Cozy 1BR Getaway/ Poolside Hideout in Historic Port Isabel
Welcome to Alta Vista – A Restored 1931 Spanish Colonial Retreat in Historic Port Isabel
Step back in time at Alta Vista, a beautifully restored 1931 Spanish Colonial-style property located just minutes from South Padre Island. With its arched entryways, stucco walls, original oak floors, and vibrant Talavera tile accents from Central Mexico, this historic gem offers a one-of-a-kind vacation experience filled with warmth, character, and comfort.
Originally built with timber, masonry, and handcrafted stucco, Alta Vista reflects the architecture of Old Mexico. Our family purchased the property in 2003 and began a full, authentic restoration—preserving the historic details while updating the space with modern amenities.
This ground floor apartment features:
A queen bed in the main bedroom
A queen sleeper sofa in the living room
A fully equipped kitchen
Freshly laundered bedding and essentials
Enjoy high-speed Wi-Fi, spectrum TV, central A/C, and on-demand hot water for your convenience.
Step outside into our lush tropical courtyard complete with:
A sparkling swimming pool
Lounge chairs and shaded umbrellas
An outdoor kitchen with a churrascaria-style wood-burning BBQ, gas grill, and bar
A breezeway with rocking chairs perfect for your morning coffee or evening wind-down
Our on-site laundry room with two washers and two dryers makes extended stays a breeze.
We’re located just a few blocks from Port Isabel’s Lighthouse Square, local shops, and waterfront dining—and only minutes from the South Padre Island bridge. As lifelong locals, we’re happy to share tips on restaurants, fishing spots, cultural sites, and things to do throughout Port Isabel, SPI, and the Rio Grande Valley.
Come stay at Alta Vista—where history meets hospitality on the Texas coast.
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Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Whole complex ( 5 units) must be rented to host
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
Port Isabel
Located in Port Isabel, this apartment is near a water park. Long Island Village Golf Course and South Padre Island Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Beach Park at Isla Blanca and Beach Waterpark. Gravity Park and South Padre Jetties are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with scuba diving, snorkelling and parasailing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with horse riding.
Pirate's Landing Fishing Pier - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
Dolphin and Nature Research Center - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
Port Isabel Lighthouse - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
Treasures of the Gulf Museum - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
Port Isabel Historical Museum - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
Getting around
Brownsville, TX (BRO-Brownsville-South Padre Island Intl.) - 32 min drive
Restaurants
Subway - 3 min drive
Whataburger - 3 min drive
Starbucks - 3 min drive
White Sands Restaurant - 8 min walk
Joe's Oyster Bar - 7 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Does Cozy 1BR Getaway/ Poolside Hideout in Historic Port Isabel have a pool?
Yes, this property has a pool.
How much does it cost to stay at Cozy 1BR Getaway/ Poolside Hideout in Historic Port Isabel?
As of 4 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Cozy 1BR Getaway/ Poolside Hideout in Historic Port Isabel on 4 June 2026 start from AU$221, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is Cozy 1BR Getaway/ Poolside Hideout in Historic Port Isabel pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Cozy 1BR Getaway/ Poolside Hideout in Historic Port Isabel?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Cozy 1BR Getaway/ Poolside Hideout in Historic Port Isabel?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Cozy 1BR Getaway/ Poolside Hideout in Historic Port Isabel?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Cozy 1BR Getaway/ Poolside Hideout in Historic Port Isabel located?
Situated in Port Isabel, this apartment building is within a 15-minute walk of Port Isabel Lighthouse, Port Isabel Historical Museum and Treasures of the Gulf Museum. Pirate's Landing Fishing Pier and Long Island Village Golf Course are also within 2 miles (3 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
This is a wonderful restored hacinda type property. Beautifuly decorated and very well equiped for daily living.
Zeke Z.
Stayed 8 nights in May 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Robin B.
7 May 2019
Beautiful!! Restored Historic property...
Thank you Ike and Courtney for your wonderful hospitality. Alta Vista is our "Only" place we will stay in the future.
Robin B.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Mar 2020
Thank you so much for taking the time to write us a review. It was a pleasure meeting you both. We enjoyed our conversations & getting to know you. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Beautiful and peaceful. Room was just the right size. Pool area and grilling area was clean and ready to use. Will definitely book again and bring the whole family.
Priscyla R.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 30 May 2023
Thank you for taking the time to write us a review! We are happy you enjoyed you stay & look forward to having you as our guest again soon
This is a cool place. Super clean and super comfortable.The pool is great. I like historical properties and the team has done an incredible job of maintaining those features while still providing all of the modern conveniences and expectations. If you like old places with new life, this is it.
We come to Port Isabel nearly every year for our anniversary. We’ve stayed in many different places….motels, condos, etc, but we are more impressed with Alta Vista than with any of them! It’s quiet, cozy, comfortable and beautiful! We will definitely be coming back!!
We stayed for the month of January. We loved our time at Alta Vista. This place is beautiful. It's actually nicer than the pictures. It was relaxing and enchanting. I can't wait to return.
Verified traveller
Stayed 30 nights in Jan 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Mar 2020
Thank you so much for choosing us for your stay & taking the time to write us a kind review. It was a pleasure meeting you both. We do look forward to your return.
Beautiful place in a nice quiet location. Courtney and Ike were very thoughtful and helpful hosts! They gave us great recommendations and did everything possible to make us feel welcomed. Really great experience overall.
We enjoyed our time here. Nice and quiet but walking distance to good places to eat.
Juan M.
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Mar 2020
Thank you for taking the time to write a nice review. We are happy to know that you enjoyed your stay.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Mario E.
28 Apr 2019
Excellent
We were very pleased with our stay!! It was more than everyone expected but me since I booked it lol from the pictures I knew this was the place for us . It’s a personal space atmosphere which I enjoyed very much . It’s as if you were home away from home. I was very pleased with all the small amenities especially the hand made soap and blow dryer which I forgot of course. My mother in law loved it also . she loved the decor and my husband loved the pool area with the different cooking areas which sadly because of our horrible agenda we were unable to use . We are excited to go again and use it this time around ! We will definitely be staying here on our next visit!! Super friendly owners , very attentive to every need from our booking to our departure!! Thank you for making our mini vacation a pleasant one!!!!
Mario E.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Mar 2020
Thank you so much for taking the time to write us a review! It was a pleasure having you here & we look forward to hosting you in the future!
Verified
10/10 Excellent
linda M.
1 Feb 2019
Wonderful
Well maintained property within walking distance to many restaurants. Enjoyed our time there.
linda M.
Stayed 9 nights in Jan 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Mar 2020
Thank you so much for you kind words & for taking the time to leave us a review. We count ourselves lucky for having guests like you both & hope to have you stay with us again soon. It is our pleasure to share this hidden piece of Port Isabel's History & its surrounding local businesses.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Cathy b.
15 Aug 2018
Love, love, love it!
Alta Vista is awesome. I hate to say it out loud as once you try it you will tell everyone you know and I won’t be able to get in anymore. Small & intimate setting just 5 minutes from the hustle and bustle of SPI. Go out for the day and when you return take a swim in the pool, relax in the courtyard or enjoy a home cooked dinner you can prepare in their summer kitchen.
Cathy b.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018
Verified
10/10 Excellent
John G.
1 Aug 2018
Wonderful Stay
This is a beautiful and unique little property just outside of the tourist areas. The owners were readily available if we had any questions or needed anything. We would definitely stay at Alta Vista again.
John G.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2018
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Joel A.
23 June 2018
The place was wonderful, I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a beautiful place to stay.
Can't say enough about this place
Joel A.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2018
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Dan R.
31 Aug 2016
Just what we wanted!
My son and I came down from Houston for a quick surf trip. We've stayed on the Island many times but wanted a place away from the bustle of tourists. This place was perfect. Very comfortable and clean. It has a retro south-of-the-border feel with a beautiful pool and garden. Look forward to coming back!
Dan R.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2016
Archival
8/10 Good
Donald P.
29 July 2016
Very pleasant and peaceful. It was like stepping back in time only with airconditioning and tv.
We were down for mixed bussiness and pleasure. Was a less expensive and more private place to stay than a big hotel. We enjoyed it.
Donald P.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2016
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Sarah L.
26 July 2016
Quiet, adorable, fantastic location, relaxing and great for families or couples!
Absolutely charming from the historical building to the mid-century decor integrated with taverna style Mexican pottery and tiles! Absolutely beautiful and very clean. This little place is a true gem and a great location. It is close to the bridge going to the island as well as near many restaurants and bars. If you want to enjoy the beautiful beaches of S. Padre but don't want to be in the mix of wild party land then this is your sanctuary! Close enough to get wild and far enough to get away! We will definitely be back and I am making plans to cook in the wood fired oven and mix up a batch of margaritas to sit poolside!! See you next year!
Sarah L.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2016
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Phyllis V.
26 May 2016
amazing
We so needed some r & r and we found it with your home and your family. You made us feel so at peace and part of the family and we very much appreciate your treatment of us. We were in apt. #4 and it was gorgeous. Such a resort feel and we were able to relax and get some much needed rest. We look forward to coming back. Thanks again for your wonderful hospitality.
Phyllis & Tom Violett
Phyllis V.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2016
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Mar 2020
Thank you so much! We are so glad that you chose to stay here with us & enjoyed your unit. We do look forward to your future visits here at Alta Vista as well.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Luke S.
8 Aug 2015
Beautiful property
Stunning property clean and well cared for. We will be back and next time we will be scheduling a whole day to just play in the amazing pool.
Luke S.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Nanette S.
29 June 2015
Quiet Retreat
This place is stinkin' cute. Ike & Courtney have done a phenomenal job renovating this historical apartment/hotel building. It is a perfect retreat to come to after activities on the island. Wonderful back courtyard right outside your back door where you can lounge, jump in the pool or grill your dinner. Lots of plants, palm trees and personal touches all over the property. The owners are on the property and responsive to any questions or problems. It's about a 2 minute drive to the causeway, the lighthouse and other places you might want to explore. We are an older couple so apprecited having a quiet retreat in the late afternoons and evenings. Next time we hope to stay longer!
Nanette S.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Richard P.
28 Feb 2015
Felt like a guest, not a customer
We have been going to the S. Padre Island area for winter vacations for a number of years and generally stay in condo's on the island. Most of the apartments for rent require a monthly or longer stay, which we can't do, yet.
So when my wife found this apartment that was available for our vacation, we were very interested and after following up with Courtney on a few questions we had, we rented it for our 9 day break. This turned out to be an excellent decision.
The unit and grounds were as described and then some. The apt was spotless and well equipped. The kitchen had all the necessary plates, glasses, silverware, utensils, etc. The bed was probably one of the best I've ever had on a vacation. There's wireless and a tv with Direct TV service, lots of closet space, and really everything we needed.
For us, a real bonus was the outside patio and grilling area, which I used every night we were there. It was about a 4 block walk to our favorite seafood market and restaurant (Joes Oyster Bar) and we grilled fresh fish and shrimp almost every night. Ike always had the grill nice and clean each day.
For us, the real pleasure was staying in a building where the owners lived, as opposed to a condo where you have to deal with a property manager or rental agent if anything comes up. Courtney and Ike were always around and asked if we needed anything or had any questions about the area and just visited with us when we were outside or coming and going. The on-site cat would stop by to visit every so often. The owners and their family and friends were constantly working on the grounds to keep everything clean and attractive.
The building is in a nice quiet residential area with plenty of street parking available, but only 4 blocks from the main highway so it's easy to go anywhere else in the area.
We would certainly recommend it to family and friends and we would hope an apt is available for the next time we come to visit this area.
Richard P.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Angle P.
16 Aug 2014
Adorable place, perfect location, great people!!!
This place is amazing and I cannot say enough good things about it. When you walk out the back door you are literally at the pool. No need to pack a cooler or hassle with lugging lots of things to the pool because it is right there. Um...that in itself is a 5 star right?:)
It also has a bar, a hammock, an eating and sitting area, a grill and fryer to name a few of the bonus features. All of the rooms come with central air and free WiFi too.
It is really close to everything as we walked to breakfast most days and jumped in the car for a quick trip to South Padre for the day. South Padre has tons to do and lots of choices for food and entertainment.
But if you do not want to go anywhere (which was pretty much us as we were trying to escape our hectic lives) you don't have to because it feels like you are on a mini mexico-inspired vacation from reality. The heart and time that Courtney, Ike, and Belle (and I am sure little Mackie:)) put into decorating and keeping up this place is obvious. They make you feel so welcome with their hospitality and wiliness to help you with anything.
We are already talking about our return and if I could I would move in. Yes...it was THAT wonderful.:) I cannot imagine another place as welcoming, accommodating, or relaxing as this place was.
Angle P.
About the host
Hosted by Courtney Mayfield
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests