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The Surf Shanty Motel

2.5 star property
Motel with free parking, 3-minute walk to Dewey Beach

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Photo gallery for The Surf Shanty Motel

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

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Bar

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.
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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
  • ‪The Dewey Post - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Nalu Surf Bar - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Bottle & Cork - ‬7 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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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 Indian Beach. You'll also find Delaware Seashore State Park and Bottle & Cork less than a mile away.

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 do couples enjoy most about The Surf Shanty Motel?

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

Are there hot tubs at The Surf Shanty Motel?

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. 263 out of 310 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 44 out of 310 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 310 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 310 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 310 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

Willow

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Norma

Very accommodating manager. Extremely well kept property! Excellent mattresses!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shayla

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jodi

Traveled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

William

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

Cute and tucked away from the hubbub!

Just got back from our beautiful 2 night stay at the Surf Shanty. Whoever owns this hotel put a lot of love and creativity into refurbishing it. The rooms are beautifully done and there are many thoughtful little touches including Aveda products for the shower. Well lit inside and out and a compact little parking lot in front exclusively for quests. We found the beds to be comfortable, the shower hot, the AC cool, the TV big, and the hotel itself, quiet. Thank you for a great stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan

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

10/10 Excellent

Steven, Whitestone

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

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cara

Traveled with group
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amy

Traveled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

Kelly

Traveled with group
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

10/10 Excellent

LORI

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Mihalis

Business traveler
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

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

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

10/10 Excellent

Katelyn

Traveled with family
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

8/10 Good

Brett

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Traveled with family
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

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jodie

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

Effecient

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

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

8/10 Good

Janet

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Jason

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A great location for this beachy vibe motel. A couple things I would suggest to the property manager would be to offer a coffee cart each morning, add an additional chair and bedside table to the room and finally, I would suggest that the room be serviced automatically if you’re there for 4 nights…we didn’t get our room serviced our entire time. Beyond those minor things, it was a quirky, clean, convenient motel that has 95% of the components needed for a top-notch beach motel.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 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