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The Surf Shanty Motel

2.5 star property

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Photo gallery for The Surf Shanty Motel

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

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Bar

Explore the area

View in a map
21 Van Dyke Ave, Dewey Beach, DE, 19971
  • Place, Dewey Beach
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Dewey Beach Parasail
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Bottle & Cork
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Airport, Ocean City, MD (OCE-Ocean City Municipal)
    ‪58 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

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(31 reviews)
  • 275 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Second Floor - Shower

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

Second Floor - Shower

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(34 reviews)
  • 275 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Third Floor - Shower

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

Third Floor - Shower

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(40 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

Dewey Beach

The Surf Shanty Motel places you next to Dewey Beach and a short stroll from other popular sights like Delaware Seashore State Park. This 15-room motel has 20 beach bars along with conveniences like free in-room WiFi and free self parking.
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What's nearby

  • Dewey Beach - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Dewey Beach Parasail - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Indian Beach - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Bottle & Cork - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Delaware Seashore State Park - 14 min walk - 0.8 miles

Getting around

  • Georgetown, DE (GED-Sussex County) - 40 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Starboard - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Woody's Dewey Beach - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Dewey Beer Co. - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Rusty Rudder - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Dewey Beach Country Club - ‬7 min walk

About this property

The Surf Shanty Motel

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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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 self 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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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 Bottle & Cork. You'll also find Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk and Rehoboth Beach within a short drive.

Will I be able to park 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 will couples enjoy most about a stay at The Surf Shanty Motel?

Amenities at this motel that appeal to couples include premium bedding and 20 beach bars.

Does The Surf Shanty Motel have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this motel.

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 available?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this motel.

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 mi away (40 minutes by car). Another top airport is Cape May, NJ (WWD-Cape May County), which is around 23.6 mi away.

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

No, there aren't any guestrooms at The Surf Shanty Motel that offer a balcony.

The Surf Shanty Motel Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 281 out of 333 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 49 out of 333 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 333 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 333 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 333 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

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

Christopher

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

10/10 Excellent

Shendi

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

shannon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Such a beautifully designed and maintained Boutique Motel!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

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
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

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
Verified

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
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

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

Loretta

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Loved the beachy vibes, and friendlines. Hoping to go back again!,
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved our stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
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

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

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

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

Julie

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This place was extremely clean.Close to the beach.I loved the bikes on site.Great parking.Would definitely stay again
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 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

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

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