The Surf Shanty Motel

2.5 star property
Travelers can pedal along the coast with included bike rentals at this beachside haven, then unwind at one of many nearby beach bars for sun-soaked relaxation.

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The Surf Shanty Motel, steps from Dewey Beach, offers a relaxed coastal vibe. Guests enjoy free WiFi, bike rentals for seaside exploration, and 20 beach bars nearby. The property is smoke-free for everyone's comfort.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Bar
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Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 6:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

There is no front desk at this property
Guests will receive an email within 24 hours before arrival with check-in instructions and an access code; access will be through a private entrance
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Access code, private entrance

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Payment types at the property

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

Frequently asked questions

Is The Surf Shanty Motel pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at The Surf Shanty Motel?

Self-parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at The Surf Shanty Motel?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 6:00 PM. After-hours check-in is not available.

What time is check-out at The Surf Shanty Motel?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Surf Shanty Motel located?

Situated near the beach, this motel is within a 15-minute walk of Dewey Beach and Delaware Seashore State Park. Rehoboth Beach and Rehoboth Beach Convention Center are also within 3 mi (5 km).

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Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

10

Cleanliness

9.2

Amenities

9.8

Staff & service

10

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 270 out of 319 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 46 out of 319 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 319 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 319 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 319 reviews

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Emily

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We were there for a sporting event. It was worth the extra drive. We came in the off season so it wasn't crowded or hard to get around. Just MINUTES to the beach :) Staff was kind. Overall, a great experience.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Edward

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Rooms were clean, staff was great, close to the beach.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness
Fun motel near beach, always clean and friendly staff!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very clean, great location and staff super friendly.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Agnieszka

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Great location and friendly staff
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mihalis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff is always super nice. Hotel is quiet, clean, and in a good location. Stayed here 3 times now and always had a good experience l.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Catherine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room is clean , bed is comfortable , location is good, close to beach and shops, will come back
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kelly

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great location!

Great location. Cute decor. Convenient check in and out.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean and convenient with close access to beach and restaurants.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very nice and clean property. Staff was very friendly and helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Erika

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent place to stay, the rooms are very clean and modern. The location of this motel was perfect. The staff was extremely friendly. I really enjoyed my stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

kimberly

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel was clean and the staff were very helpful. The only negative was there was no closet to hang our dresses. We came for a wedding and it would have been nice to have somewhere to hang out gowns. Other than than that we enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Yes yes & Yes , the wife and I enjoyed our stay, we were able to walk to everything , We used the free bikes to ride around , we enjoyed watching the sunrise just steps away on beach , relaxed looking at sunset over the bay around bay beach fire pit access the street . The room was super clean , great decor, we will be back next season, Great bands were playing around the corner at The bar on the bay ,
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Josselyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
loved staying here.. great location, can’t wait to be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Surf Shanty Love

The staff is always the best. Perfect location. Friendly and we love staying here. Will be back again!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Libby

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great place to stay.

We had a great experience staying at Surf Shanty Motel! Our room was very nice and super clean. The manager was super friendly and helpful. Great location and we’ll definitely stay here again!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was clean and location is great. Easy access to beach and several restaurants with live music in the evening. On site manager is super friendly and can provide recommendations to new visitors.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jodie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Effecient

Easy check in. Great location. Safe and welcoming
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jodi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the added little touches to the room…color variation in decor! Loved the sound machine too! Very comfortable & clean! Would absolutely recommend this property! Could walk to various restaurants & beach! Easy drive to Rehoboth boardwalk.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katelyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Such a great stay at the Surf Shanty! This was my first time staying here and I will definitely be back. Everything was perfect; quiet area, walkable, safe, bikes available, clean, easy access to the ice machine. I have come to Dewey every year for the past 20 years and this has become a new favorite motel. Highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Check in was easy, parking very good in a crowded beach town. Room was simple but well appointed.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We loved our time at the Surf Shanty - very clean, comfortable, modern, and amazing location!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Best beach vacation stay.

The hotel was clean, quiet, right ny the beach and staff was amazing. My family loved it. ANDRE was very helpful with what ever we needed.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alexis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Super clean and staff is very friendly - everything you need for a quick beach trip
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice remodel of an older property. Great Location. Steps from the beach or restuarants.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025