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The Surf Shanty Motel

2.5 star property
Motel with free parking, 3-minute 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
Exterior
Designer toiletries, hair dryer, towels
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, Indian Beach
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Delaware Seashore State Park
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Airport, Ocean City, MD (OCE-Ocean City Municipal)
    ‪47 min drive‬

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 Parasail - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Dewey Beach - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Indian Beach - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Bottle & Cork - 8 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Delaware Seashore State Park - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Rusty Rudder - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Grotto Pizza - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Nalu Surf Bar - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪The Dewey Post - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Dewey Beach Country Club - ‬6 min walk

About this property

The Surf Shanty Motel

Motel with free parking, 3-minute 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.

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The price is $93
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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 Tanger Outlets within a short drive.

Is there parking available 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).

Can I book a room with a balcony at The Surf Shanty Motel?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at The Surf Shanty Motel.

The Surf Shanty Motel Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 263 out of 309 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 43 out of 309 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 309 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 309 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 309 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

6/10 Okay

Nakeiha

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
This was my second time at the Surf Shanty and although the rain sort of impeded going to the beach, my stay was just okay. I was there to get work done, but AC leaked throughout rainstorm.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A really cute place for a reasonable price. We walked most places we went to and we were right near the beach
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lawrence

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great stay; second time. Quiet spot with friendly staff. Super clean and less than a 2 min walk onto the beach. Plenty to eat and drink within walking distance. Will be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julie

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very clean , quiet and convenient to the beach. Would highly recommend and repeat
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Teresa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Hotel was clean. Very close to the beach and close to restaurants. Would stay again
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Always love staying here!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Colleen

Traveled with partner
Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful!! Adorable, love the branding and bikes....!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tina

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
na
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shendi

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
amazing place to stay- the staff was so friendly
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Cute motel, great location

Location can’t be beat. Friendly staff. Nice to have access to bikes. We stayed there a couple of nights. The room doesn’t have many drawer space or a closet so that might have annoyed me as I like to put my clothes in drawers or hang them up on longer stays. There was a coat rack that was handy to have to hang clothing on. Only complaint is that the walls are thin. I had to keep the TV on at night to drown out the footsteps/noise from the room directly above or next door. Would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Masooma

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

10/10 Excellent

Amber

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I am so glad I chose Surf Shanty to stay at! The man at the front desk was so nice and helpful upon checking in. The location was perfect! Less than a block to the beach, on the quieter end of the strip but still walkable to everything. The room was clean and you can tell they put thought into this hotel. All the colors and decor are cohesive and beachy. There is an outdoor shower to rinse the sand off before going back to your room. The beds are super comfortable. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lani

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Surf Shanty was a great small hotel, close to everything Dewey Beach has to offer, but still tucked away that it wasn’t as noisy as some other hotels we’ve stayed at. Staff was very friendly. Beds and pillows were super comfortable.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

victoria

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Property was amazing, clean, right near the beach and everything you need for your stay !
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Miriam

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

10/10 Excellent

Catherine

Traveled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Vincent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ryan

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Steven, Whitestone

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

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

stacey

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erika

Traveled with partner
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