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The Surf Shanty Motel

Property class: 2.5

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Photo gallery for The Surf Shanty Motel

A wave curling over a beach with a clear sky in the background.
A two-story motel with numbered balconies and a row of bicycles parked in front.
A hotel room with two beds, a TV, a desk, and a painting on the wall.
A person walking on a beach with a surfboard.
A tray with several tubes of MALIN+GOETZ body wash and a box of rum bar soap.

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, Bottle & Cork
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Place, Delaware Seashore State Park
    ‪14 min walk‬
  • Airport, Ocean City, MD (OCE-Ocean City Municipal)
    ‪57 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Ground Floor - Tub

A hotel room with two beds, a desk with a computer, a TV, and a window with a view of the sea.

Ground Floor - Tub

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

View all photos for Second Floor - Shower

A hotel room with two beds, a TV, a plant, and a view of the ocean.

Second Floor - Shower

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

View all photos for Third Floor - Shower

A hotel room with two beds, a TV, a desk, and a view of the ocean.

Third Floor - Shower

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

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.
View more Motels in Dewey BeachOpens in a new window

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
  • ‪Rusty Rudder - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Dewey Beer Co. - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Woody's Dewey Beach - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Above the Dunes - ‬5 min drive

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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  • Pool
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, 1,332 reviews
$107 nightly
The price is $119
Sep 30 - Oct 1
Total with taxes and fees
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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

  • American Express
  • Discover
  • Mastercard
  • Visa

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 and Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk within a short drive.

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.

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.

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.

The Surf Shanty Motel Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 327 out of 388 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 56 out of 388 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 388 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 388 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 388 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a GREAT stay at the motel for a few days throughout the week at the beginning of June. The staff was super attentive, the location to the beach was MORE than ideal, and the amenities were perfect for what we were needing. We very much will be using this motel in the future for our beach getaways!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I enjoyed my stay this week. Great location. Helpful staff. It was clean and safe.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Updated, cute, modern hotel at the beach and only a short walk from the water and places to go. Loved the design of the place and that it was more updated. Easy check in and check out.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful place ocean block …
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We have started visiting annually thanks to the great accommodations they offer just steps from the beach. Had another great time this past weekend.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Andre - the hotel Property Manager is an amazing guy and made my family's time extra special with his hospitality
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Location was fantastic and the access to the bikes was great. Room was clean. Two suggestions to make it even better - have a room key drop box for when checking out and have a guide in the room outlining the amenities like the bikes and when they are available.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean and beds were comfy. No closet or dresser so clothes needed to stay in suitcase. Walking distance to beach and restaurants. Enjoyed my stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Surf Shanty Motel was exceptional! We will be back! So close to the beach; within walking distance of all the restaurants and bars in Dewey. Literally pulled the car in the lot and never drove while we were there. Andre is extremely welcoming and always with a smile. The room was spotless! They have bikes you can use if you want as well & a free gift from the Surf Shack.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was one of the best experiences we've had while visiting Dewey Beach, Delaware! It was our first time staying here, and my boyfriend and I loved every second of our stay. Andre and his team are truly unmatched when it comes to hospitality. Their welcoming attitude, attention to detail, and genuine care for both their property and their guests made our visit exceptional. We felt valued from the moment we arrived and appreciated how dedicated the team was to ensuring we had a wonderful experience. We will definitely be returning next season and can't wait to stay here again! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highly recommended!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good location, easy to find. Easy access to the room. Friendly staff. The beds were very comfortable. I wish there was more room to store clothes outside of my suitcase.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was clean. Plenty of parking. Check in was confusing but we got in. Front desk employee was helpful with our TV.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

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 review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The motel is a cute boutique style, located just a short 1 minute walk from the beach. Easy, simple, clean, comfortable and good vibes. It is right in the middle of town, which makes it easy to walk around. The man at the front desk was very kind. We were there for the weekend, before the season really started. It worked out perfectly.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean room. Great location,ocean side and quiet. Parking is convenient. Beds are super comfortable. Nice touch on the complimentary toiletries and water.Staff are super friendly and helpful. Beach cruiser bikes for use on premise delightful touch. AC could be colder,window units. No closet or place to hang clothes. Hot water took a while to heat up. Would definitely stay again and price point was great for area and season.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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