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The Surf Shanty Motel

Property class: 2.5

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 Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Bar

Explore the area

View map
21 Van Dyke Ave, Dewey Beach, DE, 19971
  • Place, Dewey Beach
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Dewey Beach Parasail
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Delaware Seashore State Park
    ‪14 min walk‬
  • Airport, Ocean City, MD (OCE-Ocean City Municipal)
    ‪56 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)
  • 26 sq m
  • 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
(39 reviews)
  • 26 sq m
  • 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 area

Dewey Beach

At The Surf Shanty Motel you'll be within just a 5-minute stroll of Dewey Beach and within 15 minutes of Delaware Seashore State Park. Highlights at this motel include 20 beach bars and in-room free WiFi. .With a stay at this Dewey Beach motel, you'll be 2.9 km (1.8 mi) from Rehoboth Beach and 3.5 km (2.2 mi) from Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk.
View more Motels in Dewey BeachOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Dewey Beach - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Dewey Beach Parasail - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Indian Beach - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Bottle & Cork - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Delaware Seashore State Park - 14 min walk - 1.2 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

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

About this property

The Surf Shanty Motel

The Surf Shanty Motel offers its guests express check-out. You can unwind with a drink at one of the 20 beach bars. The front desk is open around the clock. Limited free parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

This Dewey Beach motel is smoke free.

  • 15 guestrooms or units
  • 20 bars on the beach
  • Express check-out
  • No smoking on site
The Surf Shanty Motel offers 15 accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature complimentary bottles of water and designer toiletries. Pillowtop beds feature premium bedding. 55-inch flat-screen televisions come with cable channels.

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

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  • Pool
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
4.6 out of 5, Wonderful, 1,352 reviews
The price is AU$139
includes taxes & fees
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 50+ Mbps

Parking and transport

  • Free uncovered self parking on site
  • Limited number of on-site self parking spaces 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 lift
  • 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

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A credit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit in all accommodation.

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

Is parking available at The Surf Shanty Motel?

Yep, The Surf Shanty Motel has a free self car park. Onsite parking is limited (max 1 space per unit).

Are there any beaches close to The Surf Shanty Motel?

Yep, The Surf Shanty Motel is a short 2-minute walk from Dewey Beach.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at The Surf Shanty Motel?

No, The Surf Shanty Motel does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at The Surf Shanty Motel?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at The Surf Shanty Motel?

No, pets are not allowed.

The Surf Shanty Motel Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 333 out of 395 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 57 out of 395 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 395 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 395 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 395 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
Amazing stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, clean property, friendly staff.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean rooms, staff was friendly, ice machine on premises was great! Easy parking! Definitely would stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, and the amenities were useful; especially the bikes that were available to use. Clean room and comfortable beds as well.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Love this hotel. This is our third summer trip staying here. Rooms are super cute, clean and well decorated. Love being so close to the beach and there's restaurants literally right around the corner.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a great stay at this adorable, well maintained shanty! You can tell a lot of pride is taken in keeping up the property. I'm a clean freak and I was very comfortable there. I would definitely recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
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
Wonderful place ocean block …
Stayed 2 nights in May 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
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

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff here is fantastic-- kind, friendly, and very helpful. The only issue we
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 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
Everything was clean and check in was smooth. The manager was nice and personable and very informative and thorough while setting up our key pad. You will not find a better location for the price. 2 minute walk to the beach and on site parking. My wife and I will absolutely be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 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
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
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
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

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

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
Fun motel near beach, always clean and friendly staff!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025