Days Inn by Wyndham Port Aransas TX

Color is the name of the game at this budget-friendly hotel, which catches the eye with its turquoise-and-brick facade on the outside and continues through the portico to a goldenrod lobby set off by a sturdy cranberry loveseat. The rest of the furniture is surprisingly contemporary -- think wrought-iron accents, brown rugs with concentric circle motifs, potted greenery, and a TV armoire. Some aspects, like dated decor and scuffed furnishings, certainly reflect the price, but overall, the property is well-presented. An outdoor pool and grassy area with picnic areas make this is a suitable pick for both families and couples.

Located off of Highway 361, the hotel is right around the corner from the beach -- about a 10-minute walk at most. Port Aransas is a little cut off from the main sights of Corpus Christi, but if guests are willing to make a day of it, it can be used as a good base. There's a golf course next door, and guests also rate it well for being close to good fishing spots. Port Aransas Nature Preserve is a seven-minute drive from the hotel, while Mustang Island State Park is a 12-minute drive away. Most guests tend to drive from nearby cities (San Antonio is a two-and-a-half-hour drive and Houston is just under four hours) and parking is free. The closest airport is Mustang Beach Airport, which is right across the road. Corpus Christi International Airport, which is a bit more practical for getting in and out, is about 45 minutes away by car. 

The hotel's rooms seem to be designed with the sunset in mind when it comes to color scheme, though the overall effect of this multitude of colors is more garish than peaceful. Although some rooms have more attractive wood flooring, most are carpeted in dated green, with long navy drapes, orange and gold walls, and -- mercifully -- white linens on the beds. Also note that guests complain of paper-thin walls. Amenities include a microwave, generously sized mini-fridge, coffeemaker, and sink, plus a flat-screen TV, AC, and table with chairs. Bathrooms are small, with a shower/tub combo taking up much of the space. A hairdryer is provided and, somewhat surprisingly for this caliber of hotel, Matrix shampoo and conditioner. 

A pleasant outdoor pool is surrounded by palm trees and white plastic loungers, and on either side are a hot tub and kiddy pool. Breakfast is included in the room rate and it's fairly good, though the hot selection is a bit on the skimpy side in terms of proteins (no eggs or bacon). The Texas-shaped waffles are popular with visitors. Outside, barbecue areas are available for guests to grill. There are no other dining options or sundries shop on-site, nor any fitness facilities. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, though it can be somewhat unreliable. A computer is available in the lobby, too. On-site parking is free.