See all properties

The Surf Shanty Motel

2.5 star property
Motel with free parking, a quick walk to Dewey Beach

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Surf Shanty Motel

Second Floor - Shower | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, free WiFi, bed sheets
Front of property
Designer toiletries, hair dryer, towels
Exterior
Exterior

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
21 Van Dyke Ave, Dewey Beach, DE, 19971
  • Place, Dewey Beach
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Rehoboth Beach
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Airport, Cape May, NJ (WWD-Cape May County)

Room options

View all photos for Ground Floor - Tub

Ground Floor - Tub | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, free WiFi, bed sheets

Ground Floor - Tub

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(28 reviews)
  • 275 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Second Floor - Shower

Second Floor - Shower | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, free WiFi, bed sheets

Second Floor - Shower

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(30 reviews)
  • 275 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Third Floor - Shower

Third Floor - Shower | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, free WiFi, bed sheets

Third Floor - Shower

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(37 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

About the neighborhood

Dewey Beach

Dewey Beach is within a 5-minute walk of The Surf Shanty Motel while other popular sites like Delaware Seashore State Park are within a 15-minute stroll. This 15-room motel has 20 beach bars along with conveniences like free in-room WiFi and free self parking.
View more Motels in Dewey BeachOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Dewey Beach - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Rehoboth Beach - 3 min drive - 1.5 miles
  • Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk - 5 min drive - 2.1 miles
  • Funland - 5 min drive - 2.1 miles
  • Tanger Outlets - 6 min drive - 3.9 miles

Getting around

  • Georgetown, DE (GED-Sussex County) - 35 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Rusty Rudder - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Nalu Surf Bar - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Grotto Pizza - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Dewey Beach Country Club - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Bottle & Cork - ‬7 min walk

About this property

The Surf Shanty Motel

Motel with free parking, a quick walk to Dewey Beach
At The Surf Shanty Motel, guests have access to features like free use of bicycles and express check-out. You can put free parking to good use if you drive.
Guests can expect free WiFi and 55-inch flat-screen TVs with cable channels. Bathrooms offer hair dryers and designer toiletries, and pillowtop beds with premium bedding ensure a restful night.
Recreational amenities at the motel include complimentary bicycles.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Similar properties

On the beach, beach towels

Surf Club Oceanfront Hotel

  • Pool
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, 1,087 reviews
$97 nightly
The price is $108
Oct 5 - Oct 6
Total with taxes and fees
Surf Club Oceanfront Hotel

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 50+ Mbps

Parking and transportation

  • Free uncovered self parking on site
  • Limited onsite parking (max 1 space per unit)

Food and drink

  • 20 beach bars

Things to do

  • Free bicycle rentals

Family friendly

  • Mini-fridge

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Lever door handles
  • No elevator
  • Visual alarms in hallways
  • Well-lit path to entrance

More

  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Pillowtop mattress
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 55-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • Free bottled water
  • Mini-fridge

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Heating (climate-controlled)

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

Access methods

Access code, private entrance

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Property payment types

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
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 21
Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A credit card for incidental charges and a government-issued photo ID may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.

Property is also known as

The Surf Shanty Motel Motel
The Surf Shanty Motel Dewey Beach
The Surf Shanty Motel Motel Dewey Beach

Frequently asked questions

What's there to do close to The Surf Shanty Motel?

Guests positively rate the motel's walkable location in Dewey Beach, just steps from Dewey Beach and Dewey Beach Parasail, and within a short walk of Indian Beach. You'll also find Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk and Rehoboth Beach within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at The Surf Shanty Motel?

Yes, uncovered self parking is offered for free at the motel. You'll find a max of 1 space per unit.

Does The Surf Shanty Motel include a casino at the property?

No, The Surf Shanty Motel doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at The Surf Shanty Motel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this motel.

What amenities will couples enjoy at The Surf Shanty Motel?

Amenities at this motel that appeal to couples include a pillowtop mattress and 20 beach bars.

Does The Surf Shanty Motel have a hot tub?

No, this motel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does The Surf Shanty Motel feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

No, The Surf Shanty Motel doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does The Surf Shanty Motel allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at The Surf Shanty Motel.

Does The Surf Shanty Motel have connecting rooms?

No, this motel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

What is the closest airport to The Surf Shanty Motel?

The closest major airport to The Surf Shanty Motel is Georgetown, DE (GED-Sussex County), which is 19.2 mi away (35 minutes by car). Another top airport is Ocean City, MD (OCE-Ocean City Municipal), which is located 28.7 mi away (46-minute drive).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at The Surf Shanty Motel?

No, you won't find guestrooms with balconies at The Surf Shanty Motel.

The Surf Shanty Motel Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 257 out of 301 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 42 out of 301 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 301 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 301 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 301 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Judith

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The only thing we didn't like is it didn't have an elevator. We had to walk to 3rd floor.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Bob

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very well kept clean property. Excellent location to the beach and dinning close by. A few minor inconvenience. A place to hang a wet bathing suit or towel. No place to unpack your clothes. No microwave but overall very nice for a short stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Cory

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Libby

Traveled with group
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

10/10 Excellent

James, ALEXANDRIA

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

10/10 Excellent

Agnieszka, Rockville

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

10/10 Excellent

Shannon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kim

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brandon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Weather was decent. The stay was the highlight of the trip
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tobias

Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tobias

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing!!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
This is the perfect hotel for a weekend getaway.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Monica

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

10/10 Excellent

Emmanuel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Traveled with family
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

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Traveled with family
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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ronnyne

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

Definitely will be back!

Loved loved LOVED it! This motel is about 150-200 steps from the beach. It was perfect for our stay. The manager was attentive and helpful. The rooms were super clean and the beds were so comfortable. I slept so well here. Definitely will be back!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Maureen

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
If you're looking for a cozy, comfortable, and well-located spot for a beach getaway, the Surf Shanty Motel in Dewey Beach is an absolute gem! From the moment we arrived, I was impressed by how clean and well-kept everything was. The room was incredibly comfortable, providing the perfect place to unwind. Comfortable beds, huge TV and great shower. One of the highlights for me was the motel's prime location—it’s just a short walk to the beach or the bay and you're also close to some of the best restaurants. The little touches at Surf Shanty Motel really set it apart. They offer wonderful products like Malin and Goetz and Waiākea water. It's clear the owners and Andre the manager put a lot of thought into creating a welcoming atmosphere with those thoughtful details. It made my stay feel extra special and made me eager to return in the future. All in all, it's an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy Dewey Beach in comfort and style. I’ll definitely be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Jesse

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

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

Hidden jem.

Great place. Lovely.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024