The Surf Shanty Motel

2.5 star property

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Photo gallery for The Surf Shanty Motel

Second Floor - Shower | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, free WiFi, bed sheets
Beach nearby, 20 beach bars
Front of property
Exterior
Designer toiletries, hair dryer, towels

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
21 Van Dyke Ave, Dewey Beach, DE, 19971
  • Dewey Beach
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Rehoboth Beach
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Ocean City, MD (OCE-Ocean City Municipal)
    ‪46 min drive‬

Room options

Third Floor - Shower

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Ground Floor - Tub

  • 275 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Second Floor - Shower

  • 275 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Similar properties

About this property

The Surf Shanty Motel

Dewey Beach motel walkable to Dewey Beach
This smoke-free motel features 20 beach bars, free use of bicycles, and express check-out. Self parking is free.
The Surf Shanty Motel offers 15 accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature complimentary bottled water and designer toiletries. Pillowtop beds feature premium bedding. 55-inch flat-screen televisions come with cable channels.

Bathrooms include complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access (speed: 50+ Mbps).

Recreational amenities at the motel include complimentary bicycles.

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

The Surf Shanty Motel features express check-out. Guests can unwind with a drink at one of the motel's 20 beach bars. Limited complimentary onsite parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Surf Shanty Motel is a smoke-free property.

Languages

English

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

  • Smoke-free property

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 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

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

Property is also known as

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

The Surf Shanty Motel Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 204 out of 242 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 36 out of 242 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 242 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 242 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 242 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

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

8/10 Good

Christopher

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Monica

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The place was very clean, cozy and comfortable. The manager, Andre was very professional, personable, and helpful. We had a great time and will definitely stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

charles, bethesda

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location close to the beach, restaurants/nightlife, and just across the street from Dewey Post for breakfast and coffee. Appears to be recently renovated, rooms were cute and clean. Check info sent ahead of time, so got to go straight to room on arrival. Wi-Fi wasn’t fantastic but good enough for basic use.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ron

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Unique property 👌.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sandra

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Had a great stay over a busy October weekend. Andre, the manager, was friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Rooms have a cute surfing, beach theme. Rooms were clean with strong AC. BEDS WERE comfortable with lots of pillows:). Would recommend and stay again
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Donna

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Cleanliness
Property manager was very friendly and accommodating
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Beth

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kate

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

Perfect Stay in Dewey

Absolutely loved our stay here. The hotel is quaint and very clean. Walkable to many restaurants and the beach and bay. Would definitely book again.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great property just steps from the beach. Rooms are immaculate and staff is extremely accommodating. Thank you Andre and staff!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Megan

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mihalis

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location. Nice and easy to get in and out
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lori

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was great, from the customer service of the manager to the condition of the rooms.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Josselyn

Traveled with partner
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