Bethany Arms Motel Apartments, Bethany Beach

Have stayed at this motel every summer for near 30 years. I believe 2010 was our last year. The motel is getting very run down and aged. Little is being repaired /updated(broken sliding doors, torn upholstery,drapes -shabby 1960's decor, rusted raiings on balcony). You pay -dearly -for the location-right behind the boardwalk...however with the newer beach saving "dunes", you have NO ocean view from the first floor rooms in one bldg. Our theory as to why this motel is being allowed to decay is that the owners are awaiting an upturn in the real estate market & plan to sell to a Condo developer ala the Blue Surf (next door). Sad end to a family run institution for many once loyal customers........

When my school had a field trip we stayed there. It is so close to the beach that we could go back and forth shopping on the boardwalk with ease. After a fun day we went to sleep in comfy beds. When I woke up the next morning we sat on the balconies and enjoyed our morning coffee with the beautiful view. I found it very peaceful sitting on the balcony and deck. I always wanna go back and I hope I get to soon.

This was the dirtiest hotel I have ever stayed at. There were flies everywhere. My husband spent about half an hour swatting flies, until he gave up. The towels were worn and the dishes were dirty. The beds were extremely uncomfortable. The management was unhelpful and rude. We ended up leaving 2 days early and checking into a nearby hotel. I strongly urge anyone considering this hotel to look elsewhere, as I can assure you, you will not have a pleasant stay. The only thing going for the hotel is the location, but I would rather have slept in my car.

First I would like to say I read the previous reviews and they were some what accurate. The hotel is older and could use some renovations however it is directly on the beach and the views are unbelievable. There were no issues with smells-damaged furinture-or rude staff. I found the staff to be exceptionally friendly and helpful. On a previous review someone wrote of them hotel being closed and rude staff? They must have been mistaken 1st the bethany Arms is still open - 2nd due to the fact of the other hotel which sat next to the Bethany Arms - " The Blue Surf" - being closed and torn down.. Think the reviewer had their hotels mixed up. I would recommend this hotel to anyone who is looking to stay in a quiet family town with out the hassel of bars, noise or busy traffic. Finally as one person wrote.. You can not get any closer to the beach/Ocean in Bethany unless you choose to spend around $3500.00 a week for a 4 story ocean front rental house.. Just my 2 cents but its a real bargin for the location.

It's in hey day Bethany Arms was a great place to stay. The problem is it still has the same look as it did 40 years ago. The beds are uncomfortable, the bedspreads are yucky, and stuff is broken all the time. The owners are sitting on a gold mine(and have been since it opened many, many years ago. Come on Wilbur, update the place. Buy more towel racks, new bedspreads, new mattresses, and replace the carpet. Then keep up with it. You know the place fills up even in the state that it is and that you don't have to really update. But do the right thing....make it nicer!!!!!

Building E is definitely the one to stay in - we love the view and the closeness of the boardwalk and the beach. We also can walk anywhere in town for shopping and restaurants. The location can't be beat. The first two times we stayed there, I noticed that the beds were very uncomfortable, so the 3rd time we brought our air mattress and put it on top of the bed - worked like a charm! Also, it helps to bring your own pillows, and we always come with some basics for the kitchen. The price after Labor Day is great, the beach is quiet, and OC and Rehoboth are a short drive away.

This is the perfect little retreat at the beach. A previous review called it chic shabby and I would agree. After a great day of fun on the beach we could come back and relax with the beach right there outside the window. I loved watching the sun rise as a sat on the balcony and listening to the waves roll in as I fell asleep. I loved the fact that the kitchen was perfect for fixing an easy lunch and breakfast. And I loved the fact that it's not at all fussy. Very laid back - perfect for a beach get away.

We stayed in Building E the weekend of Labor day and the week after and it was heaven. No, it is not the Four Seasons but it is RIGHT ON THE BEACH and the view can't be beat. Great room--all we could ask for at that price. It was clean, did NOT smell as others mentioned and the maid service was efficient and friendly. I did bring my own pillows but yet again I usually do for local trips. The kitchenette worked great--a microwave and garbage disposal would be nice but we managed fine. Front office staff cool and friendly. I truly can't say enough good things --the view is worth every penny.

they never update anything, year after year, the same broken down furniture, dirty windows, and leaking plumbing. location is the best, but without everything else, its barely OK.

I've stayed here before and I remember the rooms being a bit dingy and outdated. The towels seemed really worn down and shabby. But I thought I would give this place another try, since Bethany Beach is a fun town and the hotel location is great - right on the boardwalk. However, when I called to make a reservation, a man answered and told me (in exact words), "We're closed, man! Didn't you get the message?" After I apologized sincerely, he hung up on me! Needless to say, I never called back to book a room. I will never stay at Bethany Arms again! I recommend not staying here. Service over the phone can reflect the type of service you will receive during your stay.