11 Best Beachfront Hotels in Gulf Shores, Alabama

At the southern end of Alabama, just beyond Mobile, sits the drop-dead gorgeous Gulf Shores on the Gulf of Mexico coast. This alluring beach destination shares the same powdery white sands and jewel-toned waters as famed Mexican resort towns like Playa del Carmen and Cancún, making it one of the best beach havens in the Deep South. But its vibe is far from the spring-break style of its Mexican peers; here, it’s all about beachside picnics, outdoor activities, and, the best of them all, amazing beachside living. The best beachfront hotel in Gulf Shores, Alabama, on the beach ranges from swanky and luxurious digs to smaller yet amazing hotels with a plethora of aquatic amenities. Whether it’s multiple pools, spas, hot tubs, lazy rivers, or beachside access, these hotels have them all.

With entrancingly emerald waters, an itinerary packed with ocean adventures, and superb oceanside digs, it’s no surprise that Gulf Shores is one of the best places to visit in Alabama. So, we’ve scoured the shoreline and found you the 11 best beachfront hotels in Gulf Shores.

Lighthouse Condominiums by Wyndham

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The Lighthouse Condominiums by Wyndham are one of the best beachfront hotels on the beach in Gulf Shores, Alabama. This serviced condo complex boasts a wide variety of condo categories, many of which are sea-facing with sprawling furnished balconies with gorgeous ocean views. What’s more, the condos range from one to four-bedroom ones, which makes them perfect for all kinds and sizes of traveling groups. You’ll find both indoor and outdoor pools here, with beach access via a long wooden boardwalk from the pool area to the sand. Moreover, there’s wonderful beach service with umbrellas and chaise lounges for soaking in that Gulf sunshine. Back at the hotel, the sauna, jacuzzi, and spa are perfect for unwinding, with the fitness center perfect for workout fanatics.

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Phoenix All Suites West Hotel

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The Phoenix All Suites West Hotel is yet another great beach hotel. This extra family-friendly hotel is perfect for families with kids, as it has tons of kid-friendly amenities. For one, it has a kiddie pool onsite where children can splash about and have fun while parents relax onsite. What’s more, the fully serviced suites come with kitchens and living/dining rooms. So, you can whip up meals on the fly as well as serve them properly. Moreover, some suites even have child-size bunk beds, allowing your kids – and you – to sleep peacefully! The best bit? Each unit has a balcony overlooking the Gulf of Mexico for spectacular sea views. Since the hotel sits directly on the shoreline, you can directly head to the beach via a wooden boardwalk. Back at the hotel, there’s a beachfront pool that you can enjoy.

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Crystal Tower by Wyndham

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Crystal Tower by Wyndham is one of the best beachfront hotels on the beach in Gulf Shores, Alabama. It sits right across the street from the shore, with an air-conditioned skywalk leading directly from the sand to the property. That’s what makes this place so unique, as most other places simply have walkways. This towering collection of two-bedroom condos feature everything from in-unit laundry facilities to full kitchens, making it perfect for families. At the same time, the Crystal Tower offers a whole host of hotel-like amenities, including a ton of aquatic amusement. There are multiple pool options to satisfy every vacation style and age, ranging from a lazy river and kids’ pool to hot tubs and indoor and outdoor pools for adults. But the private white-sand beach club is the main attraction, especially since each unit even has private balconies looking out to the beach.

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Best Western on the Beach

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If you’re looking for the comfort of familiarity on your Gulf Shores beachfront hotel experience, then head to Best Western on the Beach. This trusted no-fuss outpost of the well-known brand offers one of the most reliable hospitality in town, along with some of the most updated digs. Firstly, it sits right on the beach – literally, the minute you step off the lobby, you’re right on the sandy shoreline. Secondly, it has a variety of room categories to suit everyone from solo travelers and couples to families. What’s more, the contemporary décor in soothing hues is utterly alluring. But, the best of them all are the upscale amenities, such as the heated indoor pool and an outdoor pool with a tropical grotto, hot tub, and spectacular Gulf views. Finally, the lounge deck and the outdoor picnic areas offer superb seafront views.

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The Lodge at Gulf State Park, A Hilton Hotel

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The Lodge at Gulf State Park, A Hilton Hotel is one of the best beachfront hotels on the beach in Gulf Shores, Alabama. It sits right on the edge of Gulf State Park, nestled snugly between the Gulf of Mexico and the Shelby Lakes. The rooms and suites are divine and even have beachfront balconies for you to take complete advantage of the beachfront location. And in any case, the beach is just steps from the property, down a wooden path that snakes down from the hotel directly to the sand. At the beach, you’ll find daybeds and umbrellas, allowing you to lounge for as long as you want. Back at the hotel, the Gulf-side infinity pool is equally amazing, complete with zero-entry and a poolside bar and grill. An onsite restaurant and wine bar and a a free bike share program wrap up the amenities here.

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Island House Hotel Orange Beach

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Sunset balcony views abound at the Island House Hotel Orange Beach, a very popular beachfront hotel. What’s great about this hotel is that it offers sweeping sea views not just from the lobby’s floor-to-ceiling windows, but also from the balconies in every room! What’s more, rooms range from corner rooms to sprawling suites with huge furnished balconies that front the ocean. When you want to cool off, head to the beachfront pool where you can enjoy a dip or lounge. Or, you can simply head down the sandy path to the beach, where you can snag a beach chair and umbrella set up on the sands. Wind up your day with tropical cocktails and freshly caught seafood at the hotel’s beachside restaurant and bar.

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Eagle Cottages at Gulf State Park

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The Eagle Cottages at Gulf State Park are one of the best waterfront hotels on the beach in Gulf Shores, Alabama. This gorgeous outdoorsy resort features contemporary cottages that are nestled on the waterfront within the grounds of Gulf State Park. What’s more, they’re perfect for those who’re looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of the beachfront. At the same time, all cottages are modern with full kitchens, luxe bathrooms, and bedrooms. The best bit is that each one of them has a spacious furnished deck that overlooks Lake Shelby, making it one of the most unique waterside vacations in the Gulf Shores. And, of course, the surroundings are superb for hiking, kayaking the bay, riding bikes, and even fishing in the freshwater lakes.

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Perdido Beach Resort

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Perdido Beach Resort, which is affectionately called PBR by locals, has long been a Gulf Coast staple – and a favorite, might we add. This resort sits on Perdido Pass, which is a lovely water channel where bay flows into the Gulf. The digs might be pretty standard in terms of decor, but they’re spacious, impeccable, and kitted out with free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, plush beds, modern bathrooms, and even balconies and patios with views. Downstairs, there is a full slew of amenities that you’ll find, including a hot tub and an indoor pool. Additionally, there’s also a kiddie pool and a spacious outdoor pool, four restaurants, and a fully-equipped fitness center. Plus, you’ll even find four bars, including a rather wonderful poolside one. Finally, there’s the sandy beach just across a short stretch of grass right in front of the property.

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Hotel Indigo Orange Beach

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If you’re looking for boutique beachfront hotels on the beach in Gulf Shores, Alabama, then look no further than Hotel Indigo Orange Beach. The hotel’s exterior takes inspiration from the stunning landscape, with its turquoise motifs and a wave-like roof. You’ll love the spacious and contemporary rooms and suites here, which feature fun pops of color and quirky but well-designed patterns. The rest of the hotel is equally impressive, such as the onsite restaurant and bar and even the outpost of locally based Southern Grind Coffee House. Evenings are best spent by the fire pit, where you can cozy up and enjoy time under the stars. And since it sits right across from the beach and the highway, there’s even a shuttle to cart you and your beach belongings down to the beach!

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Hampton Inn & Suites Orange Beach/Gulf Front

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Caribbean island vibes abound at the Hampton Inn & Suites Orange Beach/Gulf Front. The hotel sits in a gorgeous, unmissable and totally Instagrammable coral-and-peach building at the southern end of Perdido Beach. Choose from standard rooms and swanky and spacious suites, all of which come with either partial or full views of the ocean. For an absolutely unforgettable experience, we suggest the seafront rooms and suites that have furnished patios and balconies with jaw-dropping ocean views. Downstairs, you’ll feel like you’re at an island resort in the Caribbean. For instance, there’s an outdoor poolside tiki bar where bartenders sling tropical cocktails as you swim in or lounge by the pool. Plus, a wooden walkway directly leads from the pool deck down to the sandy beach, where you can lounge all day long.

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The Beach House

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Imagine living in a nautical-themed four-bedroom beach house that sits right on the sandy beach in Gulf Shores, Alabama – that’s the Beach House hotel, or rather B&B for you. These gorgeous four-bedroom beachfront digs is perfect for large groups of travelers, as well as couples who only want to rent one of the rooms. The covered deck with a porch swing is perfect for sipping on morning coffee or glass of wine in the evening. What’s more, the raised deck has a flight of stairs that lead straight out to the sand. When you’re not on the beach, play board games on the deck or stream Netflix on one of the HD flatscreen TVs. And when it’s hunger time, this rental also has a huge well-equipped kitchen, complete with a breakfast bar o begin your day on a high note.

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Recommended Beach Bars/Restaurants in Gulf Shores

• Sea-N-Suds, Gulf Shores: Local peeps, and even tourists, swear by the fried shrimp at this 1975-opened family-owned restaurant. In fact, it’s on Alabama’s “100 Dishes to Eat” list! Other must-try dishes include chicken tenders, burgers, famous hot dogs, gumbo, royal red shrimp, and oysters. Wash them down with cold beverages, cocktails, and beers while gazing out at the Gulf.
• Ginny Lane Bar & Grill, Orange Beach: Ginny Lane in Orange Beach boasts a pretty dockside patio and live music daily. Oysters, both baked and fried, are a signature of this decade-old eatery, besides steaks, seafood, and other dishes. Don’t miss the Sunday brunch with egg-based favorites such as Cajun Omelet with crawfish tails and andouille.

Recommended Things To Do in Gulf Shores

• Gulf State Park: It’s easy to plan a whole day out at the well-maintained Gulf State Park, which has beaches, a pier, and even hiking trails. You can even rent paddleboards, kayaks, segways and bikes from a bike-sharing program. And, of course, the beaches are perfect for swimming and fishing.

Best Beach Areas in Gulf Shores

Gulf Shores is a rather spread-out region, so you need to decide which beach area you want to live in. We begin with the main drag, which is West Beach, the main tourist area. This public beach area is home to some of Alabama’s best sunbathing spots and the best watersports. Plus, it has everything from open-air pavilions and bach attendants to picnic areas, showers, and restrooms. Secondly, Shelby Lakes is much calmer than West Beach but also has fantastic by-the-water areas for waterside fun.

Then, there’s Little Lagoon, which is as much as 10 miles long and is where the lagoon empties into the Gulf. This gorgeous neighborhood has everything from the lagoon and beach access to restrooms and parking. Finally, you’ll love Orange Beach, which has many beach access points and gorgeous beachside digs, including condo rentals.