If you’re looking for lodging offering elevated comfort and Southern hospitality along the Alabama Gulf Coast, look no further than The Lodge at Gulf State Park. I have stayed at The Lodge twice now, and I highly recommend it. Here are my top five reasons to stay at The Lodge at Gulf State Park when visiting the Alabama Beaches (Gulf Shores or Orange Beach).
1. The Hotel Is Beachfront
The Alabama Beaches are known for their sugar-white sand beaches, so it’s no surprise that this ranks #1 on my list of reasons to stay at The Lodge at Gulf State Park. Seating arrangements throughout the property make sitting back, relaxing, and enjoying the scenery easy.
While the hotel’s décor is pretty and beachy, The Lodge does a great job of allowing the landscape to be the focus—the gorgeous sugar-white sand beaches by the Gulf of Mexico’s emerald green waters and beautiful nature from Gulf State Park.
2. Great, Central Location
The Lodge at Gulf State Park is right smack in the middle of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama. This location allows you to conveniently explore both areas without spending too much time driving from one activity to the next.
Whether you’re looking to visit The Wharf, see live music at Flora-Bama, or indulge in the area’s awesome food scene, you can do it all easily from The Lodge at Gulf State Park.
Additionally, since the hotel is inside Gulf State Park, you can enjoy all the park offers without venturing out very far. Hop on a bicycle from the rack out front and bike the Hugh S Branyon Backcountry Trail. Take the pedestrian bridge across the street to kayak Lake Shelby, go birding, or attend a class offered at the Gulf State Park Nature Center.
It’s all outside of The Lodge’s front doors!
3. Comfortable Rooms With A View
The Lodge at Gulf State Park boasts 350 guest rooms, each with a water view—either Lake Shelby or the Gulf. Rooms are spacious, very nicely decorated, and comfortable. It is the perfect place for families to stay, as some rooms have bunk beds.
While some guest rooms have balconies, you can enjoy the beautiful Gulf Shores sunrises and sunsets courtesy of the public balconies on each floor. Each balcony has multiple seating arrangements, so there’s plenty of room for different parties to enjoy the space.
4. Commitment To Sustainability
The Lodge is a model of environmentally friendly coastal development, where connectivity to the outdoors is a central focus. They are a proud leader in the Sustainable Tourism movement, starting with numerous eco-friendly construction and certifications.
Guest room AC units have sensors that cut off the unit if balcony doors or windows are open to conserve energy. Energy-efficient lighting and motion sensors across the property reduce unnecessary waste and energy.
The Lodge is positioned to use gulf breezes for natural ventilation and lighting through passive cooling techniques and wood screens to filter sunlight and reduce energy usage.
One of the most remarkable ways The Lodge repurposes water is by collecting and recycling condensation from the HVAC system to replace the water in the pool. Additionally, 75% of the site has been landscaped using native species that can thrive without irrigation, chemical pesticides, or fertilizers, which has helped restore the coastal landscape.
5. Loads Of Amenities
The huge outdoor pool overlooking the beach is the most popular amenity (and a big reason to stay at The Lodge at Gulf State Park). The beautiful pool even has a beach entry.
I enjoy having several dining options at my hotel, and The Lodge at Gulf State Park delivers on this with four different restaurants on-site. Foodcraft serves a tasty breakfast and coastal favorites for lunch and dinner. The very savvy Perch restaurant features small plates, appetizers, and cocktails.
Roasted Oak Coffee & Wine Bar is located in the main lobby The Lodge. This modern café bar serves coffee in the morning, but turns into a wine bar of the evening. Dragonfly Pool Bar & Grill (open seasonally) offers poolside favorites and refreshing beverages.
The Lodge at Gulf State Park’s fitness center (open 24 hours) is another popular amenity. It houses elliptical machines, stationary bikes (including a Peloton), treadmill, free weights, and machine weights.
If you forget something at home, the Lodge at Gulf State Park has a souvenir and gift shop right beside the front desk.
The Lodge At Gulf State Park FAQs (May 2024)
What is the fee for parking at The Lodge at Gulf State Park?
Self-parking is $12, while valet parking is $22 (both per day).
Does the Lodge at Gulf State Park charge for Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is complimentary with your stay.
Are pets allowed at The Lodge at Gulf State Park?
No, the hotel is not pet-friendly, except for service animals.
Does the Lodge at Gulf State Park offer free breakfast?
No, there is an additional charge for dining at all on-property restaurants.
Is The Lodge at Gulf State Park part of a hotel chain?
Yes, The Lodge is a Hilton property.
Does The Lodge at Gulf State Park have event space?
Yes, 18,752 square feet of event space, to be exact! The Lodge’s meeting rooms can accommodate groups of up to 800 people.
Fun Fact: Our #STEAlabamaBeaches travel conference took place here in February 2024.
Are connecting rooms available at The Lodge at Gulf State Park?
Yes, based on availability.
Does The Lodge at Gulf State Park charge a resort fee?
No.
Is room service available at The Lodge at Gulf State Park?
Yes, from 7 AM to 9 PM.
Does The Lodge at Gulf State Park have electric vehicle charging stations?
Yes, there are four EVC stations in the self-parking area.
To learn more about Gulf Shores and Orange Beach vacation planning or order a Vacation Guide, head over to the Alabama Beaches website or stop in one of the area’s Welcome Centers, 3459 Gulf Shores Parkway (Hwy. 59 South) or 23685 Perdido Beach Blvd. (Hwy. 182).