Frequently Asked Questions & Contact
The questions we get a lot — and how to reach us.
Booking, check-in, pets, group stays, weddings, payments, and cancellations. If your question isn't here, the inquiry form goes straight to the hosts.
FAQ
Booking & the property
Where exactly is Athena Ares?
South Padre Island, Texas — directly across the street from the Gulf of Mexico. About a two-minute walk to the beach, three minutes by car to Sea Turtle Inc., and twenty minutes to anywhere else on the island. Detailed directions are sent in your booking confirmation.
Can I book a single suite, or only the whole property?
Both. Each of our six 2-bedroom suites can be booked individually for couples and small families. The whole estate (12 BR / 12 BA, sleeps up to 36) can be reserved as a private buyout for weddings, family reunions, corporate retreats, and milestone celebrations.
How many people does it sleep?
A single suite sleeps up to 6 guests. When you book the whole estate, all six suites combined sleep up to 36 guests. Pack-n-plays are available on request — let us know during inquiry.
What's included with the booking?
Your suite, full access to the heated pool, hot tub, poolside grill kitchen, and outdoor restrooms. Wi-Fi, central A/C, parking, in-suite washer/dryer, full kitchen with cookware and dishware, smart TV, fresh linens and towels, and starter toiletries.
Is the pool heated and open year-round?
Yes. The pool is heated and open year-round, and the hot tub runs continuously. Pool hours are 8 AM – 10 PM out of respect for guests in the suites.
Is Athena Ares pet friendly?
Yes — well-behaved dogs are welcome with prior approval. Up to two dogs per suite, with a per-pet fee that covers extra cleaning. Please clean up after them on the grounds.
Can I host a wedding, vow renewal, or party here?
Yes — but please tell us before you book. Small gatherings are welcome with whole-estate bookings (intimate dinners, casual celebrations). Larger events with vendors, a DJ, or guests beyond the rental capacity require coordination, a small event fee, and signed event terms. We've hosted beautiful island weddings and have local vendor recommendations.
How do I check in?
Self check-in via a keypad — no front desk, no key handoff. Door codes and detailed arrival instructions are emailed to you 48 hours before check-in. Check-in opens at 4 PM and check-out is by 11 AM. Earlier or later times can sometimes be accommodated — just ask.
What's the closest airport?
Brownsville–South Padre Island International (BRO) is closest, about 32 minutes by car. Harlingen Valley International (HRL) has more flight options and is about 45 minutes. McAllen (MFE) is about 75 minutes. Rideshare and rental cars work; on the island itself, everything is a short drive.
How do I pay, and is there a deposit?
Booking is processed through our secure direct-booking engine (Guesty). Payment is by credit card. A refundable security deposit hold is placed before check-in and released after check-out, assuming no damages. Single-suite bookings typically clear in full at booking; whole-estate buyouts use a deposit + balance schedule.
What's the cancellation policy?
Cancellation terms vary by booking type and date. Full details are shown at checkout and on your confirmation. As a rule: full refund for cancellations made 30+ days before check-in, partial refund 14–30 days out, and travel insurance recommended for big trips. Estate buyouts and event bookings have their own terms.
Do you have minimum-stay requirements?
Most weeks have a 2-night minimum. Holidays, spring break, and peak summer weekends often require 3–5 nights. Whole-estate buyouts typically have a 3-night minimum. The booking widget shows current minimums for your dates.
Is there parking on site?
Yes — free on-site parking, generally two spaces per suite. Larger groups should let us know in advance so we can plan vehicle placement.
Do you provide cribs, high chairs, or beach gear?
Pack-n-plays and high chairs are available on request — please ask during inquiry. We can also point you to local rental companies for full beach setups (umbrellas, chairs, wagons, kayaks) delivered to the property.
Is the property accessible?
Some suites are accessible via ground-floor entry. Stairs are present in the courtyard area. If accessibility is a need for your group, please contact us before booking and we'll match you to the right suite.
What's the Wi-Fi like?
Fast, reliable, and fine for video calls and streaming. Each suite is on the property network with its own access credentials shared at check-in.
Are there grocery stores nearby?
Yes — a local market and convenience stores are within a few minutes' drive. Larger HEB grocery stores are on the mainland, about 15 minutes away across the causeway.
Why book direct instead of through Airbnb or Vrbo?
Booking direct skips the platform service fees (typically 12–18%) and lets you talk to the actual hosts before, during, and after your trip. You also get access to direct-only perks like late check-out when available, multi-suite group discounts, and event coordination for whole-estate buyouts.
Contact
Talk to a host.
Quickest path: call us. Or use the form below — it goes straight to the hosts and we typically respond within a few hours.
Call us direct (956) 828-2853Hosts answer 8 AM – 9 PM CT. Outside those hours, the form below routes to our inbox.