Radisson Hotel Corpus Christi Beach

Looking every bit a low-slung, modern, mid-range hotel from the outside, the sandy colors of the exterior blend into the beach stretching out behind it. Inside, however, the 2014-renovated design got a bit freer rein. A seaside theme goes arty with rattan furniture, geometrically textured accent tables in pops of yellow, and plants that sprout out of cobalt-blue planters like undersea flora. Fish, of course, hang on the walls and reflect the blues and bright greens of the decor and carpet. The hotel is popular with leisure travelers -- for good reason, considering its location -- though it also caters to business travelers with special rooms and perks. The atmosphere is appropriately relaxed and generally quiet here, though some guests have reported the pool becoming crowded and chaotic at times.

The hotel is located right on the beach, with the bay on the back of the property. It's a gorgeous stretch of white sand, with plenty of space between the hotel and the sea. Bars and restaurants are within the immediate area, too. Top tourist attractions like the USS Lexington and the Texas State Aquarium are within walking distance (five minutes and eight minutes, respectively). Guests can also head into town via the city trolley and bus service, and hop on in the front parking lot. Sites in town include the Art Museum of South Texas (eight minutes by car), Water Street Market (eight minutes by car), and the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History (six minutes by car). The center of Padre Island is 43 minutes away by car, though there's plenty of beach area before that. 

The hotel's 139 rooms are contemporary, thanks to a 2014 renovation, with a generic but pleasant beach-themed design. They have brown carpet with a wave-like pattern, wood furniture, and white walls, which are spruced up by blue and green upholstery and sea-themed artwork. All rooms have a furnished balcony, but the best (and largest) rooms are arguably the corner rooms with guaranteed beach views. However, some guests have reported maintenance issues like mold, broken tiles and balcony railings, and odd smells. Standard amenities include flat-screen cable HDTVs, coffeemakers, desks, armchairs, microwaves, and mini-fridges, plus ironing facilities. The hotel also offers business class rooms, which come with a free breakfast and drink voucher for the evening. Decent-sized bathrooms have marble accents and shower/tub combos, plus hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, and quality toiletries.

Besides the direct access to a wide beachfront right at the back of the hotel, one of the hotel's main features is its small outdoor saltwater pool, complete with a swim-up bar (seasonal). Some guests have complained about the pool water being crowded and a bit chaotic, though its hot tub and ocean views are certainly upsides. Guests should know, however that the pool is only open daily June through August, and on weekends during May and September. The on-site restaurant, Islands Bar & Grill, is open all day and has floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the beach. It's mostly casual food and regional dishes, like Texas crab cakes and burgers. Breakfast is standard continental fare, and it's only free for those staying in the business class rooms. Guests feeling active can hit the tiny gym, which has three cardio machines and a rack of weights. They can also rent beach equipment from the hotel (what, precisely, depends on the season). Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. For those in Corpus Christi on business, the hotel can hold up to 300 guests in its four meeting rooms. There's also a business center with a computer and printer. Parking is free and available on-site.