Sunburst Inn — Hotel in Indian Shores

After watching HGTV’s 100 Day Dream Home, we were excited to see that Mika and Brian renovated a motel on the beach near where we live so we made a reservation for a short, restful stay. Unfortunately, our room, Beachfront, Number 10, did not live up to the hype from the television show and we were disappointed.||But first, what did we love about the Sunburst Inn? The Gulf is just steps away from the property and the view of the Gulf is extraordinary! The weather did not cooperate but the one sunset we saw was magnificent! The deck outside our room gave a wonderful view of the Gulf and, had weather allowed, would have provided a wonderful place to have dinner or coffee in the morning. The surrounding area is quiet and, with the beach almost empty, it was like having our own private beach.||The staff were extremely courteous and accommodating. The area is within walking distance of one of the best restaurants in the area, with others close by. There are other wonderful shops and fun things to do. The almost full-size fridge was great and fit all our cold and frozen items. The kitchen is fully stocked with cups, dishes, pots and pans, everything you would need to cook meals if you decided to eat in. There are plenty of beach towels, chairs, umbrellas, bicycles, and games on the premises to keep you as occupied as you wanted. There are also quiet spots around the property to just relax and rest.||Some of the things that disappointed us: The room is smaller than it appeared on HGTV. When we walked into our room, the bed blocked the entrance. The two rugs on the floor were visibly filthy and should have been cleaned between guests, or at least more often than they are. For a unit that was renovated less than two years ago, the furniture was in poor condition and uncomfortable.||Lack of storage. There was one small, open rack on which to hang our clothing with maybe five hangers, and it was full of extra blankets and beach towels which left little room to hang our things. Also, there was one small, flimsy dresser for our other clothing. It sufficed, but just barely.||In the kitchen, counter space was limited. There were no empty cabinets to store personal items like tea, vitamins, phone chargers, etc., so everything had to stay on the counter with the motel’s provided glasses, cups, toaster oven and coffee maker. That made the counter space cluttered, with little room to eat a meal.||The air conditioner in the unit was not working when we got there, and as we found out later, neither was the one in the guest room next door. The motel did accommodate us by putting a portable floor unit in the bedroom area, but that unit did nothing for the living room area which faced the Gulf and got extremely hot in the afternoon. We got the impression that air conditioning units breaking down is not a rare occurrence here.||The exhaust vent in the bathroom did not work, making it hot and humid after showering and leaving no place but the living room to get ready. The Wi-Fi worked sporadically, especially after a rain storm.||Some of the hotel policies were also disappointing. For instance, check out time was 10:00 o’clock. It is usually 11:00 o'clock. And, for early check-in or late check-out, there is a $35 fee. This is usually a courtesy that a hotel or motel offers, when a room is available, and not something for which we have ever been charged. Finally, parking could prove to be a challenge, especially if the motel was at full capacity.||Bottom line: The room did not live up to the hype from the television show. This is basically a motel room with a kitchenette. The accommodation did not justify the cost...

Let me start by saying I didn’t expect anything fancy for the price. Which isn’t a big deal for me bc I don’t spend much time in the room anyway but boy does it need some updates. looks nothing like the pictures. run down just needs a major face lift. one of the worst looking little motels down there. there were a couple more but it was for sure a close run. The only really good thing was the price and bring ocean front with private access. bed was on like an old creaky frame. DIDNT GET FRESH TOWELS AND WASHCLOTHS. they have you one set and had a washer and dryer that didn’t look very clean that you had to use to wash your one set of towel and washcloth. so we went and bought loofas. I’m not wasting my time on vaca washing 2 towels and 2 washcloths. no ice machine. you’re on the beach… people take coolers… invest in an ice machine. our room was super tiny. felt like I couldn’t move. plus it was right beside the washer/dryer, the gate, and the stairs. so very very noisy. it may have been clean but it sure didn’t feel like it due to I guess how run down it was and much need of updating it needed. i didn’t even walk around the room without shoes. i even showered with my plastic flip flops on. no extra paper towels, trash bags etc. and the staff was not there most of our stay that I could find to help with that. they had 2 small pots, and 1 small pan. very hard to cook anything of size in. we were cooking bacon in the pan and the pot to try to be able to eat at the same time they were soo small. no mini oven we brought some little pizzas and such to cook for lunch, no where to cook them. LITTLE TO NO PARKING AND SUPER TIGHT FITS. Next time we will be spending more for a nicer place. We would have cancelled if we hadn’t lost our money and went...

The highlight of our stay was undoubtedly the beachside grill. With the sunset view, we savored the experience of grilling out right on the sand. It was a fun adventure that brought our family closer together, as we shared stories, laughter, and grilled out while watching the sunset.

The joy on our kids' faces was priceless. The resort's family-friendly atmosphere, complete with a wide range of activities and amenities, ensured they were entertained from sunrise to sunset. From building sandcastles to exploring the ocean, they immersed themselves in the wonders of the beach, leaving us parents with moments of pure relaxation.

But it wasn't just the activities that made our stay exceptional; it was the warm and attentive staff who went above and beyond to make us feel at home. Their genuine smiles and willingness to accommodate our every need added an extra layer of comfort to our stay.

As the days melted into nights, we found ourselves drawn to the sound of the waves and the allure of those unforgettable sunsets. Each evening, we gathered on the beach, sipping our favorite drinks, and watched as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the ocean. It was a moment of serenity and beauty that will forever remain etched in our hearts.

This beachfront resort is a hidden gem of relaxation, adventure, and pure natural beauty. It's a place where family bonds are strengthened, where every sunset is a work of art, and where grilling out on the beach becomes a cherished memory. If you're seeking an enchanting seaside retreat, this resort is a slice of paradise you'll never...