Suites at Sunchase

Suites at Sunchase sits on South Padre's main commercial drag, with condo properties, hotels, restaurants, and shops as neighbors. The main thing that sets this property apart from other South Padre Island hotels in the same category is its unusual layout; before it was a hotel, Sunchase was a mall, so expect oddly sized common areas and guest rooms. Though some have quirky arrangements, all rooms are large, which makes up a bit for the hotel's lack of direct beach access. The hotel does manage to provide a relaxing environment with its outdoor, curvy pool surrounded by palm trees, but the pool is next to the road. There are beach chairs and tables with umbrellas by the pool that features an appealing rock waterfall and an attached hot tub. The hotel is mostly geared toward the tourists (families will especially appreciate the big rooms) in town for a beach vacation.

The Suites at Sunchase is located in the middle of South Padre’s hotel sprawl, a few blocks from the beach with access via a residential area. It’s right on Padre Boulevard and close to local restaurants, although a car is required to reach them with ease. Numerous shops selling beachwear and trinkets are also within walking distance. Andy Bowie County Park, South Padre Island Birding & Nature Center, South Padre Island Convention Center, and Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historical Park are all within a 10- or 11-minute drive of the hotel. The hotel is an hour's drive from Valley International Airport.

Suites at Sunchase's 87 rooms are most notable for their size -- all are enormous, with high ceilings, to boot. Just note that many are oddly shaped, due to the fact that the property was previously a shopping mall. All have nice details like large flat-screen TVs and nice linens on the comfortable beds. Wet bars feature sinks, cabinet space, marble countertops, mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffeemakers with free coffee. Bathrooms are also huge, and all have walk-in showers (no bathtubs). In addition to regular rooms, there are a limited number of condos to rent from the same company, though they are located in a different facility from the main hotel. Wi-Fi is free in the rooms, as well as throughout the resort. Rooms are insulated from outside traffic noises.

While the Suites at Sunchase is not located near the beach, the hotel does offer a curvy swimming pool and adjacent hot tub surrounded by palm trees. There's a windowless fitness center with five treadmills, two stationary bikes, and a few pieces of weight-lifting machinery. A conference room and ballroom are available for large events, and a computer and printer on hand guest use.