Tucked away from rowdy college kids, this family-friendly gated condo community sits on 86 acres near a large, private, white sandy beach. The property feels safe and secure, and has four high-rise towers on the beach as well as cottages along a man-made lake. Units have one to five bedrooms with fully equipped kitchens and living rooms. Since the condos are individually owned, the decor can range from worn-out and dated to beachy chic. Access to some of the amenities (the Clubhouse, bicycles) are limited, and can cost more if rented from a private owner instead of the management company. Beach chair rental can be arranged ahead of time, eliminating the 5 a.m. run to stake out seats.
Tucked away from rowdy college kids, this family-friendly gated condo community sits on 86 acres near a large, private, white sandy beach. The property feels safe and secure, and has four high-rise towers on the beach as well as cottages along a man-made lake. Units have one to five bedrooms with fully equipped kitchens and living rooms. Since the condos are individually owned, the decor can range from worn-out and dated to beachy chic. Access to some of the amenities (the Clubhouse, bicycles) are limited, and can cost more if rented from a private owner instead of the management company. Beach chair rental can be arranged ahead of time, eliminating the 5 a.m. run to stake out seats.
The budget, 100-room Beachside Resort Hotel is an older, motel-style property. True to its name, it's situated opposite the beach on Beach Boulevard. Rooms are spacious and include microwaves, mini-fridges, 46-inch flat screen TVs, and coffeemakers; but they're dark, in need of renovation, and housekeeping and maintenance are not up to par. One highlight is the third-floor outdoor pool with fine ocean views. Other features include a free continental breakfast and free Wi-Fi. Rates are among the lowest in Gulf Shores, especially for a hotel so close to the beach. Many guests find it an acceptable choice for a night or two, but less attractive for extended stays. Travelers not dead set on staying by the beach should check out the mid-range Staybridge Suites Gulf Shores, which is newer and has kitchenettes.
The budget, 100-room Beachside Resort Hotel is an older, motel-style property. True to its name, it's situated opposite the beach on Beach Boulevard. Rooms are spacious and include microwaves, mini-fridges, 46-inch flat screen TVs, and coffeemakers; but they're dark, in need of renovation, and housekeeping and maintenance are not up to par. One highlight is the third-floor outdoor pool with fine ocean views. Other features include a free continental breakfast and free Wi-Fi. Rates are among the lowest in Gulf Shores, especially for a hotel so close to the beach. Many guests find it an acceptable choice for a night or two, but less attractive for extended stays. Travelers not dead set on staying by the beach should check out the mid-range Staybridge Suites Gulf Shores, which is newer and has kitchenettes.
The mid-range Gulf Shores Plantation, adjacent to a golf course, offers a quiet beachfront setting about 20 minutes from central Gulf Shores in a gated community. The sprawling complex’s amenities include six pools, lighted tennis courts, a putting green, fitness center, sauna and steam rooms, and direct access to a private beach. The complex has a seasonal cafe, but no restaurants are within walking distance. The 225 units of condos and cottages are individually owned, and quality and conditions can vary widely. Guests have reported cleanliness and maintenance problems in some. Typically, a three-night minimum stay is required, and some units require longer stays, especially in high season and over holiday weekends. Rates are competitive, but for a similar complex with comparable rates that’s less isolated, travelers might prefer the Phoenix Condominiums in Orange Beach.
The mid-range Gulf Shores Plantation, adjacent to a golf course, offers a quiet beachfront setting about 20 minutes from central Gulf Shores in a gated community. The sprawling complex’s amenities include six pools, lighted tennis courts, a putting green, fitness center, sauna and steam rooms, and direct access to a private beach. The complex has a seasonal cafe, but no restaurants are within walking distance. The 225 units of condos and cottages are individually owned, and quality and conditions can vary widely. Guests have reported cleanliness and maintenance problems in some. Typically, a three-night minimum stay is required, and some units require longer stays, especially in high season and over holiday weekends. Rates are competitive, but for a similar complex with comparable rates that’s less isolated, travelers might prefer the Phoenix Condominiums in Orange Beach.
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.
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.
Geared to vacationers perhaps looking to save a little money, this 93-room mid-range hotel delivers satisfactory rooms with a prime beachfront location on the Gulf of Mexico. The exterior and some interior spaces look dated, but the hotel is clean and well-maintained. Amenities can include microwaves, fridges, or full kitchenettes, depending on the room. While the beach is the big attraction, the indoor pool serves guests well on rainy days. Nice lounge chairs and umbrellas are available for a fee. Beachfront rooms have small balconies and great views.
Geared to vacationers perhaps looking to save a little money, this 93-room mid-range hotel delivers satisfactory rooms with a prime beachfront location on the Gulf of Mexico. The exterior and some interior spaces look dated, but the hotel is clean and well-maintained. Amenities can include microwaves, fridges, or full kitchenettes, depending on the room. While the beach is the big attraction, the indoor pool serves guests well on rainy days. Nice lounge chairs and umbrellas are available for a fee. Beachfront rooms have small balconies and great views.
The lower-middle-range Phoenix All Suites Hotel actually is two beachfront properties about a half-mile apart in the heart of Gulf Shores on Beach Boulevard. The spacious, condo-style suites have uniform amenities and decor, and include full kitchens and large balconies facing the ocean, but decor is tired and dated. Each property has its own small outdoor pool overlooking the ocean, however no food service is offered. Wi-Fi and parking are free, with one parking pass per suite. Rates are are reasonable for these beachfront suites but travelers might want to also consider the Hampton Inn & Suites Orange Beach -- a more traditional style hotel -- in nearby Orange Beach, which has a fitness center and includes breakfast, but rates will be higher, especially in peak summer months.
The lower-middle-range Phoenix All Suites Hotel actually is two beachfront properties about a half-mile apart in the heart of Gulf Shores on Beach Boulevard. The spacious, condo-style suites have uniform amenities and decor, and include full kitchens and large balconies facing the ocean, but decor is tired and dated. Each property has its own small outdoor pool overlooking the ocean, however no food service is offered. Wi-Fi and parking are free, with one parking pass per suite. Rates are are reasonable for these beachfront suites but travelers might want to also consider the Hampton Inn & Suites Orange Beach -- a more traditional style hotel -- in nearby Orange Beach, which has a fitness center and includes breakfast, but rates will be higher, especially in peak summer months.