pick for guests looking to stay a while. If you’d rather not get sandy, but still want to work on your tan, spend the day lounging by the small outdoor pool. For a little more action, visitors can hit up the nearby casinos or cafe and bar serving unpretentious fare, like pizza and nachos.

Originally built as a dance club in 1935, this Georgia hotel has earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. These days, it largely caters to vacationing couples and families, with several pools (including one with an adjacent hot tub), on-site tennis courts, a spa, restaurant, and white-sand beach with umbrellas, chairs, and water-sports equipment for rent. Even more to do and see, including a cluster of restaurants and shops, awaits approximately two miles away, and St. Simons Island Lighthouse Museum is a mile down the beach.

Choosing to travel with your sweetheart is simple, but finding a hotel that’s both romantic and affordable can be tough. Enter: the budget-friendly Beachfront Manor Hotel, a serene hillside property overlooking the sandy shores of Oregon’s Pacific Coast. In addition to the ocean views and quiet beach atmosphere, rose petals and chocolates on the beds add a touch of romance to the rooms and suites, most of which also come with fireplaces and balconies. Some units have hot tubs on the decks to heat things up even more.

With a beachfront address and star status (the property is owned by singer Gloria Estefan and her husband), you might think that this resort comes with a high price tag, but you’d be wrong. Affordable and modern, this breezy Vero Beach hotel is the perfect spot to savor the season. On top of access to a beautiful beach, the property puts a full-service spa, an attractive outdoor pool, a stylish restaurant serving locally sourced fare, and elegant rooms (some of which have ocean views) all within guests’ reach. If you don’t take our word for it, the door hangers encapsulate the experience best -- they read: “Too Fabulous to Be Disturbed.”

Golf enthusiasts, families with kids, and beach-loving pals all commingle at this property on the southeastern side of Hilton Head Island. Given that it’s a short drive from major shopping malls and several great championship golf courses -- plus offers direct access to a beautiful white-sand beach -- guests can choose just how active or lazy they want to be while on vacation. And a spa, fitness center, several dining options, an outdoor pool with beach views, and a comprehensive kids’ program only further that claim.

Located directly across the street from Fort Lauderdale Beach, this 240-room hotel prioritizes fun in the sun. The property buzzes with activity, as travelers -- couples, families, and even pre- and post-cruise crowds -- funnel in and out on the way to the beach, pool, and elegant on-site restaurant. Speaking of which, the hotel’s outdoor pool is lovely, with palm trees towering above, but it’s on the small side, as is the spa and fitness center. But the ocean views -- especially from the rooms -- are the star here.

Sneak in one last summer trip before school starts and head to Dunes Villages Resort, a family-friendly property on a wide stretch of beach. Amenities -- like several waterslides, a pirate ship-themed playground, lazy river, indoor and outdoor pools, and lots of games -- are kid-approved. Meanwhile, adults will appreciate the on-site spa, several restaurants, and full or partial ocean views from the rooms.

The Jersey Shore has a reputation of being a rowdy, party-oriented destination filled with scantily-clad, spray-tanned crowds. And while parts certainly fit that mold, there’s more to the coastal region. Take, for example, the Sea Crest Inn, located on the quiet end of Cape May. Owned and operated by a local couple, this affordable, no-frills hotel has clean rooms, comfy beds, and friendly staff. Though there’s not a laundry list of amenities offered -- features include a heated pool, whirlpool, and picnic area with a barbecue grill -- most travelers are here for the beach, which conveniently sits across the street. Guests are mostly couples and adults (though children are welcome), adding to the overall peaceful vibe.

Travelers looking for a budget beach getaway with no bells and whistles will find just that at the Sandpeddler Inn & Suites. Located across the street from the ocean and Crystal Pier in Wrightsville Beach, this small, simple hotel maximizes its position. For example, each of the rooms here is an individually owned one-bedroom condo with a kitchen (or kitchenette) and balcony or terrace with ocean views. There’s also a small outdoor pool, and free continental breakfast, but don’t expect many other amenities. The overall atmosphere is relaxed, attracting mainly couples and families in search of a low-key, laid-back vacation.


You’ll Also Like: 

• The 7 Most Amazing, Surprisingly Affordable Beach Destinations
• 2018’s 11 Most Budget-Friendly Beach Destinations in the U.S.
• The Best Affordable Beach Resorts in the Caribbean for 2018