6 Scenic Beachfront Hotels in Orange Beach, Alabama

Orange Beach is packed with condo rentals perfect for families and extended-stay vacations. All the extras of these more fully equipped accommodations typically come with steeper price tags, but Island House Hotel Orange Beach is a savvy compromise between spacious condos and traditionally cramped hotel rooms.

A Doubletree by Hilton property, it showcases Gulf views from every room. Kitchenettes are equipped with microwaves, coffeemakers, and mini fridges, so you can easily prepare your own light meals and save big by bringing plenty of snacks and drinks. Though you’ll need to upgrade from a standard room to snag these perks, it’s still a deal for a beachfront hotel on Orange Beach.

Don’t skip out on the hotel’s dining program entirely, though. Beachside Bistro & Bar is a good choice for a casual American lunch, from burgers and fries to chicken or fish, and is especially enjoyable when you’re ordering from the poolside service menu.

The large Gulf-front pool offers plenty of lounge chairs for sand-free sunning and a small wading pool for the little ones. The full-service bar just inside is the cherry on top.

Beyond the sandy brush, beach chairs, umbrellas, and boogie boards are yours to rent for the day or by the hour. When you’re over the crowds, head back to your personal balcony for wide ocean views—every room has one.

Apart from the occasional proposal, surprises aren’t typically welcome on vacation, so it’s understandable that many regular travelers prefer to rely on familiar brands for worry-free weekend getaways and seamless summers vacations. If this sounds like heaven to you, check in to Hampton Inn & Suites Orange Beach.

While you can expect all the customary hallmarks of a three-star stay, like comfortable nights in practical rooms and a free hot breakfast in the morning, Hampton Inn & Suites scores big with its popular pool. Because a considerable portion of it is covered, this zero-entry pool is technically considered indoor and outdoor simultaneously, offering either sunbaked swims or Gulf breezes in the shade. The outdoor hot tub is also ideally sheltered.

Both options come with Gulf views and are just steps from Longboards, the seasonal outdoor bar open until 9 p.m. all summer. If you want to work off your extra poolside cocktail calories, you’ll appreciate that the 24-hour fitness center also overlooks the Gulf.

If you’re looking for the full resort experience on the Gulf of Mexico but don’t want to leave the country, hang your hat at Perdido Beach Resort. This spot is the only true beachfront resort in the entire state of Alabama. This one-stop shop on the beach fits all your vacation goals, from indoor and outdoor pools and a hot tub to a 24-hour fitness center. The impressive modern lobby boasts the island’s only live piano entertainment, but the resort’s top marks come from its dining (and drinking) options, as well as partnerships with nearby businesses.

In true resort fashion, you’ll find five dining venues and three bars onsite at Perdido. Highlights include broiled Gulf oysters and ostrich carpaccio on the Gulf-view deck at Voyagers, and Gulf shrimp and Mai Tais from Splash Bar & Grille. Whether you’re in the mood for pizza and ice cream or a formal white linen feast, you won’t have to leave the property to indulge.

Still, there are some stellar reasons to venture offsite, particularly to take advantage of the region’s renowned sport fishing and golf courses. Perdido’s partnerships with trusted fishing, golf, and spa providers have you covered.

Sleep Inn On the Beach is home to 118 fuss-free rooms that are well suited to couples and is just as the name suggests: a solid choice for a place to sleep. As far as beachfront hotels in Orange Beach go, you’ll have a difficult time finding a better bargain directly on the shoreline, especially if you book during the week. Take note: Rates have been known to rise considerably on weekends in peak travel season.

Though there’s no dining option onsite, Sleep Inn is located within walking distance (under a mile) of several area restaurants. You can also snag a free continental breakfast each morning, and complimentary coffee and tea in the lobby all day. The outdoor pool is features a sizable sun deck that can offer a welcome respite from a busy day, and the public beach is just across the boardwalk. Some rooms come with balconies overlooking the glittering Gulf – make sure to confirm availability when making your reservation if this is a priority.

The newest beachfront hotel in Orange Beach, Best Western Premier, The Tides brings an upscale take to a three-star stay, modernizing the shoreline with its swanky presence. Covered parking comprises the first three floors, with a spacious beach-view lobby dominating the fourth. The contemporary rooms of varying size are stacked above, giving all of its Gulf-side rooms expansive vistas.

You’ll certainly find service and amenities galore here, but the vibe is far more brand-new-beach-house than chain-hotel. While other beachfront hotels in Orange Beach tend to offer only the basics, The Tides truly understands the essence of a beach vacation and excels at offering extra touches, like the cozy poolside fire reminiscent of beach bonfires and the free cruiser bike rentals to explore the coastline.

You won’t find a restaurant at The Tides, but the grab-and-go deli on the lobby level and the two bars onsite more than make up for it. You’re also close enough to area restaurants to walk or bike.

Among the two-star, budget-friendly beachfront hotels in Orange Beach, Holiday Inn Express Orange Beach is the top value choice – especially for families. Onsite amenities are similar to other value stays along the coast, ranging from “about the same” to “considerably better” in quality, and all for a generally lower rate year-round. As such, this hotel is prone to selling out during high season on the Gulf, so reserve early if this will be your choice.

The pool complex here is a favorite among all guests, from energetic kids to cocktail-sipping adults. It offers a double punch of two large heated pools and an outdoor hot tub, plus a bar and picnic tables overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, making it possibly the best on the beach. Speaking of the beach, guests can rent chairs and umbrellas seasonally just down the boardwalk.

Apart from water fun, the hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from one of Orange Beach’s top attractions for kids and families, Adventure Island amusement park. Fat Daddy’s Arcade is equally close by foot.