All 100 guestrooms and 14 one-bedroom suites are on the beach.

CNN: 8 getaways we wish we could afford

"I've never seen the beach as packed as it's been the last two weekends, " said Judy Kuhl, general manager of the Best Western Plus Agate Beach Inn, whose ocean-facing suites offer a clear view of the hulk.

WSJ: Pilgrims Flock to Tsunami Relic at Agate Beach in Oregon

Check in: Yes, kids love the pool, the giant chess game, even the putt-putt golf green, but lush landscaping, a location to die for (the motel is maybe 10 steps from the beach), and 54 large guest suites with low-key nautical decor and mini kitchens make the grown-ups giddy too.

CNN: 10 dazzling hideaways by the sea

The 61 villas are either perched on the beach or built directly out over the blue lagoon, including the spa suites that overlook the Indian Ocean.

BBC: Openings: Maldives, New York, Edinburgh, Boston

Located on the Arabian Sea in the Jebel Sifah area, the 55 rooms and suites have views of the marina, and the As Sammak beach restaurant serves fresh seafood.

BBC: Openings: Quito, West Virginia, Agra, Oman

Situated on Grace Bay Beach, cheek by jowl with less impressive properties, The Palms' 72 suites offer balconies, iPod minis and full kitchens with Viking appliances, but just about everybody seems to gravitate to the 15, 000-square-foot spa.

FORBES: The spa at The Palms ups the ante on the Turks & Caicos.