My, how things can change in one year...and not for "the better". The Gulf Beach Cottages has a new owership and with that, propery priorities have apparently changed too. The outside sitting area where we use to love to hang out and enjoy the breeze is now un-mowed and covered with tall weeds. It use to draw us outside with its clean tables surrounded by lush tropical blooms and sweet Christmas lights at night. Not anymore - the "feel" of the place is simply not warm or welcoming. We had a major plumbing problem that caused us to cut our trip short. The manager, Jody, said we could move to another cottage that wasn't cleaned yet but we'd have to change the bed linens ourself (she did agree to refund us for the nights that we lost). Overall, the experience was really sad...we hate seeing this formerly quaint and wonderful place on such a downhill slide. We won't be back.

We wanted to stay in a more affordable place, where we could enjoy the surroundings, be close to the water, local restaurants, yet feel at home when it was time to rest our heads. We were pleasantly surprised by the cool A/C (cooled our room enough although we stayed in the smaller room w/o a kitchen), and it was clean. Because of the age of these cottages, there were some scary spots in the floor that seemed as though the floor might have had some previous water damage (weak spots where the floor would give when you walk on it). Small shower & bath in general but we really enjoyed the service, cleanliness and you can't beat the price. Two easy nice blocks to the ocean (sidewalks), close to all the shops, restaurants, etc. We would stay here again for sure! The pool next door can be used by visitors of Gulf Sea Cottages - so that's a nice alternative to the beach. Grills, lots of lawn furniture (with shade, umbrellas), refrigerator, TV, little table top with 2 chairs, overall a good value!

Gulf Beach Cottages # 11 in Port Aransas is island history in a nutshell. They are among the first cottages built on the island and are small and quaint but could use some TLC. The beds and bedding were nice and clean but the cottage had several things that need attention. The plumbing in the shower is anique with some rust stains and corrosion. The shower could be cleaner. The kitchen plumbing is also old but the kitchen area was clean and soap, dishpan and cooking equipment provided. Very new and nicely cleaned refrigerator. There is only one small window unit for air conditioning that fails to cool the whole cottage in the afternoon and evening. From the other reviews using words like "immaculate" and "very clean", I expected better. The carpet is old, stained, and torn and a good vacuuming is in order but you are on an island of sand. You should also know that you take out your own trash and the only housekeeping provided during your stay is fresh towels for the room. You can also use the pool next door (very nice) and there are some picnic tables outside for your use. The beach is only about 3 blocks away and although the cottages are on a busy street, they are very private with front door parking. I think the cottages are also under new ownership that may account for the differences from the earlier reviews. For the price, compared to condos in the summer in Port A, this place was a good value.

We rented two cabins because we were going to take some of our employees with us. Cabin 15 & 12. Cabin 15 is the cabin I stayed in. In was open floor plan. Very clean. And the bed was so nice it felt like home. I also got a lot of use out of the littel private deck off the cabin. That was perfect for drinking coffee in the morning. Or a night cab in the evening. The pool was great. We even a bar-b-q out on the patio. And made some new friends.

My Husband And I have been going to Port A for over 15 years and we have never stayed at the GBC before. But next trip to the beach I will be reserving cabin 15 for my family and I.

Jodey at the front desk told us of a fishing spot that was incredable. The guys on our trip charterd a boat then went fishing of the peir and did not do so well. (five men only four fish) Hower the girls (all three under 15yrs) and I went to the spot Jodey told us about and lets just say the girls brought home dinner that nite. We caught over 30lb of trout and whitting. So if you going to the coast to fish ask Jodey because she knows were the fish go that want to be caught.