5 Best Beachfront Hotels in Gulf Shores, AL
Have you been wondering what beachfront hotel in Gulf Shores to stay at? I’m going to give you the low down!
Calling all beach-loving wanderers! If you’re dreaming of a blissful vacation in Gulf Shores, Alabama, then let me be your guide to the five best beachfront hotels in town. I’ve wandered the sandy beaches of Gulf Shores several times, I’ve had countless conversations with fellow travelers in search of the perfect place to rest their sun-kissed heads. So, when it comes to finding the ideal beachfront oasis, you can trust that I’ve got the skinny on how to make your stay unforgettable.
Gulf Shores is a coastal paradise that promises sun-soaked days, salty breezes, and toes in the sand. And the beachfront hotels in this charming destination are like hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. From my personal experiences and the insights I’ve gathered from talking to eager tourists like yourself, I’m here to unveil the crème de la crème—the top five beachfront hotels in Gulf Shores.
Whether you’re seeking family-friendly fun, or a mix of relaxation and adventure, these hotels have it all. Imagine waking up to breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico from your comfortable room or suite. Envision yourself sipping tropical cocktails by the pool and feeling the warm sand between your toes just steps away from your hotel’s doorstep.
My Top 3 Picks: Beachfront Hotels in Gulf Shores
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Lodge at Gulf State Park
✅ Unique Amenities
✅ Top Notch Dining
✅ Eco Friendly
The Tides Hotel
✅ Contemporary Design
✅ Great Pool
Island House
✅ Customer Service
✅ Clean Property
Best 5 Beachfront Hotels in Gulf Shores
1. The Lodge at Gulf State Park
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: 21196 East Beach Blvd. | ✅ Book it!
When it comes to beachfront hotels in Gulf Shores, there’s one place that stands out from the rest—The Lodge at Gulf State Park. Trust me when I say that I’ve stayed here, and it is, by far, my favorite hotel in the area. Nestled within the picturesque Gulf State Park, this eco-friendly retreat offers an unforgettable vacation experience.
The Lodge boasts an impressive array of features and amenities that cater to every traveler’s needs. The rooms and suites are beautifully designed with a modern coastal aesthetic, offering breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico or the surrounding park. The beds are luxuriously comfortable, ensuring a restful night’s sleep after a day of beachside adventures. Seriously, I’ve never felt more relaxed in my life!
The hotel’s commitment to sustainability is evident throughout, with energy-efficient systems, eco-friendly toiletries, and a focus on preserving the natural surroundings. You’ll find recycled materials, organic linens, and low-impact construction methods incorporated into the design.
What truly sets The Lodge apart is its seamless blend of luxury and environmental responsibility. It’s one of the first hotels in the country to be built to LEED Gold standards, showcasing a commitment to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint. As a guest, you can enjoy guilt-free relaxation, knowing that your stay contributes to the preservation of this beautiful coastal ecosystem.
Additionally, The Lodge offers direct beach access, allowing you to step onto the pristine sandy shores of Gulf State Park within minutes. Whether you prefer sunbathing, swimming, or simply strolling along the shoreline, this hotel offers unparalleled convenience.
There’s also a great variety of on-site dining options, which is unusual for beachfront hotels in Gulf Shores. You can grab a burger poolside from The Dragonfly or hit up the more upscale Perch serving locally sourced seafood delicacies. The culinary experiences at The Lodge are a treat for the taste buds and showcase the flavors of the Gulf Coast.
Alright, the moment you’ve been waiting for—how much does this slice of paradise cost? Well, prices at The Lodge at Gulf State Park aren’t cheap. A stay will run you (on average) around $250/night during the off season and around $450/night in season. But check out their website to get the scoop on the latest rates. Trust me, it’s worth every penny. This is easily the best hotel in the area!
“This Hilton property was SO charming! The property is very eco friendly in every way. Each staff always greeted us with a smile and helped us out as needed. The views of the gulf waters were breathtaking and the property has beach chairs and tables throughout their whole property to enjoy.” -Iowajayhawk (Read more reviews)
2. Best Western Premier – The Tides
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: 26032 Perdido Beach Boulevard | ✅ Book it!
Get ready to ride the waves of luxury at The Tides Hotel! This beachfront beauty in Gulf Shores is a slice of paradise that will make you feel like you’re walking on sunshine. From the moment you step foot in this tropical haven, you’ll be greeted with a warm, laid-back vibe.
Unfortunately, The Tides Hotel took a real beating from Hurricane Sally in 2020. But Gulf Shores visitors have reaped the benefit as the hotel received a complete makeover and reopened in 2021. The rooms and suites are decked out with all the coastal chic vibes you can imagine. Think airy spaces, stylish décor, driftwood, and oh-so-comfy beds that will have you sleeping like a content beach bum.
But wait, there’s more! The amenities at The Tides are solid. Picture yourself taking a dip in the sparkling pool, sipping a refreshing cocktail from Low Tides (the poolside bar), and soaking up the sun on a plush lounge chair. At night, you can relax with a soak in the soothing hot tub. And of course, the beach is mere steps away, and The Tides can provide all of your beach needs (chairs, umbrellas, etc.) for an additional fee.
Don’t just take my word for it—guests who have stayed at The Tides Hotel can’t stop raving about their fabulous experiences. The friendly and attentive staff always goes the extra mile to make every guest feel like a VIP. The rooms are not only stylish but also spotlessly clean, with stunning views that will take your breath away.
All in all, Best Western Premier – The Tides is an excellent option if you’re looking for a beachfront hotel in Gulf Shores. It checks in as our second best oceanfront hotel choice in the area.
“The nicest Best Western I have ever stayed in. Excellent location and very clean. Wonderful breakfast with great variety of food. The large area where breakfast was served was beautiful and overlooked the ocean. Pool and pool bar was also quite nice. Five plus stars. Would definitely recommend staying here.” -Carol V (Read more reviews)
3. Island House
⭐️ RATING: 4.25/5 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: 26650 Perdido Beach Blvd. | ✅ Book it!
In my opinion, you take a bit of a step down in quality after our first two choices. That being said, Island House is a very nice hotel that will meet all of your needs. It’s a bit of an older property, so it’s not going to wow you with its appearance. It’s certainly more function over form at the Island House, but you will enjoy your stay.
The rooms and suites are spacious and comfortable, providing a cozy oasis after a fun-filled day in the sun. Picture yourself unwinding on your gulf front balcony, taking in panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico while the salty breeze kisses your cheeks.
When it comes to amenities, Island House has you covered. They offer a beachfront pool where the kids can splash around and make a splash of their own. Plus, there’s a poolside tiki bar serving up refreshing drinks for the grown-ups.
Customer service at Island House has been very good in my experience. The staff is friendly, and the rooms are always very clean. If you’re looking for one of the best beachfront hotels in Gulf Shores, you certainly can’t go wrong with The Island House!
“This is an outstanding property. The hotel is clean and the staff are outstanding in service and recommendations on local foods, things in the area and restaurants.” -Bones83 (Read more reviews)
4. HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS ORANGE BEACH
⭐️ RATING: 4.25/5 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: 24700 Perdido Beach Blvd. | ✅ Book it!
Get ready to kick back and soak up the sun at Holiday Inn Express Orange Beach! This beachfront oasis is an excellent destination for travelers seeking a comfortable and convenient stay. With its prime location on the sandy shores of Orange Beach, you’ll have all the ingredients for a memorable vacation.
As far as rooms go, they are tastefully decorated, providing a cozy retreat after a day of beachside adventures. With plush beds and a relaxing atmosphere, you’ll have no trouble unwinding and rejuvenating.
The hotel also offers a range of amenities to enhance your stay. Take a dip in the sparkling outdoor pool, perfect for cooling off on those sunny Alabama days. Stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property and take advantage of the business center if you need to catch up on work or print out travel documents.
This spring, Holiday Inn Express has consistently received rave reviews from guests. Travelers have given high marks for cleanliness, friendliness of staff, and the great breakfast buffet. It’s clear that the hotel has placed a great deal of emphasis on making sure guests leave happy.
We definitely recommend The Holiday Inn Express Orange Beach as the number four hotel of our 5 best beachfront hotels in Gulf Shores. You can’t go wrong with the fantastic location right on the beautiful Gulf Coast!
“We would hands down come here again! Out of the 4 hotels on our trip this was the best! The price was super as well!!! Loved the vibe!!! Breakfast was yummy, beds comfy, very clean, beautiful colorful artwork, hot tub and pool great, right on the ocean, staff was super friendly and accommodating. Love it!!!” -Melissa L (Read more reviews)
5. Hilton Garden Inn Orange Beach
⭐️ RATING: 4/5 Stars | 📍 LOCATION: 23092 Perdido Beach Blvd. | ✅ Book it!
Welcome to paradise, where comfort and relaxation meet the shores of Orange Beach—Hilton Garden Inn Orange Beach. This beachfront property is an excellent getaway for those seeking a restful and rejuvenating stay. With its good service and stunning location, you’ll be poised to enjoy your vacation to the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Hilton Garden Inn Orange Beach offers a number of features to ensure your stay is enjoyable. The rooms and suites are simple but well designed, offering a tranquil retreat with plush bedding and breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. Step out onto the balcony, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into your own private oasis.
The pool at Hilton Garden Inn is interesting, as it’s half indoor and half indoor. So, if you’re looking to take a swim while getting a break from the sun, you can easily do that. Or, if you love the heat, take a soak in the soothing whirlpool, or simply relax on the sun deck while sipping your favorite tropical beverage from the in-house tiki bar.
The hotel property is clearly aging, but it gets the job done. There are no frills here, but the quick walk from the pool to the beach makes the Hilton Garden in a solid choice for your stay in the Gulf Shores area.
“From Veronica at the front desk to Wren and Latoya in the bar everyone was excellent. Friendly and professional! Clean hotel, grounds and rooms! The pool was perfect! When they say heated pool they mean it! The path to the beach is all trex. Again, this is a great hotel, staff, and location!” -Susan B (Read More reviews)
Final Thoughts: Oceanfront Hotels in Gulf Shores
And there you have it, fellow travelers—your comprehensive guide to the top five beachfront hotels in Gulf Shores, Alabama. We’ve explored the unparalleled beauty, luxurious amenities, and captivating experiences that await you in this coastal paradise.
Whether you’re seeking a sustainable retreat at The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a trendy and vibrant atmosphere at The Tides Hotel, a family-friendly haven at Island House, or the convenience of Holiday Inn Express Orange Beach and Hilton Garden Inn Orange Beach, Gulf Shores has a beachfront hotel that will exceed your expectations.
As tourists looking for the perfect place to stay, we understand the importance of finding accommodations that make your vacation truly unforgettable. From stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico to direct access to the sandy shores, these hotels have it all. Imagine waking up to the soothing sound of waves crashing, enjoying a delicious breakfast by the beach, and immersing yourself in the abundant activities and attractions Gulf Shores has to offer.
But remember, the choice is ultimately yours. Each hotel has its own unique charm and allure, catering to different preferences and budgets. So take a moment to reflect on what matters most to you and your travel companions, whether it’s eco-consciousness, family-friendly amenities, relaxation, or luxurious indulgence.
No matter which beachfront hotel you choose, rest assured that Gulf Shores will provide the perfect backdrop for a vacation filled with cherished memories. So pack your swimsuits, sunscreen, and adventurous spirit, and get ready to experience the enchantment of Gulf Shores.
So, fellow travelers, go forth and explore the wonders of Gulf Shores, Alabama. Your dream beachfront escape awaits.
