Stay Smarter

To get the most value from your stay, especially if visiting for more than a night, be sure to book a "suite" room. The marginal extra cost is well worth it for the inclusion of a kitchenette and separate living space. This space and ability to prepare simple meals have the experience more like a standard motel room but more comfortable, like staying in an apartment. And ask for a room with the view directed into the inner courtyard or over the swimming pool rather than one on the street.

Breakfast is complimentary, notoriously basic, and so inexpensive you can go out for breakfast and enjoy the rest of the day at your suite’s kitchenette. Quick trips on foot to an H-E-B near the hotel can thus easily pack one’s favorite breakfast items, coffee, drinks, and snacks for satisfaction and savings instead of using the in-room amenities at hotel rates for families or long stayers. The best things always come in shoulder seasons, so rooms might not be filled to capacity. Traditional chains on the outskirts do not always guarantee good food. Instead of them, try asking the front desk where the nearest local taqueria is that could serve up some authentic Mexican fare.

Use the hotel’s location as the strategic base to explore the region. While perfect for the university, it is also only a 30- to 40-minute drive to South Padre Island’s popular beaches and attractions. This makes having a full beach day not such an expensive affair, unlike staying in a hotel on the island. History buffs would also find it convenient to drive to the various historical sites and state parks around Brownsville that mark key events of the Mexican-American War.

Booking on or around Dates of Academic Events is Anywhere Close to UTRGV – This warning went along with explaining that because of how near it is to the UTRGV, during big university happenings like graduation, parent’s weekend or the commencement of a term, rooms would be filled far in advance and at a premium. If your dates are flexible and you are not traveling during peak times when the university has high traffic, you might get a better rate and a more peaceful stay. Do not forget to enjoy the outdoor pool, an essential amenity for cooling off in the scorching southern Texas heat.