4 Magnificent Beachfront Hotels You Can Actually Afford

Think you can’t afford a beachfront hotel? …Think again!

Your summer beach vacation should involve the breeze in your hair and the sand in your toes. Not the bill you’ve accumulated at the front desk. Just imagine waves lapping against the shore, salt-tinged breezes, and the sun-warmed sand enveloping your toes.

And the best part? This all happens mere steps from a beachfront hotel room with an incredible ocean view. Yup…that’s the stuff that perfect beach vacations are made of. But don’t freak out about the costs just yet.

We found a few affordable, magnificent, and amenity-packed hotels right on the beach. And they’re all under $250 per night!

So whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly family vacation, a romantic couples retreat, or just a getaway with friends, we’ve got you covered with 4 of the best low-cost beachfront hotels for every type of traveler.

Grand Galvez, Galveston, Texas

Rates: Starting at $170 per night

Open since 1911, the “Queen of the Gulf” is the only historic beachfront hotel on the Gulf Coast of Texas. Besides its ideal location, this Spanish Colonial icon has a recently renovated saline pool with a hot tub and swim-up bar included!

But you don’t have to spend your entire time by the water. This beachfront hotel also has the fantastic Spa Galvez, perfect for unwinding with some reflexology and an aromatherapy massage. But what is there to do around the area?

After you’re done exploring the 32-mile coastline, your next stop should be the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, featuring fun amusement rides.

And it’s only a quarter-mile walk from the hotel. Keep going another 5 miles, and you’ll find Moody Gardens Aquarium, which also has a paddlewheel boat, a zipline, and a 3D theater.

Nautilus Inn, Daytona Beach, Florida

Rates: Starting at $119 per night

Found on the sunshine state’s A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway, this beachfront hotel will feel more like a “pinch me” escape rather than a “cheap hotel on the beach.” It’s the perfect setting for families for a few reasons.

First, children stay free. And accommodations feature full-size kitchen appliances, which is fantastic for keeping your pint-size eaters healthy on your travels.

The rooms also have private balconies for spying dolphins playing, and the whole family can splash around in the oceanfront swimming pool. Or you can just walk a few steps farther to play on the white sand beach.

And while we already know that Florida is famous for its incredible beaches, Daytona is also well-known for racing. The Motorsports Hall of Fame of America is just a 15-minute drive away, and it can be a special treat for car enthusiasts of ALL ages.

Best Western Plus Beach Resort Monterey, Monterey, California

Rates: Starting at $225 per night

Our third option is the most expensive on the ist. But we promise it’ll be worth it! This beachfront hotel is perfect for those who want to explore the picturesque Pacific Coast and want to experience classic American attractions.

And while finding low-cost waterfront digs in coastal California can be a pretty big ask, we found this charming spot on the beach a pleasant surprise. If you choose to stay here, you’ll also be bordering the 18-mile-long Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail.

Once you’re done exploring, it leads you to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, San Carlos Beach, and Fisherman’s Wharf. But our favorite thing about this beachfront hotel? The 196 rooms are covered in floor-to-ceiling windows, giving you an incredible view of Monterey Bay!

Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Virginia Beach, Virginia

Rates: Starting at $118 per night

Budget-friendly bliss awaits those who visit this beachfront hotel. It cozies up to the Ocean and the beautiful sandy beach. But indoor and outdoor pools also provide you with options for relaxation by the water. So don’t forget to pack your swimsuit!

And guess what? This place is also pet-friendly, so you don’t have to leave Fluffy at home! Another great thing about this location is that you won’t have time to be bored.

Right next to the property, you’ll be greeted with the three-mile-long Virginia Beach Boardwalk, where your kids or grandkids can spend time at JT’s Grommet Island Park, a kid-friendly playground. And there are also plenty of boutiques and restaurants to explore.

Be sure also to visit 31st Street Park while you’re here for some amazing live performances.

But if you’re looking for more types of adventures the whole family will love, a 10-minute car ride will take you to two great options: the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center and the Ocean Breeze Waterpark.

So which of these beachfront hotels was your favorite? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!

And if you want some more ideas on how to spend this summer, we’re here to help you out. Check out: 6 “Must-See” Exotic Vacation Spots You’ll Love in the US