The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton Hotel

The beach was lovely, the on-site restaurants were great, and the rooms were great too. The snack shop could use more variety. The adults-only pool was nice, though they could enforce the rule a bit better, and valet was worth it. This was our best stay in Gulf Shores and worth the extra cost. No major complaints, I'd recommend it to anyone.

Right by the state park and beach, there's plenty for all ages to do. The lodge is family-friendly, with spaces for guests 21 and over, and rooms with bunk beds for larger groups with kids. Both pools were spotless, and the on-site bars and restaurants were exceptional. Our room was clean and spacious, with the option of a balcony overlooking the beach. Service was friendly and quick, and everything was convenient. This is truly my favorite Hilton property I've stayed at. They put in extra effort to treat everyone kindly and make sure their needs are met. It made for a great family vacation, and we'll definitely be back.

The breakfast buffet was really good, with fresh omelets, waffles, lots of other choices, and an amazing beach view. We had a wonderful ocean view from our room, and leaving the door open to listen to the waves was lovely. The beach access just beyond the pool was convenient, and the location away from the main drag meant it wasn't crowded. Our daughter had a blast in the tide pools and loved the new kids' pool, especially its huge shallow area and little fountain jets, where she could even sit and play. This was our first Gulf Shores visit, for my birthday. The staff coordinated with my wife to have a birthday card and cake waiting in the room at check-in, and even got a little stuffed turtle for our daughter, whose birthday is in a couple of weeks. The front desk was great throughout our stay, bringing extra tea or coffee for the room. Valet was convenient: we used the app to request the car before heading down, and all the guys were really nice. After a few days, they knew us and our car.

We spent our 15th anniversary at The Lodge, and it was just right for unwinding. The beach-front balcony was a major plus, and the room was immaculate and beautifully designed. I loved the outdoor setup with the bar, the 21-and-up pool, and the family pool. The live music was great, and I can't forget the chocolate martinis, they were DELISH. From check-in on, the staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. I'd highly recommend it, and we'll definitely return.