Sea Jay Motel

This charming motel offers a distinctive retro vibe, transporting guests to a nostalgic 1950s-1960s era with its unique decor and well-maintained grounds. Its signature feature is its exceptional proximity to the beach, just a short walk away, making it an ideal choice for beach lovers and families seeking easy access to the sand and surf without the high cost of beachfront properties. Guests consistently praise the motel's cleanliness, the friendly and helpful staff, and the beautifully renovated pool. The tranquil atmosphere, despite its central location, also appeals to couples and solo travelers looking for a peaceful escape. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room on a higher floor to potentially mitigate noise from lower-level guests, and take full advantage of the convenient kitchenettes for self-catering, which can help manage costs.

Facilities & Amenities
The motel boasts a beautifully renovated pool that is consistently described as crystal clear, clean, and often heated, making it a popular spot for relaxation and enjoyment, though some guests noted its early closing time around 8:30 or 9:00 PM. Pool towels are readily available for convenience. The outdoor areas are meticulously maintained, featuring manicured grounds, a pleasant garden, and a dock area offering canal views and opportunities for fishing. Guests can also enjoy shuffleboard courts and a communal BBQ grill. Many rooms include well-equipped kitchenettes with full-sized refrigerators, microwaves, toasters, and Keurig coffee makers, complete with pods and creamer. Complimentary Wi-Fi is generally reliable, and bicycles are available for guests to explore the area. Ample and free parking is provided on-site.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Overall, guests find the rooms to be very clean and well-maintained, with many describing them as spotless and immaculate, featuring fresh linens. The spacious rooms often boast a charming retro decor and original fixtures, contributing to a unique ambiance. Most guests report comfortable beds and good mattresses, ensuring a restful sleep. However, some found the beds to be too firm or noted occasional squeaking. While many appreciate the clean, retro-tiled bathrooms, some found them to be quite small or cramped, particularly the showers. Noise can be a concern for some, with mentions of thin walls allowing sounds from neighbors or the noisy air conditioning unit to be disruptive. Additionally, a few guests noted issues with old jalousie windows not closing fully, potentially affecting temperature regulation or allowing outside noise.

Dining & Food Quality
While the motel does not offer an on-site breakfast service, its convenient location places guests within easy walking distance of several dining options. A Waffle House is notably situated on an adjacent corner, providing a readily accessible choice for breakfast. Many other restaurants and eateries, ranging from casual to more upscale, are also just a short stroll away, offering a variety of culinary experiences for lunch and dinner. The inclusion of well-equipped kitchenettes in many rooms is a significant advantage, allowing guests the flexibility to prepare their own meals and snacks. These kitchenettes typically feature full-sized refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers, complete with necessary utensils, making self-catering a practical and cost-effective option for those who prefer to dine in or store groceries from nearby stores.

Location & Accessibility
The motel's prime location is consistently highlighted as a major draw, offering exceptional convenience. It is situated just a block away from the beach, allowing for a quick and easy walk to the sand and ocean. Beyond the beach, guests appreciate being within walking distance to numerous shops, restaurants, and various entertainment options. The area is described as quiet and peaceful, set slightly off the main road, yet still central enough to access everything easily. While some guests noted the area is still recovering from recent hurricane damage, with a few businesses boarded up, this did not significantly detract from their overall positive experience. The motel also provides ample free parking, a valuable amenity in the area.

Staff & Service
The staff at this motel consistently receives high praise for their exceptional friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently commend their professional and accommodating demeanor, noting that staff members often go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay, from offering local recommendations to assisting with specific needs. The check-in and check-out processes are described as easy, smooth, and quick, with some guests appreciating the option for early check-in and convenient text updates regarding room readiness. While daily housekeeping is not provided, staff are readily available to fulfill requests for fresh towels, linens, and trash removal, ensuring guests have everything they need. The overall sentiment is that the team fosters a welcoming and supportive environment, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience.

Additional Information
Guests are drawn to the motel's distinct retro theme and Old Florida charm, which is evident in its decor and overall ambiance. It's important to note that the area has been impacted by recent hurricanes, and while the motel itself is well-maintained, some surrounding businesses may still be undergoing recovery or repairs. The pool closing time is typically around 8:30 or 9:00 PM, which some guests found to be earlier than desired, especially during warmer months. The motel operates with a no smoking policy indoors, requiring guests to smoke outside. For younger travelers, the motel allows individuals aged 18 and older to rent rooms with a valid ID. Guests should also be aware that some rooms have thin walls, which can occasionally lead to audible noise from neighboring rooms.