The Best Beach Hotels to Book in Gulf Shores, Alabama

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.

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 pier, the park and the public beach are a few of your options for optimal relaxation at this Comfort Inn and Suites. Step out of your suite, head to the sundeck and pick a direction; Gulf State Park is to the east, Gulf State Park Pier to the south and Gulf Shores Public Beach to the west, all within walking distance. Pop into the sundries shop for sunscreen, grab a to-go cup of fresh coffee and head out to greet Gulf Shores.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.