Brownsville, TX (BRO-Brownsville-South Padre Island Intl.)
Airport, Brownsville, TX (BRO-Brownsville-South Padre Island Intl.)
22 min drive
Rooms & beds
1 bedroom (sleeps 6)
Bedroom 1
1 King Bed
Living Room 1
2 Queen Sofa Beds
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
+1
Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub · Outdoor shower
Spaces
Deck or patio
Outdoor shower
Kitchen
Number of living rooms
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Spacious 1BR + Bunks – King Bed, Sleeps 6 / Historic Rental near SPI
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 king bed in the bedroom
A set of bunkbeds in a nook
A queen sleeper sofa in the living room
A fully equipped kitchen
Freshly laundered bedding and essentials
Enjoy high-speed Wi-Fi, smart 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.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Pool
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
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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
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. The area's natural beauty can be seen at South Padre Island Beach and South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center, while Port Isabel Historical Museum and Treasures of the Gulf Museum are cultural highlights. Beach Park at Isla Blanca and Beach Waterpark are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing, scuba diving and snorkelling 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 Spacious 1BR + Bunks – King Bed, Sleeps 6 / Historic Rental near SPI have a pool?
Yes, this property has a pool.
How much does it cost to stay at Spacious 1BR + Bunks – King Bed, Sleeps 6 / Historic Rental near SPI?
As of 12 Apr, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Spacious 1BR + Bunks – King Bed, Sleeps 6 / Historic Rental near SPI on 1 Apr, 2027 start from S$248, 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 Spacious 1BR + Bunks – King Bed, Sleeps 6 / Historic Rental near SPI pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Spacious 1BR + Bunks – King Bed, Sleeps 6 / Historic Rental near SPI?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Spacious 1BR + Bunks – King Bed, Sleeps 6 / Historic Rental near SPI?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Spacious 1BR + Bunks – King Bed, Sleeps 6 / Historic Rental near SPI?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Spacious 1BR + Bunks – King Bed, Sleeps 6 / Historic Rental near SPI 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
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Rental place exactly in pictures and awesome back pool
felipe m.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Jun, 2022
Thank you Felipe for taking the time to write us a review. We are happy you enjoyed your stay & would be happy to host you again
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Diana F.
6 Apr, 2016
Comfortable and great location
This is the second time we have stayed at Alta Vista. It is very comfortable and important to us, we also slept well. Courtney and Ike are very hospitable and made sure that we were well taken care of. It is a great location, you can walk to a lot of popular areas and bus stops are close for that free bus ride to South Padre Island. Our apartment had all we needed to be comfortable. The grounds are very well kept and the pool is always spotless. We would definitely stay here again and always highly recommend it to friends and family.
Diana F.
Stayed 30 nights in Mar 2016
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Mar, 2020
Thank you so much for your kind words! We are happy to hear that you enjoyed your second stay here with us. Please do come back & see us again.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Brandon B.
15 Jun, 2016
Lovely!!
We headed down for Memorial Weekend and I'm SO thankful that we stayed at Alta Vista and away from the crowds at SPI... And its just a 5 minute drive to SPI! What can I say, the rental was even better than the pictures. The landscaping is beautiful and we enjoyed the private patio that offered peace and quiet at the end of long days. It was a very functional rental for a family of 4 with everything that we needed. The kids loved the bunk beds and our bed was super comfortable. The decor was outstanding. They've really done a magnificent job with the remodel.
You'll know this was the right choice the moment you open the door. Oh yes, the swimming pool! The beach was wonderful but the pool was amazing! We didn't get the chance to use the outdoor kitchen but we will on our next visit. If you're reading this post, I promise you won't be disappointed. Words to describe this rental: Clean, beautiful, relaxing, comfortable, friendly. A free tip... Just around the corner you'll find Joe's Oyster Bar. Order the special and the Mexican shrimp cocktail ;)
We lucked out with this one... If its available, grab it while you can!!
Brandon B.
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Mar, 2020
Thank you so much for the kind review! We are happy to here that you and your family enjoyed your stay. Please do come back and see us.
A wonderful place to stay. Very cozy and cute, enjoyed unit 4 immensely! Kids loved having the pool right out the back door, we enjoyed the creature comforts of home! Enjoyed having the coffee maker for mornings and enjoyed having separate spaces like the bedroom and the bunks for the kids. Location is great, away from the crowded island, but not too far! We plan on coming back and bringing more family next time!
Our stay here was cozy and the place was very beautiful. We had a very nice pool and the rooms were very well kept for being a 1931 building. I enjoyed the outside kitchen the most! Highly recommend this historical beautiful place!
SANDRA V.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Marisa C.
15 Aug, 2018
Amazing and cozy!
Loved it!
Marisa C.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2018
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Teena M.
10 Aug, 2018
Excellent
Staying at El Gallo unit #4 was excellent and far exceeded our expectations. We appreciated all of the kitchenware and the grill outside was perfect for dinner after a beach day. The pool was refreshing and the owners were very friendly and attentive. The unit was clean, had plenty of towels for pool and shower use, and there was plenty of room for family game time in the living room. The bunk beds are in the same area as the main bedroom so it was nice to be close to the kids at night. We cannot wait to return again! Thank you.
Teena M.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2018
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Angela H.
10 Aug, 2018
Great stay in a beautiful building!
We are so glad we came across Alta Vista. We stayed three nights in the El Gallo unit, everything was perfect. The restorations are beautiful, it’s only a short drive over to South Padre, and local stores and restaurants are just up the road.
The pool area is gorgeous! Everything was perfect, we will definitely be back again for the next vacation to South Padre!
Angela H.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2018
Verified
10/10 Excellent
rachel t.
27 Jul, 2018
It was absolutely beautiful!
We had such a great time. We went to the beach only once because my family rather stay at the Alta Vista:) Thank you so much for such a wonderful vacation.
rachel t.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2018
Verified
10/10 Excellent
kent r.
11 Apr, 2018
Awesome
We were at Alta Vista for January, February, and March this year and had a wonderful time. El Gallo is a beautiful apartment and very comfortable. We enjoyed having our own private patio as well as access to the cozy and private courtyard, and had a great time grilling and eating in the outdoor kitchen area. The only drawback was intermittent internet access, however the issue was being addressed and it improved while we were there. Ike and Courtney are good hosts and are always available to help. Alta Vista has become our home away from home, and we plan to return in 2019. Kent and Linda
kent r.
Stayed 30 nights in Mar 2018
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Martha s.
28 Oct, 2017
Lovely restored place
Large apartment, nicely restord, close to everything. We enjoyed it very much. One glitch: kitchen chair broke, a potential hazard.
Martha s.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Melinda G.
6 Sept, 2017
An amazing place! The highlight of Port Isabel!
I have stayed here with my family a few times and it is definitely an oasis. The personal touches in the units make it a special experience. The grounds are amazing and the the rooms are beyond comfortable. The owners have gone above and beyond to create an amazing environment for your stay! I will continue to return over and over again. Alta Vista is amazing!
Melinda G.
Stayed 34 nights in Aug 2017
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Hardy E.
21 Aug, 2017
The Mayfields Alta Vista Lodge in Port Isabel Tx. is lovely and relaxing
The Mayfields Alta Vista Lodge is a very special place to totally relax just off the coast at Port Isabel, Texas. It is very well kept, quaint, quite and historical. Our suite #4 was located on the beautiful court yard and pool area. Off to the west of #4 was a small private patio with beautiful landscaping to enjoy your morning coffee and breakfast. The Mayfields are a young very dynamic couple who have done a wonderful job of restoring this historic property with his mother. Our stay at Alta Vista was charming, quite, clean and relaxing. Alta Vista is not only historic, it is located just north of the old historic Port Isabel Yacht Club, we loved and enjoyed our stay at Alta Vista and shall return ! Hardy and Elizabeth England
Hardy E.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2017
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Alissa M.
18 Jul, 2017
Perfect Oasis
Not only was Alta Vista a perfect anniversary getaway that made us feel as though we were a thousand miles away, it was within walking distance to cute shops and scrumptious local restaurants (try the cerviche at Joe's!). The owners could not be sweeter and it is clear that they have painstakingly worked to cover each detail in order to create a beautiful stay. I know it is hard to believe--but the pictures do not do this place justice. Thanks for an incredible stay. Will be back soon!
Alissa M.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2017
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Lilly R.
11 Jul, 2017
Beautiful!
The property is absolutely beautiful and well taken care of. The property owners were so kind and thoughtful! When we arrived, we were greeted with a warm email from Courtney checking to see if we needed anything and to share the best place to see the fireworks that evening. The property itself has been well restored with a touch of modern amenities. Definitely a place to visit!
Lilly R.
Archival
8/10 Good
Phil M.
14 Apr, 2017
Great stay , so welcoming
Stay in unit #4 for 5 weeks. The unit was well stocked with everything that you would need. Loved the out door kitchen & pool area. it was very nice to meet the other guests in the courtyard. The owners make you feel at home & are very knowledgeable about the area. There is lots to do & see. The beach is amazing. There are lots of good restaurants. We liked the fresh shrimp & maragritas. Would recommend this place.
Phil M.
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Mar, 2020
It was a pleasure meeting & having you both stay with us. We hope to see you again.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Ellen L.
2 Mar, 2017
We loved our stay at Alta Vista. Clean and comfortable one bedroom unit. Loved the private courtyard
Very nice accommodations. Friendly people and great place to relax and soak up the sun. My husband and I loved it.
Ellen L.
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Mar, 2020
We are happy that you enjoyed your stay & do hope to see you again soon!
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Ryan and Traci S.
21 Jul, 2016
Awesome!
Not only was this place awesome; it was relaxing, peaceful and a true getaway. My husband and I opted to stay in Port Isabel instead of paying for an overpriced dirty condo on SPI for twice the price of this gem. So glad I found this place. The Spanish architecture is beautiful and the Mayfield's have done a fantastic job updating and caring for this property. My husband loved the bed, it was a bit hard for me; but, wasn't so bad I couldn't sleep like the dead. However, i could sleep (and have slept) thru a hurricane; lol!
The outdoor area is where the relaxation is. I spent a lot of time by the pool when we weren't on the beach. It was perfect with all of the plants, watered daily by a real sweetheart named Jenn. The massive plumeria was my favorite. I have a huge love of these plants. The north winds also blew right thru the area making it perfect even in the heat of the day.
Fair warning, if you have never lived or stayed in a beachy/coastal area; the little sugar ants won't hurt you. I grew up on North Padre Island and they were probably a solid part of my diet as a child. You just have to remember not to leave anything and I mean anything out that could be enticing to them. They are part of the salt life; be prepared and don't be squimish.
Anyway, back to Gallo; there is a private sitting area out front, complete with patio table and chairs. Street parking under a massive tropical tree; wish I knew what it was, I want one! You're also a short walk away to the Laguna Madre if you just want to look at the water or see the fireworks outside the tourist trap of Louie's Backyard on SPI Thursday and Friday's. Definitely walk to few short blocks to Joe's Oyster Bar on Maxan; some of the best grilled fish I've ever had. That is saying a lot for me! I was turned off fish years ago smelling redtide from the NPI part of the laguna madre.
I loved everything about our trip. Note, if you're going to the beach, its probably cheaper to buy a 30 day pass than to pay the $12 a day to get onto the beach. If you want to watch a perfect sunset; go to Laguna Bob's and hang out with Jesse, Brandon and Tom. Best burger and ceviche I've had in a while!
All in all, if you want a relaxing beach trip that feels like home; stay with the Mayfield's! If you want an overpriced hotel or condo on the beach with onsite restaurants/roomservice/bar, where the maids wake you up at 8 a.m. don't stay here. If you have expect a 5 star resort, don't stay here.
Ryan and Traci S.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2016
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Mar, 2020
Thank you! The tree out front is one of our massive rubber trees. It is not the easiest to trim & maintain at its size because of the glue like sap, but they do provide a nice shade to help keep your car cool from that summer sun. We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed your stay! We hope to see you again. Take care.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Melinda G.
11 Sept, 2015
Quiet Oasis
Quiet and peaceful oasis! Our room was so comfortable, clean and had everything we needed. The outdoor area was perfect for fun and entertaining. The pool was perfection. The owners of the property were so welcoming and hospitable. They made us feel right at home! Can't wait to stay there again!!!
Melinda G.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Pilar R.
29 Aug, 2015
Excellent
Our family had a amazing experience and really enjoyed our stay here in Alta Vista #4 The Gallo. We loved all the decorations especially how it was well equipped with everything we needed and much more.
Thank you :)
Pilar R.
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Mar, 2020
Thank you! We are so happy to hear from all of our guests regarding their stay. We hope to see you again in the near future! Take care!
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Jeffery B.
2 Aug, 2015
last Minute Beach Trip
We had an awesome time even though it was a short trip. We didn't want to leave. This is our second time to stay at Alta Vista. First was before it had been up graded and stayed in the studio Apt. Had a good time then. This time we stayed in the one bedroom with bunk beds. Very nice place. Love the antique furniture. Very comfortable. We really enjoy staying here with the pool right out your door and getting to know the other guest. The owners are awesome. Love the outdoor kitchen and decor. We're aleady looking into our next trip.
Jeffery B.
About the host
Hosted by Courtney Mayfield
This property was purchased by myself Bell, my husband Jeff, my mother Mackie, and my son Ike with his wife Courtney I first saw and loved the property in the early 70's. We bought it and have been working to restore it for the last sixteen years. It's been a hall but well worth it. We all live here, Ike and Courtney, with there new baby Mackie, named after my mom after she passed away, live here full time. Myself and Jeff live between here and Houston.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests