South Padre Island hotel prices swing sharply with the season and the day of the week, so one average rarely fits a trip. When we read the sources in October 2026, KAYAK’s South Padre Island page showed an average of about $107 for Sunday to Thursday nights and about $163 for Friday and Saturday nights, based on the previous two weeks. Its monthly data ran from about $95 in November to about $322 in July. Treat these as dated planning benchmarks, not quotes.
How Much Do Hotels Cost on South Padre Island?
| KAYAK benchmark | Reading (October 2026) |
|---|---|
| Weeknight average (Sunday to Thursday) | About $107 |
| Weekend average (Friday and Saturday) | About $163 |
| Cheapest month | November, about $95 |
| Priciest month | July, about $322 |
| Cheapest weekday | Tuesday, about $93 |
| Priciest weekday | Friday, about $164 |
The weeknight and weekend figures cover only the last two weeks, so they are not annual averages. The page also contradicts itself in places: its tips refer to Brownsville, and its lowest 3-star and 4-star prices differ between sections. We therefore treat the numbers as a rough guide. We did not find a reliable independent statewide-style average for the island, so we do not give a nightly range by property type.
When Are South Padre Island Hotels Cheapest?
KAYAK showed November as the cheapest month and July as the priciest, which fits a beach destination with strong summer demand. Spring break, summer weekends, holidays and major events can raise rates further, and the island’s official events calendar is worth checking before you assume a quiet weekday will be cheap. Tuesday was the cheapest day and Friday the priciest in the KAYAK data. KAYAK’s page suggested booking at least 31 days ahead, which is a data point rather than a guarantee. Compare refundable and nonrefundable rates separately, and check the same dates again as your trip approaches.
What Taxes Apply to South Padre Island Hotels?
The City of South Padre Island lists a combined hotel occupancy tax of 17%. That is a 10.5% city rate (an 8.5% general occupancy tax plus a 2% venue tax), a 0.5% Cameron County venue tax and the 6% Texas state rate, which the Texas Comptroller confirms for the state portion.
| Example: two weekend nights | Amount |
|---|---|
| Room at KAYAK’s weekend benchmark: $163 x 2 nights | $326 |
| 17% hotel occupancy tax | About $55 |
| Total before parking, resort or other fees | About $381 |
This is arithmetic on one benchmark, not a quote. Parking, resort, pet and cleaning fees can add to the total, and the taxability of a specific charge can depend on how the property classifies it.
Since May 2025, the FTC fee rule generally requires short-term lodging sellers to show the total price including known mandatory fees. Government taxes and optional add-ons can still be shown separately. See our resort fees guide and the hotel occupancy tax by state guide.
How Can You Save on a South Padre Island Hotel?
- Move the stay to Sunday through Thursday when you can, because weekends were the priciest in the KAYAK data.
- Avoid spring break, July and holiday weekends if your dates are flexible.
- Compare the same room, bed type and cancellation terms across booking sites. See booking direct versus Expedia and Hotels.com.
- Reserve a refundable rate early, then recheck before the cancellation deadline.
- Compare the full total including the 17% tax, parking and any resort fee.
- Weigh a condo or rental for a group, but check cleaning and service fees. See our hotel versus VRBO cost comparison.
- Save a screenshot of the room type, cancellation deadline and total.
For other Texas destinations and lodging types, see the Texas hotel cost guide, the Corpus Christi hotel cost guide and the Galveston hotel cost guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About South Padre Island Hotel Costs
How much does a South Padre Island hotel cost per night?
KAYAK showed an average of about $107 for Sunday to Thursday nights and about $163 for Friday and Saturday nights in October 2026, based on the previous two weeks. Prices vary widely by month, from about $95 in November to about $322 in July.
What is the hotel tax in South Padre Island?
The City of South Padre Island lists a combined hotel occupancy tax of 17%: a 10.5% city rate (8.5% general plus 2% venue), a 0.5% Cameron County venue tax and the 6% Texas state rate. Check the city page for current rates before budgeting.
What is the cheapest month for South Padre Island hotels?
KAYAK showed November as the cheapest month at about $95 per night and July as the priciest at about $322. Spring break, holidays and events can raise rates on specific dates.
What is the cheapest day to stay on South Padre Island?
KAYAK showed Tuesday as the cheapest day at about $93 per night and Friday as the priciest at about $164. Individual hotels and event dates can differ.
How far ahead should I book a South Padre Island hotel?
KAYAK suggested booking at least 31 days ahead, but that is a data point, not a guarantee. For popular weekends or holidays, reserve a refundable rate early and recheck the price before the cancellation deadline.
Bottom Line on South Padre Island Hotel Costs
Plan around dates, not one average. KAYAK showed about $107 on weeknights, about $163 on weekends, about $95 in November and about $322 in July. Add the 17% hotel occupancy tax and any property fees, and compare identical room and cancellation terms before booking.
