7 Top-Rated Villas in Alabama

April 18, 2023 Dorsey Hagwood

If you head for the hills in the state you’ll end up in the northern sector where the inspiring mountains and attractions like the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, the Blue & Gray Museum in Decatur and the Ave Maria Grotto in Cullman represent the diversity of experiences available in the area. In the middle of the state you’ll find Birmingham, an urban center with great attractions and museums, and Tuscaloosa, the quintessential college town and home to the University of Alabama. For beach lovers, sandy destinations like Dauphin Island near Mobile, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer beautiful beaches, superb golf, fantastic seafood restaurants and heaping helpings of Southern hospitality. For those who love to chase the white dimpled ball, Alabama offers one of the best golf values anywhere. The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, a collection of 468 holes at 11 different sites across the state, features top-notch, championship style courses at affordable rates.
Things to do in Alabama

1. Whaler

505 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542-6627
Excellent
15%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
23%
Terrible
15%
Overall Ratings

3 based on 13 reviews

Whaler

If you’re looking for a hotel in Gulf Shores, look no further than Whaler. Close to some of Gulf Shores' most popular landmarks, such as Wade Ward Nature Park (0.7 mi) and Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church (1.9 mi), Whaler Hotel is a great destination for tourists. Rooms at Whaler provide a kitchenette, a refrigerator, and a dishwasher, and getting online is easy, with free wifi available. In addition, Whaler offers a pool, which will help make your Gulf Shores trip additionally gratifying. Gulf Shores has plenty of barbeque restaurants. So when you’re here, be sure to check out popular spots like Hog Wild Beach & BBQ, Picnic Beach, and Ribs & Reds, which are serving up some great dishes. Best of all, Whaler Hotel makes it easy to experience many great Gulf Shores attractions like Gulf State Park and Gulf State Park Fishing Pier, which are some popular state parks. The staff at Whaler looks forward to serving you during your upcoming visit.

Small but nice

Reviewed By curbimus

Small place...one elevator and about 30 units. Nice to visit if you just want the beach. No amenities... only outdoor pool which isn't heated. Great location within walking distance of all gulf shores hot spots.

2. Phoenix X

29576 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561-3386
Excellent
54%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
7%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 966 reviews

Phoenix X

With gorgeous views of the Gulf of Mexico and the Bay, Phoenix X (Phoenix 10) is situated close to Perdido Key in Orange Beach. Enjoy the upscale condos and the many amenities as well as incredible beaches stretching for miles. The property offers 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom, fully furnished units that can sleep anywhere from 4 to 10 people, depending on the unit. Units also have fully equipped kitchens, a washer and dryer, and private balconies that overlook the Gulf as well as Orange Beach's back-bay treasures. A full-time, on-site staff is ready to assist Brett/Robinson renters. Amenities include an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, a kiddie pool, lighted tennis courts, hot tub and sauna, fitness room, Pickle Ball and Walley Ball, and barbecue grills, in addition to free Wi-Fi and on-site security. The building is located next to the Flora-Bama Lounge, approx. 10 miles east of Hwy. 59. (Courtesy note: Parking is limited. A one-bedroom condo will be issued one car pass. A two- or three-bedroom unit will be issued a maximum of two car passes.)

Great location!! Loved the view and property

Reviewed By 863gretchenb

We stayed in unit 1114 at the Phoenix X. Great condo, conveniently located, all amenities, you can't beat the view! Staff is super friendly and helpful. We have booked this same unit 5 years in a row---love it and highly recommend

3. Phoenix V

24400 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561-6072
Excellent
49%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
9%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 1322 reviews

Phoenix V

Phoenix V is a Gulf-front condominium on the sugar-white sands of Orange Beach. The property features 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom, fully furnished units that can sleep anywhere from 4 to 10 people, depending on the unit. A full-time, on-site staff is ready to assist Brett/Robinson renters. Amenities include an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, racquetball courts, a half-court basketball court, lighted tennis court, hot tubs and saunas, a children's splash pad/water park, a fitness room, gazebos, and barbecue grills in addition to free Wi-Fi and on-site security. The building is located 5 miles east of Hwy. 59 and is centrally located around many restaurants, shops and local attractions in Orange Beach and neighboring Gulf Shores. (Courtesy note: Parking is limited. A one bedroom condo will be issued one car pass. A two or three bedroom will be issued a maximum of two car passes.)

NEVER AGAIN.

Reviewed By bmchamness

Will never stay here, or another Brett-Robinson managed property. Everything was terrible and when attempted to contact management, just made it worse. All of our furniture was falling apart, the pictures on the website show NOTHING of what our room was. Our dryer went out and was told there was nothing that could be done so I had to dry my clothes on my balcony, which I was attempting to enjoy but couldn’t since my clothes needed to dry. Speaking of balcony, we had the cheapest furniture anyone could put out out. We were provided with $2 plastic chairs and a whicker set, which was broken and dirty upon arrival. Our fridge leaked all over our food then created a puddle in the back of the fridge, which smelled disgusting. I couldn’t even enjoy my vacation because of here. Their elevators need some serious help, as you have to sometimes wait 30 minutes for one. Our friends also had rooms and they have nothing positive to say. Their carpets were filthy and hadn’t been replaced in over 5 years, easily. You had to wear shoes throughout your entire condo, even to bed which you as not comfortable for vacation. I wanted to relax and never could because we didn’t want to be in our condo more than to just sleep. We normally stay twice a year, but will take our business elsewhere from here on out.

4. Gulf Shores Surf & Racquet Club

1832 W Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542-6026
Excellent
39%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
2%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 106 reviews

Gulf Shores Surf & Racquet Club

Update

Reviewed By tina82054

Prior to checking out maintenance showed up to do repairs. I showed him where parts were to fix some of the issues. He explained the exhaust isn't hooked up in the bathroom since its not vented the outside.

5. Island Sunrise

427 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542-6601
Excellent
52%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 33 reviews

Island Sunrise

Best beach and great view

Reviewed By Hateworking

We stayed in unit 563. We never had trouble finding a parking spot although the managing company did reach out to me several times to ask how many parking passes I would need. I told them the same number each time, they do watch to make sure parking is not an issue. The entry into the building is not impressive but the condo we had was comfortable and had everything we needed. The owners were quick to respond to any questions I had. It took a few phone calls to the managing company to get the necessary paperwork changed when I had to change departure date. Ours was 2 bed and 2 bath which worked great. The front bedroom was a bunk with a large bottom bed. Living room had a couch and two other chairs, table for 4 and bar with stools. Kitchen had everything we needed. Beach access right by the condo. Sea n suds just a few building down and within walking distance of Pink Pony, the Hangout and shopping. My only complaint would be the cleaning. The beds were crisp and clean but the floor was not. The coffee table and backs of the kitchen chairs as well as the bar stools had smears of food all over them. I wiped them down and they looked so much better. Some of the dishes also needed washed. I assume the managing company hires the cleaning service and this has nothing to do with the owners. There is a market near and a Walmart not too far away by car. The view is amazing.

6. Marlin Key

28900 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561-3373
Excellent
73%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
20%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 15 reviews

Marlin Key

Everyone needs a place to lay their weary head. For travelers visiting Orange Beach, Marlin Key is an excellent choice for rest and rejuvenation. Well-known for its romantic environment and proximity to great restaurants, Marlin Key makes it easy to enjoy the best of Orange Beach. The rooms offer a kitchenette and air conditioning, and getting online is possible, as free wifi is available, allowing you to rest and refresh with ease. In addition, as a valued Marlin Key guest, you can enjoy a pool that is available on-site. While in Orange Beach be sure to experience local shrimp favorites at Cobalt The Restaurant, The Gulf, or Fisher's at Orange Beach Marina. Best of all, Marlin Key makes it easy to experience some great Orange Beach attractions like Alabama Point East, which is a popular state park. Whether you’re traveling for business, pleasure or both, Marlin Key is sure to make your visit to Orange Beach one worth remembering.

Best Vacation!

Reviewed By Rhonda T

North Texas Adventure Ladies stayed here for our annual adventure retreat. I was a little nervous after reading some of the reviews but very pleasantly surprised when we arrived. The condo was very clean and pretty spacious. The beds were comfortable except for the sofa couch. It’s not terrible but not great to sleep on for a week. Also, the bunk beds are not meant for adults. Not the fault of the condo owners just keep that in mind when looking at the number of beds in the condo. The balcony overlooked the pool with beach behind on one side and the other corner faces the road. The beach and water just beautiful!!! There is beach service and you can rent chairs/umbrellas. The kids working really work hard and were very friendly! There are some chairs and beach equipment to share also in the condo. There is only 1 elevator. It was not working one evening but other than that never had to wait long. Our group is growing so won’t stay here next year but it’s perfect for a couple families traveling with kids. We forgot to take photos of the inside of the condo but it does look just like the description. You will love the entire area! If you are looking for a fun, girl’s adventure trip - join us for Gulf Shores Adventure Retreat 2023

7. Away at the Bay

557 N Mobile St, Fairhope, AL 36532-2609
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 1 reviews

Couples Getaway

Reviewed By Lv2g

We had decided to do something different on this trip to Fairhope AL. Fairhope is mine and my husband's "happy place". We have stayed at many of the local hotels but Away at the Bay was a new destination. Away at the Bay is a huge home with several suites. Our suite was the Camillia Villa, We were not sure what to expect but I must say we were very pleased. The suite is stated to be a short stay apartment. This was exactly what we discovered. Two bedrooms, each with their own full bath, a full kitchen, dining area, living space, and utility room with a washer and dyer. The stay included a Continental Breakfast which was a full box of cereal, 1/2 gal milk, 1/2 gal of orange juice, bagels, a container of 1/2 and 1/2 for coffee,a full coffee set up, fruit, and assorted muffins, The breakfast met our expectations. The house is located facing the Mobile Bay and the view was just gorgeous. During the day you can watch the sailboats pass, with the night lights from Mobile Al, clearly in view from dusk until dawn. The grounds are breath-taking with lawn chairs placed in several scenic locations. There are also barbecue grills along the grounds for outdoor fun. Away by the Bay is only a short drive or walk to downtown Fairhope. Downtown Fairhope is known for it's shopping, restaurants, flowers, and the art-styled community. The people are very friendly and love the tourist. I would definitely recommend Away at the Bay and Fairhope AL for your next vacation destination. We may even see you there as we will be back soon.

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