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The Surf Shanty Motel

2.5 star property
Motel near Dewey Beach in Dewey Beach

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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

  • 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, Dewey Beach Parasail
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Delaware Seashore State Park
    ‪14 min walk‬
  • Airport, Ocean City, MD (OCE-Ocean City Municipal)
    ‪58 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
(31 reviews)
  • 275 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

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
(37 reviews)
  • 275 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

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
(41 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

Dewey Beach

Close to the beach.Within a 15-minute walk of the motel, you'll find Dewey Beach and Delaware Seashore State Park. Rehoboth Beach and Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk are also within 3 miles (5 km).
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
  • ‪Woody's Dewey Beach - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Dewey Beer Co. - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Rusty Rudder - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪The Dewey Post - ‬2 min walk

About this property

The Surf Shanty Motel

Motel near Dewey Beach in Dewey Beach
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 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).

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Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Mini-fridge

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

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

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 55-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels

Bedroom

  • Pillowtop mattress
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Towels provided

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.

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
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 each 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

How close is The Surf Shanty Motel to the airport?

The Surf Shanty Motel is 19 mi (40-min drive) away from the Georgetown, DE (GED-Sussex County) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does The Surf Shanty Motel have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at The Surf Shanty Motel.

How close is The Surf Shanty Motel to the beach?

This motel is a short 2-minute walk from Dewey Beach and 6-minute walk from Indian Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does The Surf Shanty Motel offer free breakfast?

The Surf Shanty Motel does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at The Surf Shanty Motel?

No, there is no casino at this motel.

What time is check-in at The Surf Shanty Motel?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM.

Is there free parking at The Surf Shanty Motel?

This motel offers free self parking.

Does The Surf Shanty Motel have a pool?

The Surf Shanty Motel does not have a pool.

Does The Surf Shanty Motel have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this motel.

How close is The Surf Shanty Motel to downtown Dewey Beach?

The Surf Shanty Motel is 0.2 mi away from Dewey Beach.

The Surf Shanty Motel Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 305 out of 364 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 55 out of 364 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 364 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 364 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 364 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

Ronnyne

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

Brett

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

Doreen

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

Kimberli

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

Marjorie

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

Emily

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

Melissa

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

Christopher

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

10/10 Excellent

Shendi

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

Edward

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

Susan

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

10/10 Excellent

Steven

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

shannon

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

victoria

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

Agnieszka

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

10/10 Excellent

Scott

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

10/10 Excellent

Teresa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Hotel was clean. Very close to the beach and close to restaurants. Would stay again
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Tara

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

10/10 Excellent

Mihalis

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Catherine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room is clean , bed is comfortable , location is good, close to beach and shops, will come back
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean and convenient with close access to beach and restaurants.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Josselyn

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Erika

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent place to stay, the rooms are very clean and modern. The location of this motel was perfect. The staff was extremely friendly. I really enjoyed my stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kelly

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

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