The 156-room Hilton Garden Inn South Padre Island has a scenic, oceanfront location with easy access to gorgeous, sandy beaches via a charming boardwalk. Rooms are comfortable with spacious balconies -- some with ocean views, some with city views -- and flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi (parking is also free). The fitness center and huge outdoor swimming pool with plenty of lounge chairs are also perks. Note that some guests complain about noise due to thin walls and events in the hotel ballroom. For slightly higher rates, Isla Grand Beach Resort down the beach offers more features, like bars, tennis courts, and a nightclub.

Comfort Suites is in a convenient, central location for exploring South Padre Island attractions. The 74 rooms are spacious, and feature microwaves and mini-fridges, although some rooms (depending on the category) show wear and tear. This hotel does offer free breakfast and free Wi-Fi -- along with a big outdoor pool surrounded by tall palm trees -- but it isn't located on the beach and there is no fitness center. With tube TVs and tired decor in some rooms, this hotel is a bit dated, but varied room layouts can accommodate groups of different sizes.

The Staybridge Suites Corpus Christi caters to families and business travelers on extended stay with its spacious, clean rooms and full kitchens. Its central location in a commercial district puts guests midway between downtown Corpus Christi’s cultural attractions and the beaches to the southwest. The surroundings aren’t the most glamorous, and you’ll need a car to get most everywhere -- but there are some perks to staying here, including plenty of dining and shopping options nearby.