There is no shortage of lodging choices when you visit Gulf Shores or Orange Beach, Alabama. You could stay in an airbnb, hotel, campground, bed and breakfast, etc. Where you choose to stay will be based on many factors from the size of your family to cost per night. As we drove around Gulf Shores and Orange Beach I was astounded at the number of high rise hotels/condos in each area. To be honest, I felt the high rise hotels/condos distracted from the beauty of the area.
In between Gulf Shores and Orange Beach there is an oasis in the sea of high rise hotels/condos. We were blessed to stay at the oasis better known as The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton hotel. I loved this hotel was not near any other hotel! It was great the hotel was built to blend in with the scenery. Instead of distracting from the beauty it becomes part of the aesthetics. Notice in the picture below, you can see the high rises in Orange Beach in the far off distance, not right next door.
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| The Lodge at Gulf State Park - ocean side facing east toward Orange Beach. |
Notice in the picture below, you can see the high rise hotels of Gulf Shores in the far distance. The hotel between the camera and the pier is The Lodge at Gulf State Park. Again notice, no neighboring hotels in close sight!
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| The Lodge at Gulf State Park facing west toward Gulf Shores. |
We stayed at the Lodge at Gulf State Park in April. This would be during their shoulder season, meaning rates were more affordable. During our stay Hilton was running a promotion called the long weekender. We stayed 3 nights Friday - Sunday and received half off our third night. The average nightly rate came to $180 plus tax. If you book the same accommodations during summer, the rates would be twice the amount. We booked a standard double queen with a balcony and a park view. By the way, the park view also has a view of East Beach Blvd. Due to a problem with our original room, we were upgraded to an ocean view room. Wow! The view was fantastic!
Activities: When you stay at the Lodge at Gulf State Park, you will have countless activities to choose to spend your time doing. On the hotel property you will find an infinity edge swimming pool that overlooks the ocean.
The room was comfortable and a good size. The bathroom was spacious with a walk in shower. I loved having the balcony to sit out on and watch the sunrise and sunset.
The Lodge at Gulf State Park does not offer complimentary breakfast. There were 2 on-site restaurants and a coffee bar in the lobby. There is a pool side bar as well.
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| Lobby with coffee bar. |
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| The lobby has plenty of space with comfortable seating. Families were seen playing board games. |
There was a porch along the back of the hotel with comfortable seating.
Each day of our stay, hotel staff offered ping pong tables, corn hole games, and poolside activities. For those wanting to relax by the pool you will find plenty of deck chairs and a couple of hammocks for relaxation.
On the beach you will find a volleyball net. Beach chairs are available for rental as well. In the picture below you see the 1,540 feet long and 20 feet wide Gulf State Park fishing pier. The cost to walk onto the pier is $3 per person.
The Lodge sits on 6,150 acres of Gulf State Park! The amenities are countless for the outdoor enthusiasts in your family. Within Gulf State Park there are over 28 miles of hiking & biking trails. You have the Gulf of Mexico on one side of the hotel and a 900 acre freshwater lake on the other side of the hotel.
We chose to spend Saturday riding bicycles on the 28 miles of paved bike trails in Gulf State Park on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. You can bring your own bikes if you wish but you do not need to. When you stay at the Lodge at Gulf State park bicycle rentals are FREE at the state park office across the pedestrian bridge from the hotel. I know the bicycles look ancient but they were really comfortable for our 22 mile ride!
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| Pedestrian bridge to Gulf State Park from the Lodge at Gulf State Park |
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| 28 miles of paved bike trails await you at Hugh S Branyon Backcountry Trail. |
We spent about 6 hours riding bikes and exploring the area that beautiful April day. On our bike ride we found the Nature Center located within the Gulf State Park campground. Everyone who stays at the Gulf State Park campground or the Lodge receive free admission, all others must pay $2.
When we visited the Nature Center, we were able to see and touch a non-poisonous snake that a worker was showing. Inside the Nature Center we learned about a barred owl from a worker. The owl was a recent rescue because of a broken wing.
The bike trails were fantastic! Every trail is paved or a wooden bridge. No motorized vehicles are permitted on the trails. The trails are for the most part flat, making for an easy ride. On one trail you will find a butterfly garden. On another trail you will find alligator bayou, and yes you will most likely see an alligator. There are scenic overlooks from the bike trail. You will find playgrounds along the trail. If you ride long enough you will find Orange Beach. I highly recommend exploring the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail by bike. Check out the images below of the trails.
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| Paved bicycle trail on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry trail. |
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| One of the many wooden bridges on the bike trail. |
Of course you also have the pristine beach to occupy your time as well.
If you choose The Lodge at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama for your next getaway, I think you will be glad you did!
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As you make your journey, may God bless you every single mile.