10 Dreamy Beachfront Hotels That Are Actually Super Affordable

When people picture their ideal vacation, an oceanfront hotel often comes to mind. However, those kinds of beachfront accommodations were once considered a luxury that was out of most travelers’ budgets.

Today, you can have a picture-perfect beachfront vacation without spending a fortune. So, whether you’re planning a solo trip, a couple’s getaway, or an unforgettable family vacation, there’s likely an affordable beachfront hotel within your budget.

1. Chateau Beachfront Hotel, Panama City, Florida

Starting Nightly Rate: $71

Panama City’s Chateau Beachfront Hotel epitomizes the classic beach vacation. Since 1966, the hotel has welcomed guests looking for a getaway spot on the ocean.

With multiple room and suite options, it’s an affordable beachfront hotel perfect for couples, families, and groups of friends. However, the rooms are a bit understated in terms of decor.

To ensure you get a view of the ocean, choose a water, ocean, or bay view room while making your reservations. These rooms not only have a view of the water but also let you enjoy your views in peace thanks to their private balconies and terraces.

In addition to the hotel’s access to the beach, Chateau Beachfront has an on-site pool and tiki bar.

How To Book: You can redeem approximately 20,000 Best Western Rewards points per night to stay at the Chateau Beachfront Hotel. The loyalty program frequently offers promotions to earn bonus points on qualifying stays at Best Western properties, making it easier to accrue points for a free stay.

2. Grand Beach Resort Hotel, Traverse City, Michigan

Starting Nightly Rate: $84

Travelers looking for a picturesque and budget-friendly hotel while enjoying Michigan’s beaches can check out Grand Beach Resort Hotel. With 14 room options available, there’s something for every budget and travel group. All rooms have a simple aquatic theme, though the specific amenities change based on the accommodation.

Book a beach-view room for a view of the water. However, the best and least obstructed views are on the upper floors. Suites with a full kitchen are also available if you’d prefer to prepare food before heading out to the water.

Grand Beach also has a penthouse, villa, and townhouse available if you need more space and privacy. The penthouse and villa comfortably sleep up to 8 people, while the townhouse has room for up to 10 guests. 

How To Book: This cozy beachfront property is available for booking through Expedia or Hotels.com, both of which participate in the unified One Key Rewards program. Members earn 2% back in OneKeyCash on eligible hotel bookings and other travel purchases, which can be applied toward future reservations at checkout.

3. Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Virginia Beach, Virginia

Starting Nightly Rate: $128

With its central location and access to Virginia Beach’s coast, it’s hard to believe the Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront is a budget-friendly lodging option.

Multiple room and suite options are available, including pet-friendly accommodations. The specific features change depending on the room, but all bookings get access to free Wi-Fi, the indoor and outdoor pools, the fitness center, and the on-site eateries.

Many of the rooms look out on the water, but to ensure the best view, request beachfront accommodation when making your reservations. You can enjoy a panoramic water view from your private balcony. Even if you don’t book a beachfront option, the sand is just a few steps away, so you can get to the water in a few minutes.

How To Book: Redeeming Hilton Honors points for a stay is surprisingly wallet-friendly, with base-level guest rooms starting at around 34,000 points per night. Hilton Honors Silver elite members and above enjoy the added benefit of a fifth night free on award stays, making it an excellent opportunity to save points on extended stays.

4. Holiday Inn Resort South Padre Island, Padre Island, Texas

Starting Nightly Rate: $119

The Holiday Inn Resort South Padre Island is light on your wallet and a great place to stay. With amenities including on-site restaurants, a pool, and a fitness center, it offers luxury vacations at a relatively low cost. The hotel has direct access to Padre Island beach, thanks to its location on the sand.

Though the hotel is busiest during the spring and summer when it’s beach season, it’s open all year, so you can enjoy walking on the sand no matter the month.

There are only 2 room options: single-bedroom suites and standard rooms. Though both have a variety of sleeping options, they are good for single travelers or families.

How To Book: This beachfront resort is part of the IHG One Rewards loyalty program, allowing members to earn 10 IHG points per dollar spent on their reservation. Alternatively, you can book a stay starting at 15,000 IHG One Rewards points per night. However, the exact points required will vary based on IHG’s dynamic pricing and the timing of your visit.

Hot Tip:

Not all rooms have a view of the water. If you value a beach view, make sure to request one during the booking process.

5. Lotus Boutique Inn & Suites, Ormond Beach, Florida

Starting Nightly Rate: $89

Lotus Boutique Inn & Suites offers its guests a luxurious beach experience without costing a fortune. It was recently remodeled, so not only does it offer easy access to Daytona Beach, but it can also provide new comforts to its guests. Various room options are available, ranging from simple rooms to suites with a kitchenette.

However, views aren’t all the same. Some have just a view of the courtyard, while others provide just a partial beach view. Be sure to request a full ocean view when booking if you want to wake up and enjoy looking at the water from the comfort of your room.

No matter where you are in the hotel, the sand is just a few steps away. So take advantage of the free breakfast and head out for a day by the water.

How To Book: Regardless of how you book this property, you can maximize your rewards by using a travel credit card. The popular Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card offers 5x points on travel booked through the Chase Travel portal and 2x points on all other travel-related purchases.

6. Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Starting Nightly Rate: $154

Rated as a 4-diamond hotel by AAA, Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes is a comfortable and luxurious beachfront resort at a budget-friendly price.

There are 7 room options are available, all of which have a private balcony or terrace to enjoy the view. Views vary, though. Request an oceanfront room or suite to ensure you get an unobstructed look at the water. Partial-view and resort-view rooms are also available. All the rooms are spacious, so they’re a good option for families.

Part of Marriott’s resort ambiance is its amenities. Guests are free to use the fitness center and pools or book a treatment at the spa. Local attractions are also near the hotel, which provides easy access. However, the sand is only a short walk away, and most guests spend their days in the sun and water.

How To Book: Marriott Bonvoy is among the world’s most popular loyalty programs. While the program eliminated its award chart a few years ago, you can still enjoy free nights at this highly-rated Myrtle Beach hotel for just 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. All Marriott Bonvoy members can benefit from the “Stay for 5, Pay for 4” offer, allowing you to redeem points for 5 nights while only paying for 4!

7. Nautilus Inn, Daytona Beach, Florida

Starting Nightly Rate: $125

Daytona Beach’s Nautilus Inn is a favorite beachfront property among families visiting this corner of Florida. With 99 rooms, it’s one of the smaller hotels in the area, making it relatively quiet for children or adults with sensory concerns.

What makes the Nautilus Inn unique is its view of the water and access to the beach. If you book an ocean or partial view room, you’ll have an unobstructed coast view from your balcony because the hotel is right on the sand.

If your room has a street view, instead, head to the patio or pool for a better view or down to the beach, which is just a few steps away. Just bring your keycard to use the hotel’s beach deck 24/7.

How To Book: For travelers who prefer flexibility over loyalty to a single hotel program, Expedia Group’s One Key Rewards program is an excellent choice, offering rewards on most hotels and resorts worldwide. To maximize your earnings, consider using the One Key™ Card or One Key+™ Card, which provide additional OneKeyCash on your next hotel booking — including stays at the Nautilus Inn.

8. Sand Dunes Resort Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Starting Nightly Rate: $73

Many East Coast residents go to Myrtle Beach as their coastal destination, and Sand Dunes Resort is one of the best options. It’s family-friendly, with an on-site water play area and lazy river, but what really makes it stand out is its proximity to the ocean.

The resort is located right on the sand, so you can be at the beach in just a few steps. This part of the coast is considered the best section of the Myrtle Beach shoreline, thanks to its soft sand, calmer waters, and wide beaches.

When you’re finished with your day in the sun, consider visiting the exercise room, nail salon, or the restaurant’s oceanfront dining. For the best views, make sure to book an oceanfront room. That way, you can enjoy the waves from the comfort of a private balcony.

How To Book: If you already have a travel credit card, you can likely book the Sand Dunes Resort through your card issuer’s travel portal. For example, this property is available via Chase Travel, where points can be redeemed for 25% to 50% more value if you hold the Chase Sapphire Preferred card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve^®, respectively.

9. The Tides by the Sea, Seaside, Oregon

Starting Nightly Rate: $134

The Tides by the Sea in Oregon offers a simple, laidback beachside vacation at an affordable price. Multiple accommodation options are available, ranging from studios to condo suites, so guests can choose the option that best suits their needs.

What’s special about this particular inn is that virtually every room has an ocean view. Most of the lodging options are right on the sand. However, a few rooms have primarily hotel views, so request a coastal view in advance. Dogs are also welcome at the Tides by the Sea for a small fee.

Since the inn functions as an apartment hotel, guest privacy is guaranteed, and each room has an external entrance and exit. There are communal amenities, though, like the pool and courtyard picnic area.

How To Book: Launched in spring 2024, the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card has quickly become one of the top travel credit cards out there. Cardholders earn an unlimited 5x points on all hotel bookings, including stays at The Tides by the Sea — one of the most competitive point rates available.

10. Wyndham Garden, Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Starting Nightly Rate: $92

Wyndham Garden Fort Walton‘s location is an ideal spot for beach lovers. It’s right on the sand, so you can head down to the water first thing in the morning before the crowds start coming in. The resort has a private access passage to the beach directly from the pool area.

It’s also optimally located for out-of-town guests flying into Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport since it’s just a short drive away. That way, you don’t have to miss out on any beach time.

There are 2 dining options, so you don’t have to cut your time on the sand too short by heading out to find a restaurant. Request or book a partial or full water view room to enjoy the coastal scenery whenever you want.

How To Book: Wyndham Rewards stands out as one of the simplest hotel loyalty programs for earning free nights. Hotels are priced at either 7,500, 15,000, or 30,000 points per night, with the Wyndham Garden Fort Walton falling into the highest tier.

Final Thoughts

The U.S. has no shortage of budget-friendly beachfront hotels. No matter what coast you want to see, a hotel or bed and breakfast can suit your needs — and some of these can even be booked with major hotel loyalty points. Whether you’re planning your next vacation or want to know if a beachfront trip can fit your budget, hopefully, this list has helped narrow your options.