Listen up, y'all! We all know that where you rest your head at night can make or break a vacation. And in a prime beach destination like Gulf Shores - with its snow-white sand, crystal clear water, and more seafood joints than you can shake a shrimp fork at - picking the right digs is key.
Take it from us, self-proclaimed connoisseurs of coastal Alabama hotels after many family beach trips full of sunburns, sandcastle contests, and seafood comas. We’ve stayed at our fair share of properties along this glorious shoreline. From towering high-rises with ocean views to quaint little inns tucked into sleepy back bays, we’ve tried them all over the years.
Ahead, we’re bringing you our hard-earned wisdom to spotlight the top-notch hotels and tell you everything you need to know about the best places to stay in Gulf Shores for YOUR vacation style. Got the kids in tow and need a killer pool with waterslides? Yep, got it. Want a luxury adults-only escape and beach butler service? Covered. No matter if you’re traveling with your fam, your sig-o, or the whole crew, we’ve got you covered like sunscreen on a pale beachgoer.
The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton Hotel
The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton Hotel is a 4-star hotel that provides a unique, coastal experience. As the first full-service hotel in more than 20 years, it has a wide array of amenities to satisfy the needs of both business and leisure travelers. It is part of Hilton Hotels & Resorts' hotel chain, which operates in 109 countries around the world. The company has nearly 895,000 rooms and is a leader in the global hospitality industry. They are also part of Hilton Honors, a loyalty program that offers members instant access to a range of popular digital tools, through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app.
Additionally, members can enjoy free standard Wi-Fi and an exclusive member discount. The Lodge at Gulf State Park has over 40,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space. Each room features a private balcony with direct views of the Gulf of Mexico. This hotel also provides direct access to the beaches, as well as a fitness center and a swimming pool. Guests can enjoy daily housekeeping, telephones, and flat-screen televisions.
Phoenix All Suites Hotel
Phoenix All Suites Hotel is a beachfront condominium hotel tucked near Highway 59, which connects Gulf Shores to Interstate 10 and Mobile. The hotel has 2 beachfront properties, each with its own pool. One pool has an adjacent kids' pool, and both have free Wi-Fi and beachside lounge chairs. During the summer months, Beach Boulevard can get a bit crowded.
However, it's still easy to get to the beach from both properties. They offer a few other perks, including a fitness center, free parking, and direct beach access. It's also smoke-free and wheelchair accessible. However, its decor and furnishings are not as modern as one might hope for. The Phoenix All Suites Hotel is also a short drive from the Jack Edwards National Airport and the Mobile Municipal Airport.
Courtyard by Marriott Gulf Shores Craft Farms
Courtyard by Marriott Gulf Shores Craft Farms offers 90 rooms and suites. The hotel is a good fit for families and couples alike. Its amenities include a pool, golf course, and seasonal fishing. The hotel is also close to the Gulf State Park and The Wharf. Despite its location, the hotel does not provide a shuttle service. The hotel does have free self-parking and an on-site restaurant. The hotel is a 10-minute drive from the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo.
The hotel's signature golf course offers 36 holes of signature golf. The hotel also offers a fitness center and a business center. The Courtyard Gulf Shores Craft Farms also boasts a large and fancy lobby, and an impressively designed pool and spa. The hotel's signature Cypress Bend course is designed by Arnold Palmer. This is one of the best golf courses in the Gulf Shores area and it is a fun place to play. Those who want to play a different game can head to Perdido Key, a short drive away.
Staybridge Suites Gulf Shores, an IHG Hotel
Off Highway 59, Staybridge Suites Gulf Shores, an IHG Hotel is a convenient and budget-friendly hotel option for those visiting this area of Alabama. With an outdoor pool, an exercise room, and an in-house restaurant, this hotel offers guests a variety of family-friendly amenities. The property is located near the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo and Pirate's Island Adventure Golf. This hotel also offers a free hot buffet breakfast and a fitness center. It is also located near the Wharf Leisure Center. It is also close to Johnnie Sims Park Pavilion.
It is also one of the few hotel options in the area that offers free Wi-Fi. This hotel offers guests access to free public parking. It is also conveniently located near shopping, dining, and a movie theater. It is also near the Perdido Key and Orange Beach beaches. The Staybridge Suites Gulf Shores has 88 rooms, which include amenities such as cable TV, free local calls, free high-speed Internet access, and microwaves. These rooms also feature full kitchens. There are also on-site laundry facilities. The hotel's pet-friendly amenities include a fenced grassy relief area for pets and staff who will take dogs for walks while the guests are away.
Best Western on the Beach
Best Western On The Beach is a 3-star hotel boasting guests a variety of amenities to make their stay comfortable. Located close to many attractions, the hotel has an indoor pool and a beachside outdoor pool, as well as a full-service business center and conference room. The guest rooms feature cable television, a microwave, a refrigerator, and free Wi-Fi. You can also book rooms with balconies and fireplaces, and guests can take advantage of a variety of services, including massages and a private beach.
Amenities include a 24-hour front desk, a business center, and free parking. The Best Western On The Beach is located within a 15-minute walk of the public beach and is located less than a mile from the Gulf State Park. This resort has an outdoor and indoor swimming pool, a beachside bar/lounge, and a restaurant, the Island Pancake House. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and offers guests the option of a cooked-to-order breakfast.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Gulf Shores, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Gulf Shores, an IHG Hotel is a contemporary hotel that offers amenities to its guests. The hotel is conveniently located just a short drive from many area attractions. The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi. The hotel also provides free breakfast. They offer 89 air-conditioned accommodations. Each room features cable TV, free wired and wireless Internet, and coffee/tea makers. The hotel also offers a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and a 24-hour business center.
A complimentary hot breakfast is also offered. The hotel offers on-site parking and laundry services. Moreover, this hotel has a pet policy. All rooms are non-smoking. The hotel offers a safe deposit box at the front desk. There is a coffee/tea maker, a microwave, and a refrigerator. The hotel provides free high-speed wireless internet connection. In addition, complimentary newspapers are available in the lobby. Guests staying at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Gulf Shores can enjoy free breakfast. The hotel also provides a gym and laundry facilities.
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Gulf Shores
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Gulf Shores is the perfect base for exploring the surrounding attractions. It's just over four miles from Gulf Shores Beach and within a five-minute drive of the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. They feature a number of on-site amenities. This hotel provides complimentary Internet access throughout the property, as well as a convenient BBQ/picnic area. Guests can also enjoy a complimentary morning breakfast. A microwave, refrigerator, and coffee maker are among the other amenities available in each room.
The hotel has 125 guestrooms. Each room includes a flat-screen television, coffee maker, and refrigerator. A wall-to-wall mirror is also available. In addition, the hotel features an outdoor pool. The pool is open year-round. Other perks include free parking, a 24-hour front desk, and a free, hot breakfast. For a small fee, the hotel will even provide guests with a free beach bag. In addition, the Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Gulf Shores offers a shuttle to nearby attractions. The Microtel Inn & Suites Gulf Shores also has an outdoor pool, as well as a BBQ/picnic area.
Beachside Resort Hotel
Located directly across the street from the Gulf Shores Beach, Beachside Resort Hotel offers 100 air-conditioned rooms with refrigerators and cable programming. It features an outdoor pool and free parking. It's a good place to stay if you're planning a family vacation. The hotel is also less than two miles from dining options.
The rooms are spacious and offer fine ocean views. Each room features a microwave, refrigerator, and 46-inch flat-screen television. They have dark wood furniture and beige tile floors. They also have wall-mounted stainless steel racks with hangers. Some rooms have two double beds, one king bed, or bunk beds. Their rooms have private balconies, which are ideal for watching sunsets. They have oversized bathrooms with tan granite vanities. Some rooms also have sleeper sofas.
The registration desk of Beachside Resort Hotel is built out of tan granite on top of brown wood. However, the paint chipped in a few places. The hotel also has a computer station with Internet access. The hotel's third-floor pool overlooks the gulf. However, the pool is noisy during impromptu parties. There's also an outdoor vending machine. There's also a full-service marina on site. The hotel's rooms feature contemporary design and private balconies. They also have full kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms.
Quality Inn Ft. Morgan Road-Hwy 59
Quality Inn Ft. Morgan Road-Hwy 59 is an unfussy low-rise hotel fronted with palm trees based about 7 minutes' walk from the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, a mile from Gulf Shores Public Beach and 3 miles from Jack Edwards National Airport. This 2-star hotel offers guests a variety of amenities and services like a pool, free breakfast and free Wi-Fi in public areas. The Quality Inn features 54 air-conditioned guest rooms. These rooms feature free high-speed Wi-Fi, coffee makers, and cable programming. Rooms are also equipped with laptop-compatible safes. The hotel also offers guests the option of choosing a room with a view of the ocean or the garden.
The hotel also features a seasonal outdoor pool. There is also a family recreation center. The hotel also has a gift shop and 24-hour reception. Besides that, the Quality Inn is pet-free. However, guests must show photo identification and a credit card. The hotel also follows a Commitment to Clean (Choice) policy. It disinfects rooms and seals them after cleaning. In addition, it requires staff to wear masks. It is conveniently located near Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, Gulf Shores Museum and Pirate's Island Adventure Golf. It is also close to the Gulf Shores Wharf complex. Guests are also a short drive from Pensacola and the Gulf of Mexico.
