Crystal Tower

This mid-range condo property has a rather featureless look that blends in with the other high-rise buildings in the area. The lobby of this 20-story tower is simple, but pleasant, with a black granite front desk that’s framed by beige marble tile paneling. Large potted palms and other tropical plants rest on beige tile floors, while a cluster of four floral print armchairs provides seating at the center of the space. Adjacent to the lobby is the indoor pool, fronted by a bank of floor-to-ceiling windows, and the spacious fitness center. The second floor sees lots of daytime traffic. It’s where the glass-enclosed, air-conditioned skywalk spans Beach Boulevard and leads to the beach and the complex’s lovely beachside pool. The large pool has an island with tall palm trees and unobstructed views of the beach. This quiet complex hosts mostly families on week-long beach vacations, but at certain times it can get busy -- and a little louder -- with college students on spring break.

Crystal Tower is located on West Beach Boulevard in the heart of Gulf Shores, just across the road from the beach. The complex has a climate-controlled bridge that crosses the road, giving easy access to the beach. The road is not usually busy, but it can get so in high season and during popular events like the Hangout Music Festival in May. A few shops and a couple of restaurants are within walking distance of the hotel, but many more are just a couple of minutes away by car. A grocery store is a seven-minute walk. Several vacation condo complexes and hotels are across the street on the beach. The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, Waterville USA Water Park, and a Walmart Supercenter are five to 10 minutes away by car. The Jack Edwards National Airport is about a 10-minute drive from here, as is the Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier. The Tanger Outlet Foley is about 20 minutes away.  

Ocean views are the highlight in these spacious two-bedroom, two-bath condos that have double balconies with entry doors from both the master bedrooms and living rooms. Condos on the higher floors of this 20-story tower offer sweeping views, while those on floors five and below may have views partially obstructed by other nearby complexes. Large banks of windows make for bright and airy spaces. 

The individually owned condos are also individually decorated, but the ones we saw had many common decorative elements. Tropical beach or nautical accents are used extensively, from artwork and lamps to brightly colored bedspreads and wicker furniture with floral-patterned cushions. Walls are painted in light earth tones, and floors are covered in beige tile or Berber-style carpet in muted blue or brown shades. The fully equipped kitchens have black granite counters and full size fridges. Separate utility rooms have washer/dryer units, and living rooms have sleeper sofas and dining tables. Expect to see multiple flat-screen TVs, with some accompanied by DVD players. The spacious bathrooms have similar layouts, with roomy, double-sink vanities, tile floors, and simple acrylic shower/tub inserts with curtains. Most past guests have praised the condos for being clean and well maintained, but since they are individually owned, there have been some general maintenance and housekeeping complaints as well. Free Wi-Fi is included in the rental fees, and minimum-stay requirements can vary by season. 

The amenities at this condo complex are geared toward families enjoying beach vacations that last a week or longer. Highlights here are the three large pools, including one indoor pool that's in an atrium-like enclosure behind a bank of floor-to-ceiling windows. The beachside pool meanders around an island featuring large palm trees. It's accessible via a climate-controlled bridge over Beach Boulevard and is adjacent to the lovely white sand beach. The complex doesn’t supply beach gear, but it’s available for rent from a company that services the beach. Two outdoor hot tubs are also on the nicely landscaped and well maintained complex grounds. The property's roomy fitness center is equipped with several cardio and weight-training machines as well as free weights. A media or event room that’s made available to guests has a large wall-mounted flat-screen TV, wet bar, fridge, two dining tables with chairs, and a large leather sectional couch. Coin-operated laundry facilities are on-site, as is free parking. Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the complex.