The Best Beach Hotels to Book in Gulf Shores, Alabama

The Lodge at Gulf State Park is an ecofriendly hotel with an infinity pool
The Lodge at Gulf State Park is an ecofriendly hotel with an infinity pool | Courtesy of The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton Hotel / Expedia
Nick Dauk

When it comes to beach hotels in Gulf Shores, you’re spoilt for choice. Beachfront bungalows and coastal cottages come with cold cocktails, sun-soaked pools and direct access to a beautiful state park. Meanwhile, calm waves of relaxation and brilliantly turquoise water will wash over you as you explore some of the best beaches in Alabama. See it all when you book into these beach hotels in Gulf Shores – bookable on Culture Trip.

Eagle Cottages at Gulf State Park, for lakeside serenity

Cottages

A raised cottage on the shore of Shelby Lakes at Eagle Cottages at Gulf State Park
Courtesy of Eagle Cottages at Gulf State Park / Expedia

The beach hotels in Gulf Shores are delightful, but Eagle Cottages knows that you can’t put a price on pristine quietness. Its Gulf State Park retreat specializes in tranquility, tempting you to lay back and do nothing but snooze, daydream and get lost in a good book. Hiking, biking, kayaking, swimming, fishing and more are all on the agenda if you crave activity, though after one night in your private cottage, tearing yourself away will be near impossible.

Hampton Inn and Suites Orange Beach/Gulf Front, for tropical treats

Suite Hotel

People relax on the beach in front of the Hampton Inn and Suites Orange Beach/Gulf Front
Courtesy of Hampton Inn and Suites Orange Beach/Gulf Front / Expedia

Private beach access and sunset views are yours to savor at this Hampton Inn and Suites. You have the freedom to wander from your suite to the shore with ease – if the poolside Tiki Bar doesn’t take you on a tropical-flavored detour, that is. Even though this hotel is right on the beautiful beachfront, there’s always the chance the little ones will need added entertainment. To their delight (and your relief), Adventure Island is only a four-minute drive away.

The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton Hotel, for a sustainable stay

Chain Hotel

Plush sofas, chairs and a firepit overlooking the beach at the Lodge at Gulf State Park
Courtesy of The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton Hotel / Expedia

Alabama splendor is roosting in the Lodge at Gulf State Park. This delicate ecofriendly resort is one of the few human-made structures in this serene green space. You can hang out in your balcony suite or sip fresh coffee only feet from the sand, but you’ll also want to get out and explore the 28mi (45km) of trails surrounding the freshwater lake. However, no one will fault you for sipping 7&7s by the pool all day.

Island House Hotel Orange Beach – a DoubleTree by Hilton, for sun-kissed calmness

Chain Hotel

The beachfront outdoor pool area of Island House Hotel Orange Beach – a DoubleTree by Hilton, with the hotel behind trees to the right
Courtesy of Island House Hotel Orange Beach – a DoubleTree by Hilton / Expedia

Scooting your lounger from east to west to ensure your tan gets that golden glow is the only problem you’ll have at the Island House Hotel Orange Beach. Aside from shuffling in the sand, you’ll hardly move a muscle, save for the walk from your private balcony down to the outdoor pool. A restaurant is on-site, but just a few steps across the street is the Shrimp Basket, where you can bite into crustaceans as crisp and golden as the evening sunlight.

Perdido Beach Resort, for rest and fishing

Resort, Hotel

An overhead view of the pool area at Perdido Beach Resort, complete trees, shrubs and loungers
Courtesy of Perdido Beach Resort / Expedia

When you stay at Perdido Beach Resort, you really can put “gone fishin’” as your out-of-office message. This breezy beach hotel in Gulf Shores is a cast away from the grouper reeling at the Perdido Pass Jetty, and the staff will hook you up with discounted charter excursions so that you can catch the big one. Angling not enough to bait you into this resort? The frozen daiquiris at Splash Bar & Grille are strong enough to reel in any doubters.

Caribe the Resort, for high-flying fun

Resort

The undulating facade with railings at Caribe the Resort
Courtesy of Caribe the Resort / Expedia

Caribe the Resort is the Gulf Coast getaway you need. There are a few things you won’t be able to escape – the pull of the tiered outdoor pools, the steam floating around the sauna and the putting greens that finally give you a moment to work on your short game. If you feel the need to get away from your getaway, the marina and a helicopter tour agency are right next door and ready to take you anywhere by land or sea.

Sleep Inn on the Beach, for sweet dreams

Inn

An umbrella and chair on the sand in front of the Sleep Inn on the Beach
Courtesy of Sleep Inn on the Beach / Expedia

The name says it all at Sleep Inn on the Beach. Orange Beach is your backdrop for a long night of slumber that will keep you snoozing through the complimentary continental breakfast. Each room is designed for maximum sheep-counting, particularly the beachfront and gulf-view rooms. You’re not dreaming, but you will be living the dream when you kick back on your waterfront balcony.

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