South Padre Island accomadations and info.
 

We are traveling to South Padre Island in January to do the 10K Causeway Race. We want to stay within walking distance to Louie's Backyard so we can walk to the shuttle to take us to beginning of race at the Pot Isabel Community Center. This will be our first trip to the area and would like info on where to stay and what to do in area. We are in our 60s but active and like to run, hike, bike etc.
We would like a place on the beach or with beach view and walkable to beach. We would also like a place that had a heated pool and hopefully a hot tub. I checked some already and saw The Inn at South Padre and Padre South Hotel that seem very affordable ( almost worries me that they are cheaper than place we usually can find when travel. - $125 would be top end for place). I would like input on these or any place else that would be convenient.

One more thing, we are flying into Harlingen airport and were planning on renting a car . But would we need one once we got there? Better to get driver from airport to hotel? if so, suggestions who? We would appreciate any or all help! Thanks

I would appreciate any information. Having a hard time finding unbiased info! Please help if you can.