roxanne207

Hi, I am planning a trip in early June to Orange Beach/Gulf Shores for a few days. It will be 2 families and I wanted to get a condo, but my sister would rather a hotel b/c she wants a bar at the pool, and maybe a restaurant. Of course a hotel would cost us twice as much. My question is are there any condos that offer more of the hotel-type amenities, or are they all basically a condo, pool and that's it? Also, does anyone know anything about The Island House? Thanks.

Quinty

I assume you are referring to the Island House Hotel?

I stayed there a long time ago (like when it was new - in 1994 or 95).
The beach area, pool, and rooms were all nice and the staff was very helpful. At that time however, nothing was really close to it (walking distance).

They do have bar service and also serve drinks and snacks out on the beach.

Sorry the info is so dated, but it's better than none!

btsbell

Along the Alabama-Florida gulf coast I would recommend you choose a condo over a hotel. Most of the hotels are over-priced as you already know. They also generally don't have the types of restaurants and poolside bars you see in places like Miami.

mona

Hi - my understanding is that most condos in the area require 6- or 7-night stays during the summer. Anyone know if this is accurate, or know of any good place that doesn't have a minimum stay?

LCR

We are also planning trip there at the end June. We just booked at the CARIBE resort. I looked for rentals for less than a week and they were hard to find during that time of year. Some friends of ours stayed last year at the Islande Royale condo and said it was on the beach and wonderful. But...we chose the Caribe because we have kids and thought they might like the LARGE pool with tubular slide. The Caribe has a fitness center and fully furnished condos. I found it at www.cariberesort.com We booked a 2 Bedroom/2 Bath condo that sleeps six. But, the Caribe also has 3 Bedroom and 4 Bedrooms available. I'd be glad to trade other information about the area if you want to e-mail me direct. [email protected]

roxanne207

Thanks to all- my computer has been down and could not respond. I decided on a 2 bd condo in Phoenix II for 3 nights. The hotels are just so much more expensive.