Belles by the Sea

Yuck! Don't do it!You're better off paying the little bit more to stay in a local hotel....wish we did!You don't get any cleaning service during your stay...zero...nada...none! The 'beds' are the worst! Basically a pull out couch bed and a super hard futon. Worst sleep I've ever had, for 5 nights straight! You have to drive off site to turn in your own linens every morning before noon if you want fresh ones and you have to ask for additional toiletries. You have to take out your own trash, which is not easily accessible. The refrigerator barely stayed cold enough for drinks....definitely don't plan on keeping food in it! The walk to the beach is not short! It's at least a half mile, just to reach the beach! Best part though...you WILL be charged an additional 30.00 cleaning fee, whether you clean up after yourselves or not!

Perched high above the ocean like a mid-century fortress surrounded by panoramic views of the Texas coastline one would never know what secrets lie beneath and within the walls of Belles by the sea. Built in 1954 by O'Neil Ford, an American architect of the mid-20th century. Ford died July 20,1982 but his spirit is strong in the withering brick & weathered mortar of this American castle, this stunning fortress of his unique eccentric design. Ford was a native of Texas, a leading architect of the American Southwest & considered one of the nation's best unknown architects. His designs merged the modernism of Europe with the indigenous qualities of early Texas architecture.Erected in 1954 as a resort where clothing was optional, it was originally named The Seahorse Inn by owner and operator, Michael Robert up until his tragic death. Michael Robert, 51, of Port Aransas was slashed and stabbed to death at his home at the Seahorse Inn on Aug. 8, 1996.Shawn Fey, 46, was convicted of his murder. Robert was a native of Aransas Pass. While living in Port Aransas, he was the Democratic Party's Nueces County Precinct 19 chairman from 1990 to the time of his death in 1996. He also worked in the campaigns of Gov. Ann Richards and President Bill Clinton.After Roberts death, many years in probate & decline, it reemerged as Belles by the Sea as it is today. A shadow of what it once was when it was frequented by celebrities like Farrah Fawcett & Hillary Clinton, now its walls only whisper it's secrets, you can not hear them, for they are lost in the wind, lost in the sound of the crashing waves of the sea in the nearby distance. Only a handful of rooms are available today. Brick walls, stunning imported Italian marble floors, tiled showers, cedar ceilings, all facing the ocean with those panoramic views, the sounds of the ocean, the wind, the whispers. Kitchenettes with gas stoves have since been added to the rooms to make them into little European castle-like apartments by the sea. There is no longer a restaurant or maid service. You are totally alone in your fortress high on a hill with maybe a few others. If you are fortunate enough to get a room in its limited space. You can cook in your little indoor/outdoor kitchen with ocean views. BBQ on the terrace overlooking the sea or swim in the private pool. When I stay, I stay for a while. I bring everything I need. Towels, bedding, pots, pans etc., there is some kitchen stuff but I like to cook & require more than what's provided. Walking around the terrace overlooking the ocean, seeing the cracks in the walls, the weathered aging process of it's outer brick shell, it gives you a feeling in your bones of a pirates lair, a Viking castle where sword fighting & savagery took place. A passionate place full of histories mysteries, tales & legends all wrapped up in a enigma. A one of a kind place that takes a little bit of your soul every time you visit, a place that you take & hold in your heart when you leave. And when you leave, you leave slowly, to watch it till it disappears in your rearview, as you whisper faintly in the warm sea air, "I will return soon my love, I will return."

My update. Have been coming here for nine years, maybe 2x a year on average. Great rates in off season, and they let me bring my dog for a $20 dollar fee. Stayed in a new room this time, was so comfortable in the darkened room (when shades were drawn) I could have slept all day and not known it. Love all the natural materials that make the place so cozy. Vicki is the owner and she seems to have recovered from a hard patch, but is back on her feet with lots of support. ps don't tell anyone I don't like it when all 13 rooms are full...

I love Belle's, mainly cause they are so friendly and they have a dog named Bella, as I do. Bella, my dog, gets to come along and enjoy the beach when we stay here. Terry-the owner-understands pets! The place is old and weathered, just like you'd want at the beach. It's a laid back ex-pat kinda place as if you were in Mexico. You can walk to the beach in minutes, great views, and a relaxing atmosphere.

Not impressed. We stayed there and had a leaky roof, toilets that don't flush and the grounds are in distress. No cleaning service, no maintenance. I may be picky but to pay that much money for a place that is obviously in need of repair. It could be a beautiful place if it was taken care of.

Belles By The Sea is a 1950's property that must have been really something when it was built. The problem is that this hotel has not been updated or cleaned since then. After we read a couple of reviews online, we called for reservations. Take it from us - if there are no pictures available online or the property doesn't have a website, don't stay there. I would not advise you stay here. It is a shame because the property has nice views, along with great possibilities. It just needs to have lots of $$$ spent on it to make is habitable. And needs to be truly cleaned from the top to the bottom.

An unexpected, low-key gem among the crowded, noisy hotel scene of Port Aransas. The room was quiet and cool, plenty of room for beach gear and clothes, had a large fridge for refreshments and snacks, and yielded a grand view of the ocean (but included a screen to block the sun). Belles is a great "home base" for the beach scene: a short, less than 5 minute walk away from the beach; a cool, shaded enclosed pool and shower area for cooling off and relaxing; and a patio/grill area with picnic tables. The staff, like the fellow hotel guests, were friendly and helpful, adding to the "chill" atmosphere. They have owned and run the place for years and can tell you something of the history. The hotel is pleasantly uncomplicated, not for those who wish to be constantly "fussed" over by attendants and housekeepers. There were no children, and there isn't much there to entertain the young ones. Pets are welcome, providing they are well behaved, and add the laid back atmosphere. There are no phones in the room. The front desk has a safe in which to store your valuables or anything else you are uncomfortable leaving in the room. Rates are quite reasonable. We payed approximately $120 for two nights. All in all, a real pleasant experience. Highly recommended.

Exceptionally eccentric inn. The owner is a lovely, warm woman who is truly connected to this property. The architecture is amazing mid-century, nearly all original. Rumor is it was designed by a Frank Lloyd Wright protege. The rooms are varied in size and accomodations and the kitchens were built in enclosed porches. Room decor is a little dark, but lovely in it's own right. The hill setting, pool area, and extensive brickwork more than make up for a little dust here and there. Do not expect the Hyatt or Hilton here. Come expecting a piece of history and a unique boutique feel.

To sum up in one word: Crusty...On the plus side, the place accepts dogs and has a little pool and an outdoor lounge with chairs and benches. It also had cable TV, and the location was close to the beach. However, the cons are numerous. I won't repeat the previous reviewer's comments regarding cleanliness but can post a photo of the AC vent for those detail-oriented individuals. One towel has multiple holes, and the others were so thin you could almost see through them. I only hope they were not from the 50s... The bed had rollers and was constantly banging against the wall, taking away the desire for rigorous amorous activities. The sheets were almost as old as the towels, although I've heard of worse ones at another P.A. hotel. The furniture missed the "rustic" style mark by a few decades. The rugs on the floor were more reminiscent of thick towels. The newest thing in the place was the sink, which was descent and appeared to drain fine. Of course, as it is with many P.A. beach hotels/condos, there was no wi-fi, but it was noted in the description. Lastly, there was not much grass to walk to the dog. I'd say once is enough.

We found Belles by the Sea charming. Our room was very clean, comfortable, and we enjoyed the views. This place is approximately 100 yards from the beach and very affordable. We will refer Belles to all our friends.