Out by the Sea Bed and Breakfast
Out by the Sea Bed and Breakfast
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About
#1 of 1 B&B in Crystal Beach
Location
4.7
Rooms
4.3
Value
4.5
Cleanliness
4.6
Service
4.4
Sleep Quality
4.5
Out By The Sea is a lovely coastal bed and breakfast in Crystal Beach. We are located on the Bolivar Peninsula. The peninsula is 30 miles of sandy beach and the audubon migration route for many species of birds. We are a well-known biding mecca with several sites for bird watching. We are a great family vacation site with our gentle warm water of the gulf, great fishing and shelling. Out By The Sea has 5 areas; The Regatta; a ;large room with 2 queen beds, The LaFitte; a lovely room for 2. These rooms are located in the main home. The Honeymoon Suite and the smaller room, Amour de le Mer are located in the attached building with a private deck which looks over the gulf and beach!The Honeymoon Suite is very romantically decorated and has a very large double heart shaped jacuzzi. There is also a large family area, The Pirates Den, has room for 5 guests, a bedroom, a living room area, a fully equipped kitchen and full bath.Small pets are allowed in this area only. Our tropical gardens make this truly a tropical paradise. Please join us to relax in one of our hammocks while the tropical breeze relaxes you as the waves gently break on the shore.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Free breakfast
Beach
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Non-smoking hotel
Room features
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Romantic
Location
2134 Vista Box 2046, Crystal Beach, TX 77650
Getting there
19 Restaurants
within 5 miles
Reviews
Traveler rating
- 55
- 9
- 3
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- 7
Time of year
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Detailed Reviews
Had the pleasure of staying here during the Mardi Gras. Miss Carol was a lovely host, cooked a fresh, hot breakfast every morning, very hospitable. Walking distance from beach. Accommodations were very comfortable. Highly recommended!
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OK Folks,
I got the poop but I will tell you that later. All the bad reviews are pre-IKE and pre-Carole so Trip Advisor needs to delete those except for Ms. Bento's, it is from 2012 and she didn't tell you the entire story.
First, Carole reminds me of my favorite aunt that I don't get to see all that often. We were desperate for a room and everything was booked for a big event weekend. We only needed one night since I had to work the night before the event and was pretty cranky without any sleep, ask my better half how I get without sleep or food. I called Carole and she told me that she normally only does two night minimums but that I sounded so nice that she would do only one night. Hallelujah!!! NO ONE will do that on a big event or holiday weekend.
She made us feel at home with all the keys necessary and Dinky is a sweet little pup that is pretty shy until she warms up and is not a bother. The Lafitte room was nice and the bed was pillow topped and comfy...extra-big guy here so if me and my petite mrs slept well then so should you!
Breakfast was hearty and on to the beach with our Jeep to enjoy the sand and surf. Carole didn't have to but she let us stash our suitcase in the house and even let us use an indoor shower for my wife and I choose to use the outdoor shower. HEAVEN!!! I don't fit in too many normal showers and then I didn't want to get out of the beach shower but sadly I had to and we headed home fresh and clean!!! We love Carole and Dinky and we will stay again. No shirt, no shoes...no problem! LOL
As for Ms. JennyBento, HEELLLOOO?! Last I checked most B&B's are a room in the owner's home, duh. We would rather stay in a B&B than a cold, heartless motel. And Carole quietly mentioned that she had to filter her response to your one sided review. Guess what? I got no bloody filter!!! She told us how you showed up with more people than what you had told her and how you sat the baby with a soiled diaper right on one of her nice blankets or comforters or whatever the heck you call them nice things. And how your folks brought in their fishing poles into the house. Are you freakin' kidding me? Down here in the respect filled South, we keep our bait stinky, sharp hooked fishing poles OUTSIDE!!!
So please keep your rude yankee self up north until you learn some Southern hospitality and then you can MAYBE come down and see that if you give respect, you get respect!
Please folks, don't think I am some redneck that hates people from the north. I work for a major oil company and we have good people from around the country and world. I just hate when people take advantage of a situation and then only tell you how they were the victim. So if you are staying with Carole and you see a yellow jeep on the beach with a fat Mexican dude and his little bitty Cajun wife stop by and have a cold one, we love to meet new peeps. Relax dude, surfs up and the beer is cold!!!
I got the poop but I will tell you that later. All the bad reviews are pre-IKE and pre-Carole so Trip Advisor needs to delete those except for Ms. Bento's, it is from 2012 and she didn't tell you the entire story.
First, Carole reminds me of my favorite aunt that I don't get to see all that often. We were desperate for a room and everything was booked for a big event weekend. We only needed one night since I had to work the night before the event and was pretty cranky without any sleep, ask my better half how I get without sleep or food. I called Carole and she told me that she normally only does two night minimums but that I sounded so nice that she would do only one night. Hallelujah!!! NO ONE will do that on a big event or holiday weekend.
She made us feel at home with all the keys necessary and Dinky is a sweet little pup that is pretty shy until she warms up and is not a bother. The Lafitte room was nice and the bed was pillow topped and comfy...extra-big guy here so if me and my petite mrs slept well then so should you!
Breakfast was hearty and on to the beach with our Jeep to enjoy the sand and surf. Carole didn't have to but she let us stash our suitcase in the house and even let us use an indoor shower for my wife and I choose to use the outdoor shower. HEAVEN!!! I don't fit in too many normal showers and then I didn't want to get out of the beach shower but sadly I had to and we headed home fresh and clean!!! We love Carole and Dinky and we will stay again. No shirt, no shoes...no problem! LOL
As for Ms. JennyBento, HEELLLOOO?! Last I checked most B&B's are a room in the owner's home, duh. We would rather stay in a B&B than a cold, heartless motel. And Carole quietly mentioned that she had to filter her response to your one sided review. Guess what? I got no bloody filter!!! She told us how you showed up with more people than what you had told her and how you sat the baby with a soiled diaper right on one of her nice blankets or comforters or whatever the heck you call them nice things. And how your folks brought in their fishing poles into the house. Are you freakin' kidding me? Down here in the respect filled South, we keep our bait stinky, sharp hooked fishing poles OUTSIDE!!!
So please keep your rude yankee self up north until you learn some Southern hospitality and then you can MAYBE come down and see that if you give respect, you get respect!
Please folks, don't think I am some redneck that hates people from the north. I work for a major oil company and we have good people from around the country and world. I just hate when people take advantage of a situation and then only tell you how they were the victim. So if you are staying with Carole and you see a yellow jeep on the beach with a fat Mexican dude and his little bitty Cajun wife stop by and have a cold one, we love to meet new peeps. Relax dude, surfs up and the beer is cold!!!
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Date of stay: May 2014Trip type: Traveled with friends
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â We delayed and Carole is booked for next year's event. I told the wife I would pitch a tent...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow about sums it up but I will go on lol first our family just had a death and we had to cancel our planed trip to AZ. So my wife and our kids just needed to get away I called Carole about 9 pm on the night of June 9 asked for a room for 4 and a teacup yorkie she for the 10, 11, and 12 in such short notice she said I have the perfect room and indeed she did with the pirates den awesome hostess reasonable rates great food and a secret on a wonderful gravy and dinky and rowdy got along so well and here is the twist mrs. Chloe the grand daughter of Carole your family is a delight and I wish you the best of luck over there I hear your a very strong woman and I can see why thank you for serving from a former SSG us army I say hooah ma'am. Wonderful place great crab holes awesome rooms a must for the family, friends and romantic getaways
Thank you so much Carole
James, Jandy, Breanna, Bradley, and Rody
Thank you so much Carole
James, Jandy, Breanna, Bradley, and Rody
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Date of stay: June 2014Trip type: Traveled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nothing is true that you read about this place. The rooms are tiny, outdated, and gross. There is no breakfast. If there was I definitely wouldn't want to eat in the main house that is a mess and smells like dog waste. She is a nice lady, but next time I'll sleep in my car before I get a last-minute room here again. Old, nasty throw pillows on the bed, old worn-out flooring, smells bad, (This was my 2nd time, a different room, not any better.) $200 for 1 night, in "her best room" was what made me write this review. Not true, people beware.
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Date of stay: June 2020
Rooms
Location
Service
Room Tip:Â Get a room outside of the main house if you have allergies to pets, dust, and grime
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I stayed at the place for a couple days and at first it seemed like a dream come true. But once I confronted the owner about somebody going in my room while i' was gone without my permissi on three different occasions I came home I found all my stuff out on the street. At that point I called the law.And don't let them sort everything out.I will never go
back there again.
back there again.
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Date of stay: October 2024Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NEVER STAY HERE! The owner is a certified nut. She reminded us over & over that she has a masters and was the owner and we had to do exactly what she said. We were there for a wedding as part of the bridal party. The second night there, after throwing tantrums at the bridal party, including the bride and almost ruining the wedding, she went one step further and around 1130pm kicked us out of the B & B saying it was her home, not a business, and we were not welcome any longer (even though we had already paid for the night). All weekend she wrongly accused random guests of "breaking" items in the house, and told us we couldn't eat at the dining table because she needed a place to fold towels. She apparently rented all of the rooms, including an "overflow" room that consisted of a matress lying on the floor, leaving herself no where to sleep except on the couch in the living room. VERY UNPLEASANT EXPERIENCE!! The rest of the staff were extremely caring and wonderful, but even they could not stop the owner ruining everyone's weekend AND the wedding! My advice is if you do visit the area, rent a beach house!
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Date of stay: July 2006Trip type: Traveled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Late August 2006 we made plans to spend our Labor Day anniversary at Out By The Sea and were booked into the 'Honeymoon Suite'.
We drove from north Texas and arrived late that night to find our room had been sold. The operator attempted to place us in a rundown, travel trailer parked beside the property. We declined the offer and drove back to Houston. We were told our money would not be refunded.
The on-site operator is not the owner. Neither the owner or operator have much in the way of business sense or integrity.
Imagine navigating the holiday Bolivar Ferry twice after a 6 hour drive, no warning of not having a room and then having to drive to Houston...on your anniversary...without a refund.
We drove from north Texas and arrived late that night to find our room had been sold. The operator attempted to place us in a rundown, travel trailer parked beside the property. We declined the offer and drove back to Houston. We were told our money would not be refunded.
The on-site operator is not the owner. Neither the owner or operator have much in the way of business sense or integrity.
Imagine navigating the holiday Bolivar Ferry twice after a 6 hour drive, no warning of not having a room and then having to drive to Houston...on your anniversary...without a refund.
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Date of stay: August 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The website gives you the impression that this is a B&B with lots of rooms that are very separate from the owner's living space. This is not true. We stayed in the Regatta room and it was basically just a bedroom in someone's house. That's fine if that was what we paid for, or what was billed on the website, but it is not. We paid a decent amount of money especially for this area, and it was the most awkward experience. We were continuously underfoot in this woman's house. It was clear that anything we might do would disturb her. It was kind of like staying with a family friend you didn't know very well--we kind of felt trapped in our bedroom for fear of being in the way. It really felt more like an airbnb rental of a bedroom in someone's house than a B&B. She didn't even have keys to the house for us to use.
Clearly other people have different experiences here, and I think if you stay outside of the main house or know what you're signing up for, it might be a different experience. However we really thought we'd be in a room like a B&B, away from the living space of the owner.
The location is very close to the beach (a few hundred feet), and there aren't many people, which is nice. Friends told us to stay here as opposed to Galveston, but I thought Galveston was nicer, although definitely more people. The owner did have interesting stories about the hurricane and rebuilding.
Clearly other people have different experiences here, and I think if you stay outside of the main house or know what you're signing up for, it might be a different experience. However we really thought we'd be in a room like a B&B, away from the living space of the owner.
The location is very close to the beach (a few hundred feet), and there aren't many people, which is nice. Friends told us to stay here as opposed to Galveston, but I thought Galveston was nicer, although definitely more people. The owner did have interesting stories about the hurricane and rebuilding.
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Date of stay: January 2012Trip type: Traveled with friends
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Responded Jul 2, 2012
Out By The Sea Bed & Breakfast has two rooms inside the main home and three rooms in a separate location. The Regatta is located in the main home. Referencing the above review it is clear that some guests adore staying in a Bed & Breakfast and there are others that prefer a home rental. We made every effort possible to provide this family with a pleasant experience. The Regatta has two queen beds and comfortably sleeps 2-4. When they arrived there were two couples, a toddler and a teenage boy. This presented a concern which was discussed. The decision was made to place additional bedding in the room. This reservation was challenging for Out By The Sea, but we tried very hard to make this a positive experience. Keys were provided for the room, a key to the Regatta and a key to the front door. There was an additional set of keys provided to the husband when his wife was in Galveston and he needed access to the room. At Out By The Sea we are dedicated to making our guests feel very comfortable and to exceeding standards! Please do see all our other wonderful reviews from B&B lovers! Thank you !
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My girlfriend and I booked with Todd, the innkeeper, after looking at their website (which completely misrepresents this property). We arrived late afternoon...Todd was involved in a building project in the driveway...tools, etc were scattered everywhere...two very rundown motorhomes "grace" the property. We entered the house through a rotted out entry door...into a scene of dirty dishes, laundry, etc. (the great room consists of very rundown couches and an open kitchen). This is where guests are supposed to relax!
We were then shown to the Regatta bedroom...the air conditioning vents above each bed were covered with mold and the ceiling fan was encrusted with dirt/dust...after a walk on the beach to calm ourselves we informed the innkeeper that we would be leaving first thing the next morning (we didn't want to sit in the very long ferry line returning to Galveston).
In fairness I must report that Todd recommended a good restaurant for dinner. The other couple staying at the "B&B" were so disturbed by the kitchen filth that they cleaned it prior to retiring for the evening.
I love the Bed and Breakfast concept and use them frequently...Out By The Sea is a complete misrepresentation...no hospitality, no cleanliness standard, etc.
Bottom Line: This place is a disaster!!
We were then shown to the Regatta bedroom...the air conditioning vents above each bed were covered with mold and the ceiling fan was encrusted with dirt/dust...after a walk on the beach to calm ourselves we informed the innkeeper that we would be leaving first thing the next morning (we didn't want to sit in the very long ferry line returning to Galveston).
In fairness I must report that Todd recommended a good restaurant for dinner. The other couple staying at the "B&B" were so disturbed by the kitchen filth that they cleaned it prior to retiring for the evening.
I love the Bed and Breakfast concept and use them frequently...Out By The Sea is a complete misrepresentation...no hospitality, no cleanliness standard, etc.
Bottom Line: This place is a disaster!!
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Date of stay: July 2007Trip type: Traveled with friends
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Check in / front desk
Service
Business service (e.g., internet access)
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from outbythesea, New Manager at Out by the Sea Bed and Breakfast
Responded Sep 4, 2007
I'm sorry that you had a bad experience at our B & B. The former manager is no longer working here and I can assure you that we have worked hard the last few weeks to fix anything that has been broken and clean the place up. We appreciate you bringing this situation to our attention and hope that you will reconsider visiting us in the future. Sharone Belt, Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Scheduled our one night stay after asking many detailed questions, and repeating the questions. Confirmed many times we were gettin the "outside room for $175"
They called me back, said the owner was sick it was a big mistake. If we want to stay we get the inside room, between the entrance and the kitchen. You hear every noise.
This is a very cluttered, eccentric house. You barely have room to walk.
The owner' s daughter told me on the phone she would give me a voucher bc we had to stay in the inside, ( louder and smaller room)
Breakfast was nice. The owners daughter and friend were hospitable. When we left, we were offered no voucher or any refund for our room. The tv did not work in our room.
They called me back, said the owner was sick it was a big mistake. If we want to stay we get the inside room, between the entrance and the kitchen. You hear every noise.
This is a very cluttered, eccentric house. You barely have room to walk.
The owner' s daughter told me on the phone she would give me a voucher bc we had to stay in the inside, ( louder and smaller room)
Breakfast was nice. The owners daughter and friend were hospitable. When we left, we were offered no voucher or any refund for our room. The tv did not work in our room.
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Date of stay: April 2016Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Carole H, Owner at Out by the Sea Bed and Breakfast
Responded May 28, 2016
This review is strange There are 2 doors between Lafitte and the main home. She did spend the night and had a large homemade breakfast. The flat screen TV does work, there are 2 remotes, she probably used the wrong remote, we have direct TV in all rooms. NEVER before have we had a complaint on a noise factor. This sounds like they wanted to stay for free, my daughter discusses all issues with me and this was never mentioned. Hundreds of guests stay in the LaFitte and many prefer this room. Perhaps this person would be happier staying at the hotel on the highway. I am sorry if any noise bothered this guest but this does not entitle her to a free night. She could have asked anyone about the TV, we could have turned it on. We very much appreciate our wonderful guests who love stayng here. Thank you, Carole It is correct I am ill and on chemo, and my daughter flew in to help me when I was discharged from the hospital, The room was double booked in error , she was offered the Lafitte for the same price. It is the most comfy bed in the B&B. This guest could have asked for a refund BEFORE spending the night and eating breakfast, this would have been cheerfully responded.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi, We are so sorry, we book up 6 months in advance for our holidays, please try us again, Carole
Hi, There is a lovely, private room, Amour de le Mer, overlooking the gulf that seems perfect for you. If has a jacuzzi in the bath, small refrig, micro and coffee bar. It also opens to a private deck, walkable to the beach and main home for breakfast.
The weather in February should be pleasant.
Please write back to confirm your reservation, Thanks, Carole
It sounds like Carole (the owner) makes excuses for all her fair to negative reviews! I wouldn't chance this place if you paid me!
Hi, Thanks for your inquiry! The Pirates Den is more of a family area.. There are several beds, but not all are separate. It may work better for you to rent two or three separate rooms, all rooms have private bath, refrige, micro and coffee bars and come with a full hot breakfast. Also included is a full, hot breakfast daily.
We are a short 2-3 minute walk to the beach. Thanks!
Hi, Thanks for your interest in Out By The Sea Bed and Breakfast.
We have 2 options for small families. The first is
The Regatta Room, a large room with 2 queen beds for $200 per night.
The other option is The Pirates Den, a small apartment with a fully equipped kitchen and room to sleep 4-6, that is $250 per night with a $90 cleaning fee.
We hope to hear from you soon, Carole
"Get a room outside of the main house if you have allergies to pets, dust, and grime"Read full review
"The upstairs rooms in the detached building share a big deck overlooking the gulf. The honeymoon suite has a huge Jacuzzi tub."Read full review
ALSO KNOWN AS
out by the sea hotel crystal beach, out by the sea b&b
LOCATION
United StatesTexasTexas Gulf CoastCrystal Beach
NUMBER OF ROOMS
5
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Out by the Sea Bed and Breakfast
Which popular attractions are close to Out by the Sea Bed and Breakfast?
Nearby attractions include Crystal Beach (0.5 miles), Fun Spot Waterslide (0.5 miles), and Latitude 29.2 Surf Shop (1.9 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Out by the Sea Bed and Breakfast?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and free parking.
What food & drink options are available at Out by the Sea Bed and Breakfast?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at Out by the Sea Bed and Breakfast?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Out by the Sea Bed and Breakfast?
Conveniently located restaurants include Stingaree Restaurant & Marina, Jose's Cantina, and Tia Juanita's Crystal Beach.
Is Out by the Sea Bed and Breakfast accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific inquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.