You're driving across the Harbor Bridge, the steel arches framing a view of the Gulf that honestly never gets old. If you've been to the Coastal Bend before, you probably remember that sandy-colored building sitting right on the edge of North Beach. For years, the Radisson Beach Hotel in Corpus Christi Texas was the place to be. It had that specific vibe—part family vacation hub, part convenient basecamp for anyone wanting to walk to the Texas State Aquarium.
But things are different now.
If you try to book a room under the Radisson name today, you’ll likely run into a "permanently closed" notice or get redirected to a completely different brand. It’s confusing. People still call it the Radisson because, well, habits die hard. But the truth is that the property underwent a massive identity shift. It’s now the DoubleTree by Hilton Corpus Christi Beachfront.
What Actually Happened to the Radisson?
The transition wasn't exactly a quiet one. Back in late 2022, the Radisson announced a sudden closure that caught a lot of people off guard. Staff were laid off with very little notice, and future reservations were scrambled. It was a mess. The owners at the time cited a lack of funding for necessary repairs and a total revamp of the building.
Basically, the old girl needed work.
Renovations on a beachfront property are no joke. The salt air eats everything. After the closure, the hotel underwent a significant overhaul to meet Hilton's "DoubleTree" standards. They swapped out the tired carpets, fixed the elevators (which were a major point of contention in the old reviews), and updated the rooms.
The Radisson Beach Hotel in Corpus Christi Texas didn't just disappear; it leveled up.
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The North Beach Vibe (and Why Location Still Wins)
Even with a new name on the sign, the reason people loved this spot hasn't changed. North Beach is a unique little pocket of Corpus Christi. It’s not like the sprawling, wild dunes of Padre Island. It’s more structured. Touristy? Definitely. But in a way that’s incredibly convenient if you have kids or just don't want to drive everywhere.
The hotel sits at 3200 Surfside Boulevard. You’re literally steps from the sand.
Walking Distance Wins
- Texas State Aquarium: It’s a 7-minute walk. No fighting for parking or paying those extra fees. You can see the dolphins and be back in your room for a nap in ten minutes.
- USS Lexington: The "Blue Ghost" is right there. It’s a massive piece of history looming over the bay. Walking there from the hotel at sunset is a top-tier Corpus experience.
- Blackbeard’s On the Beach: Just a short stroll away. It’s one of those local spots that’s supposedly haunted, but honestly, people just go for the seafood and the relaxed patio.
Inside the Rooms: What to Expect Now
When it was the Radisson, the reviews were... mixed. Some people loved the views; others hated the "outdated" feel. Now that it's a DoubleTree, the standard has stabilized.
The building has 139 rooms spread over six floors. If you’re booking, you have to be smart about the "view" descriptions. A "Side Beach View" is exactly what it sounds like—you’re looking at the water, but you might also be looking at the parking lot or the neighboring building. If you want the full experience, you have to go for the "Full Bay View."
Seeing the Harbor Bridge light up at night from your balcony? That’s worth the extra twenty bucks.
The rooms usually come with:
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- Mini-fridges and microwaves: Essential for leftover Joe's Crab Shack or keeping your drinks cold.
- Balconies: Almost every room has one, which is the whole point of staying on North Beach.
- The Cookie: Since it's a DoubleTree now, you get that warm chocolate chip cookie at check-in. It’s a gimmick, sure, but a delicious one.
The Pool and Amenities Situation
The outdoor pool was always the heart of the old Radisson, and it remains the centerpiece today. It’s got a swim-up bar (usually seasonal) and plenty of loungers. Is it the biggest pool in Texas? No. But it overlooks the ocean, which makes it feel much larger than it is.
There’s also a gym, but let’s be real—you’re in Corpus. You’re probably getting your cardio walking the beach path or climbing the stairs on the Lexington.
One thing to watch out for: Parking fees. In the Radisson days, parking was often included or very cheap. Now, it’s common to see a daily self-parking fee (usually around $10). It’s a small detail, but it’s the kind of thing that bites you if you aren't expecting it when you check out.
Is North Beach Better Than Padre Island?
This is the big debate for anyone visiting Corpus Christi.
If you want the Radisson Beach Hotel in Corpus Christi Texas experience (now DoubleTree), you’re choosing convenience. North Beach has the paved walking trail. It has the big attractions. It has the calm, bay-side water that’s great for toddlers because there aren't massive waves.
However, if you want "real" waves and miles of undeveloped sand where you can drive your truck onto the beach, you have to go to Padre Island. That’s a 25-minute drive from this hotel.
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Most people who stay at the North Beach location do it because they want to park the car and forget it exists for three days. You can eat, swim, and see a world-class aquarium without ever hitting a turn signal.
Dining Around the Hotel
You don't have to eat at the hotel restaurant, though Islands Bar and Grill is right there on-site and does a decent breakfast.
If you want to venture out:
- Yo Philly Cheese Steaks: Just down the road. It’s quick, easy, and surprisingly good for a beach snack.
- Pier 99: Great patio. Very dog-friendly. It’s that classic "fried shrimp and a cold beer" vibe that defines a Texas coastal vacation.
- Whataburger Field: It’s about a mile away. Even if you aren't a huge baseball fan, catching a Hooks game and seeing the fireworks over the water is a great way to spend a Tuesday night.
Expert Tips for Your Stay
Don't just show up and hope for the best.
First, check the bridge schedule. The new Harbor Bridge project has been a saga for years, and construction can sometimes mess with your GPS or create weird traffic patterns when you’re trying to get over to the downtown side.
Second, the wind is real. This part of Texas is one of the windiest places in the country. If you’re on a high floor with a balcony, hold onto your hat. Literally.
Finally, if you’re looking for a quiet, secluded romantic getaway, North Beach might be a bit loud for you during Spring Break or peak summer weekends. It’s a high-energy area. If you want silence, head south to Mustang Island. But if you want to be in the middle of the action, this hotel remains the best-positioned property in the city.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Name: When searching for deals, search for "DoubleTree by Hilton Corpus Christi Beachfront" to see the most current rates and room photos.
- Verify the View: If a balcony is a dealbreaker, call the front desk directly to ensure your specific room type has a "Full Bay View" rather than a "Partial" or "City View."
- Pack for the Bay: Bring water shoes. The sand on North Beach can be a bit shelly compared to the soft powder of the National Seashore.
- Plan for the Aquarium: Purchase your Texas State Aquarium tickets online in advance to skip the entry lines, especially if you’re staying at the hotel during a holiday weekend.