3947 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores, Alabama, United States | (888) 551-4925
Spacious rooms with living rooms and bedrooms
Kitchenettes with full-sized refrigerators
Freebies include breakfast, parking, and Wi-Fi
On certain days, free wine and beer hour
Pet-friendly for a fee; fenced-in area for dogs
On-site basketball court, gym, and pool
Meeting rooms for business travelers
Far from beaches and tourist attractions
Breakfast is basic
Pool isn't heated and there's no hot tub
Difficult to walk to restaurants and shops
Part of the InterContinental Hotels Group chain, Staybridge Suites Gulf Shores is an 88-room mid-range property that’s a frequent choice for snowbirds and extended-stay travelers because of the apartment-style suites. Reflecting the venue’s significant distance from tourist attractions, room rates are low -- one of Staybridge’s best features -- and all rooms include kitchens with full-sized refrigerators. Travelers who rave about this hotel like its pet-friendly policy, free breakfast spread, and affordable price point. Others complain that the location is too far from the beach and situated in an unattractive suburban strip mall.
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Scene
Suburban extended-stay hotel with spacious rooms; located within driving distance to the Gulf of Mexico
Located in a four-story property situated behind a strip mall, Staybridge Suites Gulf Shores doesn’t offer much to look at in terms of its exterior, but does offer value for guests looking for an extended-stay room. The lobby opens up to a great space that is surprisingly modern and contemporary, with a grand chandelier hanging from a two-story ceiling and living room-style seating below. Near the front desk, there’s a coffee and tea station and a neighborhood bulletin board with the daily forecast, trivia, and events. Public spaces throughout the hotel (like the hallways and restaurant) are decorated in the typical chain hotel fashion -- plain colored walls and ornate carpeting.
Location
Located next to an unattractive strip mall and far from the beach
Guests staying at Staybridge will undoubtedly need access to a car -- the hotel is not located within walking distance to the beach, which is a few minutes away when driving. Hidden behind a suburban strip mall, the Staybridge also doesn’t offer appealing views. There is a movie theater as well as several popular retail outlets located several blocks south, but because they're off of a busy highway street, it’s not practical to walk. Island Wing Company is a nearby off-site eatery located a minute away by foot.
Rooms
Suite-style rooms with kitchens and living rooms
Rooms at Staybridge are spacious and clean. Many travelers who book here do so because of the apartment-style amenities, including a kitchen with a full-sized refrigerator, microwave, and two-burner stove, as well as eating and cooking utensils. None of the rooms have much of a view -- either the back of the strip mall or a parking lot. Decor is comfortable and typical for a chain hotel, and all spaces have flat-screen TVs. Bathrooms are no-frills, clean, and simple with shower/tub combos and single sinks.
Features
Amenities include a basketball court, pool, and gym
The property has more amenities than the typical extended-stay hotel, including an outdoor basketball court and a fenced-in exercise area for guests to let their pets off the leash. Many travelers take advantage of the pet-friendly policies at the hotel, as there are not many other properties that allow dogs (especially ones weighing up to 80 pounds). The outdoor deck and swimming pool is a gathering place during the summer, but not during the winter, since the water isn’t heated. Other features include coin laundry machines and a gym with weights and cardio equipment. Freebies include Wi-Fi, parking, and a daily breakfast buffet with both hot and cold items. On some weekday evenings, there's also a free wine and beer hour hosted by the managers.
