13 Top-Rated Resorts in Gulf Shores, AL

The best resorts in Gulf Shores, Alabama take advantage of the Gulf of Mexico coastline, which is the centerpiece of every vacation in the area. Take your pick from beachside resorts, luxury hotels, and vacation rentals. Most of the resorts give guests direct access to the famous "squeaky" sugar-white sands that Gulf Shores is known for.

The Orange Beach and Gulf Shores communities are connected by a bridge, and both share the Gulf of Mexico oceanfront. Some of the best resorts in the area are located in both communities, but regardless of which side of the bridge you choose to stay on, you are only a few minutes from all the attractions in the Gulf Shores region.

Choose the ideal place to stay on your next vacation or weekend getaway with our list of the best Gulf Shores resorts.

1. Perdido Beach Resort

Accommodation: Perdido Beach Resort

A luxury resort on the Gulf of Mexico oceanfront is Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach.

The resort rooms and suites have a variety of floor plans with ocean or pool views, a refrigerator, and a private balcony. Suites have multiple bedrooms and more space to spread out.

Guests can access this resort's indoor and outdoor pools and fitness center or just walk down to the beach.

There are five restaurants on the property including Voyagers, which is a fine-dining establishment, with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the sea. The restaurant focuses on authentic Gulf Coast coastal fare and does excellent fresh-caught seafood and dry-aged steaks.

For something more casual, check out the family-friendly Perdido Beach Pizza Co., which also serves some of the best ice cream in Gulf Shores. If none of the cuisine at Perdido Beach Resort sounds tasty, the resort is close to other Orange Beach dining options.

Guests staying at the resort can take advantage of the resort's vacation packages with a local spa, golf course, and fishing charters. If you want to just relax at the resort, you can chill to live music almost nightly in the lobby lounge or by the pool.

Address: 27200 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach, Alabama

2. The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton Hotel

Accommodation: The Lodge At Gulf State Park, a Hilton Hotel

The beachside resort at the Lodge at Gulf State Park is a Hilton Hotel in a central location. Not only are you just steps from the beach and ocean waves, but the resort is set in the 6,150-acre Gulf State Park, so there are many other nature and recreational activities that are easily accessible without having to drive anywhere.

This is a unique lodging option because of its placement in the state park, giving you easy access to the water and to 28 miles of hiking and biking trails. The lodge sits in the center of a special area of biodiversity and preserved ecosystems, giving you a front-row seat to the plant and animal life that only exists here.

The lodge rooms have a contemporary design with views of the ocean. There are spacious suites available with private balconies and sitting areas, and some rooms have bunk beds for families. Guests can use the fitness center, which stays open 24 hours. There is also an infinity-edge pool with beautiful Gulf water views.

When it comes to dining, there are four restaurants at the lodge. Foodcraft is where to go for hand-cut steaks and coastal fare, along with fantastic sea views. Woodside is another great option, especially if you are traveling with your dog, as it has pet-friendly outdoor seating. There are also backyard games, live music on many evenings, and a full menu.

The Lodge at Gulf State Park has a deep commitment to sustainable tourism, so they provide eco-friendly toiletry items in guest rooms and support efforts to protect local nature and sea life.

Address: 21196 East Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores, Alabama

3. Phoenix All Suites Hotel West

Accommodation: Phoenix All Suites Hotel West

The Phoenix All Suites Hotel is a luxury lodging option in the Gulf Shores with the accommodations of a condominium but the service and amenities of a hotel.

The hotel is located on the beach, and mornings can start with a cup of coffee on your oceanfront balcony. There are two Phoenix All Suites Hotels locations in the Gulf Shores.

The accommodations are one-bedroom beachfront suites with a living room. There is a full kitchen, so you have the option to make food in your condo space. The hotel suites have bunk beds and sleeper sofas.

There is an on-site laundry facility for convenience and an outdoor pool available for guests.

Address: 533 W. Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores, Alabama

4. The Beach Club Resort & Spa

Accommodation: The Beach Club Resort & Spa

The Beach Club Resort & Spa is set right on Gulf Shores' pretty white-sand beach, and bills itself as a village for vacationers because of its amenities and activities, which are all located on-site or within walking distance.

The resort has a walkway for guests leading directly to the beach and is close to a wildlife refuge, where you can take morning strolls on the trails. The Beach Club Resort & Spa also has five outdoor swimming pools and a heated indoor pool.

This resort offers a full calendar of family activities, from yoga and water fitness classes for adults to craft projects for children.

The resort offers condominium rentals, so you have a home away from home, with bedrooms, a full kitchen, a living room, and a balcony. There are also two- to five-bedroom lakefront cottage rentals on-site. Some have private swimming pools and hot tubs.

For additional relaxation, you can book a massage or facial at the full-service spa at the resort or spend time in the state-of-the-art fitness center and sauna. For dining, guests can choose from several restaurants on-site or stop by the Village Lawn on the property for food trucks, picnic tables, and family entertainment.

Address: 925 Beach Club Trail, Gulf Shores, Alabama

5. Caribe Resort

Accommodation: Caribe Resort

The Caribe Resort is a beachside resort in Orange Beach with luxury condominium vacation rentals.

The resort has a variety of multi-bedroom condominiums. They have full kitchens, a living room, private patio, and some units have multiple bathrooms.

The resort has many amenities and activities for guests, including several indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, waterslides, a lazy river, tennis courts, and private cart beach service. Guests have full access to a fitness center and sauna.

There is a full-service marina on the property and boat slips for guests who arrive by water. The private marina is where you can rent boats, book fishing charters, or rent water sports equipment like Jet Skis.

Address: 28103 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach, Alabama

6. Island House Hotel Orange Beach - a DoubleTree by Hilton

Accommodation: Island House Hotel Orange Beach – a DoubleTree by Hilton

The Island House Hotel in Orange Beach is a DoubleTree by Hilton with vacation resort accommodations and hotel amenities.

Many rooms in the hotel face the gulf and beachfront, and balcony rooms are available. You can upgrade to a suite with additional amenities, like a balcony off the master bedroom, separate living areas, and an additional bathroom.

Guests have direct boardwalk access to the beachfront property in front of the hotel. Beach perks like umbrellas and lounge chairs are available. Visiting off-site attractions like The Wharf and Adventure Island is easy, as they are located within two miles of the resort. Gulf State Park is only four miles away.

Time on the property can be spent at the heated outdoor pool, fitness center, and beach volleyball courts. There is a restaurant on-site that serves food all day.

Address: 26650 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach, Alabama

7. Kiva Dunes

Accommodation: Kiva Dunes

The Kiva Dunes resort is the only golf-and-beach resort in Alabama. The hallmark of this property is its more than 3,000 feet of private beachfront and location along the 18th green of the Kiva Dunes Golf Course. A round of play on this public golf course is a nice way to break up your beach vacation while never having to leave the property.

The resort has several types of rentals available, from lodge units, villas, and condos, to house rentals with kitchens, living rooms, and various views from the ocean to the golf course.

In addition to the private beach, guests have full access to the resort's four pools including a salt water pool, hot tub, and fitness center with state-of-the art equipment. There are two restaurants on the property.

Address: 815 Plantation Road, Gulf Shores, Alabama

8. Hampton Inn Gulf Shores

Accommodation: Hampton Inn Gulf Shores

The Hampton Inn Gulf Shores is close to many of the attractions in the area and about a mile from the beach. This is a nice option if you plan to spend time exploring places like the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, Gulf State Park, and the Gulf Shores Museum.

Guest rooms have mini refrigerators and microwaves.

Guests at Hampton Inn Gulf Shores receive complimentary breakfast and have full access to the outdoor pool and fitness center, and they can wind down by the fire pit in the evenings.

The hotel is located just off Highway 59/Gulf Shores Parkway, which is lined with restaurants that are within walking distance.

Address: 1701 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores, Alabama

9. Courtyard Gulf Shores Craft Farms

Accommodation: Courtyard Gulf Shores Craft Farms

Vacationers who want to stay in a location with quick access to everything along the Gulf Shores Parkway have a number of options, including the Courtyard Gulf Shores Craft Farms. The hotel is situated near the Craft Farms Golf Club.

Guest rooms have mini refrigerators, microwaves, and luxury bedding. You can upgrade to a suite with more space and a living room area.

The Courtyard has a heated outdoor pool and a fitness center available for guests. There is a bistro in the lobby for breakfast and snacks.

The hotel is a few miles from the Gulf Shores Beach and a mile from local attractions like putt-putt and The Track Recreation Center.

Address: 3750 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores, Alabama

10. Hotel Indigo Orange Beach – Gulf Shores

Accommodation: Hotel Indigo Orange Beach – Gulf Shores

The Hotel Indigo in Orange Beach is surrounded by the natural beauty of the area and has a nautical theme to round out the mood of staying by the water. It is just steps from the beach and close to the Gulf State Park Pier and hiking on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail next to the hotel. There is even a free shuttle service available to the state park if you want to plan a day away from the resort.

This is a pet-friendly hotel, and the proximity to outdoor attractions is nice for pet owners.

Hotel Indigo has rooms and suites with spa-inspired bathrooms, mini refrigerators, and bath robes for suite guests.

The hotel has an indoor pool and a 24-hour fitness facility.

The hotel offers vacation packages that combine experiences or add room extras upon arrival for special occasions.

Address: 22843 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, Alabama

11. SpringHill Suites Orange Beach at The Wharf

Accommodation: SpringHill Suites Orange Beach at The Wharf

The SpringHill Suites Orange Beach at The Wharf is an all-suite hotel in Orange Beach located close to the coast. It is within walking distance to shopping and entertainment in the area and a short drive from the beach.

The studio suites include a mini refrigerator and microwave, and some suites come with a balcony.

The hotel has an outdoor pool, a whirlpool, and a fitness center for guests to use. A complimentary breakfast is included.

The hotel location is within walking distance of The Wharf, where you can enjoy the attractions and take water excursions from the marina. You are just a few miles from the Gulf Coast beaches, Gulf State Park, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, and the outlet mall.

Address: 4673 Wharf Pkwy., Orange Beach, Alabama

12. Gulf Shores Plantation

Accommodation: Gulf Shores Plantation

The Gulf Shores Plantation in the Gulf Shores is a beachfront resort with condominium and cottage vacation rentals.

The floor plans range from studio units to three-bedroom condominiums. All vacation rentals at the resort have a kitchenette or full kitchen, living room areas, and private balconies. All units are just steps away from the beach.

There are lots of amenities available to guests at Gulf Shores Plantation, like beachfront pools and an indoor pool, hot tubs, and a fitness center. The resort also has tennis courts, a putting green, and basketball courts.

Address: 805 Plantation Rd., Gulf Shores, Alabama

13. Best Western on the Beach

Accommodation: Best Western on the Beach

The view from the Best Western on the Beach is inspiring no matter what time of day you glance out to the ocean, which is located just outside the door.

Guest rooms have amenities like a kitchenette with a refrigerator. You can book rooms with fireplaces and balconies for added relaxation.

It is a mile from the Gulf State Park Fishing Pier and just a few steps from the famous white-sand beaches of the Gulf Shores.

The property has an indoor heated pool, a beachside pool, a kiddie pool, and hot tubs. Guests have direct access to the beach, but you are only a few minutes from some of the top attractions in the area, including Bon Secour Bay and Wildlife Refuge; Gulf State Park; and Orange Beach Marina, where you can book fishing charters and dolphin-watching excursions.

Address: 337 East Beach Blvd., Gulf Shores, Alabama

Best Time to Visit Resorts in Gulf Shores, AL - Historical Climate Averages

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