Island House Hotel Orange Beach Review: Where to Stay Along Alabama’s Gulf Coast

Seeking a foodie getaway to a warm, beach destination? Along Alabama’s Gulf coast, food lovers will enjoy the abundant fresh seafood served with Southern hospitality. For your stay, I recommend the Island House Hotel Orange Beach – a DoubleTree by Hilton located along the soft, white sand beach and just a short drive from local restaurants.

Disclosure: My three-night stay at Island House Hotel Orange Beach was hosted by Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism. Also, this post contains affiliate links. As always, all opinions are my own.

My Stay at Island House Hotel Orange Beach

Sipping my morning coffee and nibbling the signature DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie I received when checking into the Island House Hotel Orange Beach, I sit on the balcony of my gulf-facing room.

The sunshine warms my skin as a light ocean breeze simultaneously cools it, and a calmness one only feels when watching waves crash upon the shore washes over me.

After watching the waves from afar, I wander down to the beach. Following the wooden pathways from the hotel, I slip off my light-brown leather topsiders as I reach the path’s end, sinking my bare feet into the soft quartz sand.

Peering to my right, I spot a pier in the distance with beachfront hotel after beachfront hotel in between. For a moment, I consider walking there, but then I’m drawn to the water. It’s December 1, yet the water is pleasantly warm for wading in ankle-deep.

Only a few hours later, I’ll be flying away from this 70-degree paradise to freezing temperatures back home in Michigan. So, I soak it all in — the sunshine, the feeling of the sand as I walk along the beach, the water crashing over my toes, and the total relaxation I feel.

This moment to unwind and press reset on my mind is exactly what I wanted from my foodie beach escape along the Gulf Coast of Alabama.

Why Take a Beach Vacation in Orange Beach?

When planning a beach getaway, I want to have time to relax with waterfront views, soft white sand, and delicious local foods and drinks. Orange Beach and neighboring Gulf Shores along Alabama’s Gulf of Mexico coast certainly checked all of my boxes.

Located about 30 miles from the Pensacola, Florida, airport, the Island House Hotel Orange Beach – a DoubleTree by Hilton is a convenient base for exploring and relaxing along Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Plus, it has all the convenient amenities and Hilton Honors perks of staying with DoubleTree by Hilton.

That is what I discovered when the local tourism board hosted my three-night stay for the Alabama Beaches’ Foodie Fanguide in November 2017.

What’s a Foodie Fanguide, you ask?

Essentially, the Alabama Beaches’ social media followers voted on where I dined throughout my trip, and the voters sent me to fantastic local restaurants!

I was in foodie heaven, enjoying all the fresh Gulf seafood I could — like at Fisher’s at Orange Beach Marina. It was such an unforgettable dining experience that I named Fisher’s one of the upscale restaurants where I recommend you dine.

Whether you plan to eat your way around Gulf Shores and Orange Beach like I did or just want to unwind on a beach, I recommend staying at this DoubleTree by Hilton hotel.

If you aren’t already convinced why you should reserve your room, read on for reasons why I would stay again at this beachfront hotel.

Gulf Views and White-Sand Beach Access

What is the best perk of staying at the Island House Hotel Orange Beach? The beach!

Located along Perdido Beach Boulevard, the hotel sits right on the Gulf of Mexico coast. Hotel guests have direct access to the softest white-sand beach on which I’ve ever walked. Imagine taking a barefoot stroll, letting warm waves splash your ankles, any time you want. You can when you stay at the Island House Hotel Orange Beach.

Just follow one of the two wooden pathways connecting the hotel’s outdoor pool area to the sugar sand beach for romantic walks, morning jogs, relaxing sunbathing, or building sandcastles. There are also opportunities for watersport enthusiasts to snorkel, windsurf, and paddleboard along the beach.

If you would rather see the beach than be on it, there is no shortage of beach views. Each of the rooms and suites has at least one balcony where you can sip your morning cup of coffee while looking out to beautiful Gulf views. I never tired of peeking out my window or stepping onto my balcony to feel the sea breeze.

Pro Tip: When you check into Island House Hotel Orange Beach, be sure to ask if there are available rooms on the upper floors for the best vantage point. That brings me to …

Airy Rooms for a Comfortable Stay

Staying in a 700-sq-ft King Corner guest room with three windows, my room seemed open and airy. There was plenty of space to move around and natural light filled the room during the day.

As a solo traveler, I had more than enough space for my suitcase and belongings. Therefore, I’d imagine a couple sharing the room would find the King Corner suits their needs for a romantic getaway.

Not only can the room comfortably accommodate two sets of luggage, but the bathroom also has a long countertop where two people can get ready at once.

This corner room is also available with two queen beds. It’s a comfortable option for a family with young kids, a group of friends, or a twosome who prefers separate beds.

Island House Hotel Orange Beach Rooms and Suites

1 King, 2 Room Corner Suite

A great option for families, this 1,100 sq. ft. suite with two rooms has a larger private balcony with beach views. The bedroom has a king-size Sweet Dreams bed, a private bathroom, a work desk with an adjustable chair, and a 42-inch HDTV. The living area has a queen-size sofa bed and a private bathroom. Each suite has a microwave in addition to all the standard room amenities.

1 King, 2 Room Suite

Also well suited for families, this 1,000 sq. ft. suite includes two rooms — each with its own private balcony with beach views. The bedroom features a king-size Sweet Dreams bed and a private bathroom. The living area has a queen-size sofa bed and another bathroom. Each suite has a microwave in addition to all the standard room amenities.

1 King Corner

For couples on a romantic beach vacation, I recommend this 700 sq. ft. room. It features a private beachfront balcony, one king-size Sweet Dreams bed, a work desk with an adjustable chair, and a reading chair.

2 Queens Corner

Ideal for a trip with your girlfriends, this 700 sq. ft. room features a private beachfront balcony, two queen-size Sweet Dreams beds, a work desk with an adjustable chair, and a reading chair.

1 King Bed

Best suited for solo travelers and couples, this 500 sq. ft. room has a private beachfront balcony, one king-size Sweet Dreams bed, and a work desk with an adjustable chair.

2 Queen Beds

Comfortable for two adult travelers with or without young children in tow, this 500 sq. ft. room features a private beachfront balcony, two queen-size Sweet Dreams beds, and a work desk with an adjustable chair.

Accessible Rooms

Also available are several types of accessible rooms. These include hearing-accessible rooms with one king or two queen beds, a king corner room with an accessible tub, and a king room with a roll-in shower.

Thoughtful Amenities and Features in All Rooms and Suites

Each room and suite is outfitted with the following amenities for your convenience and enjoyment:

• 42-inch HDTV with a clean remote
• Minifridge
• Coffeemaker
• Hairdryer
• Iron
• Beachfront balcony with patio furniture
• Beach views

Overall Thoughts on Island House Hotel Rooms and Suites

When I visit Orange Beach again, would I reserve a King Corner room? Absolutely!

Since I often travel solo or with my husband and dine out for my meals, the King Corner was the perfect setup for me. The room felt airy with plenty of space to work, lounge, and get ready for my day. Mostly, I loved sitting on my balcony with a cup of coffee, watching the waves crash onto the shore.

While the King Corner was ideal for me, I’d also highly recommend the suites for families. During my stay, I got to see one of the interior suites. I thought its layout would work fabulously for a family of four.

For example, families that want to spend their days on the beach or at the pool may want to eat breakfast and/or lunch in their room. The suites offer more kitchen space than the rooms and are also outfitted with microwaves. Another perk of the suites, parents would have more privacy with a separate bedroom for themselves, and the kids can sleep on the pull-out sofa in the living room.

Overall, the Island House Hotel Orange Beach has rooms and suites to fit a variety of travelers’ needs. Best of all, they all have beach views from private balconies!

Heated Outdoor Pool for Year-Round Sunbathing

In addition to the beach, hotel guests can spend their day poolside. Had I been visiting with friends or family, I’m sure a solid portion of my day would have been spent at the heated outdoor pool.

Make sure you pack your swimsuit! Even in late November and early December, I’d have claimed one of the poolside lounge chairs and dove into a vacation read. By the way, if you haven’t yet read “The Vacationers” by Emma Straub, put it on your reading list for your next beach vacation.

More Convenient Features and Hilton Honors Perks

Finally, I recommend the Island House Hotel Orange Beach because it offers amenities that make stays more enjoyable and convenient. These are some of those amenities and services:

• For Business Travelers: Business center, meeting rooms, audio/visual equipment, fax, printer, complimentary printing, and photocopying service
• For families with young children: High chairs, playpens, and cribs
• For Hilton Honors Members: Complimentary wifi, bottled water at check-in, and the ability to earn or use points for your stay
• 24-Hour Pavilion Pantry Market stocked with snacks, bottled drinks, over-the-counter medicines, toiletries, and sunscreen
• Fitness center
• Coin laundry
• ATM
• Complimentary self-parking lot for easily coming and going as you please
• And, of course, the classic DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie (contains walnuts) received when checking in

Convenient Location for Exploring Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Alabama

I’m sure many visitors will love the Island House Hotel’s beachfront location. I also found it extremely convenient to set out to eat my way around Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. Take a look at the map to see all the fantastic dining within a short drive of the hotel!

Things to Do in Orange Beach & Gulf Shores

At The Wharf in Orange Beach

• Ride The Wharf Ferris Wheel
• Crack codes and solve puzzles to break out of an escape room
• Throw axes
• See a movie
• Play laser tag and arcade games
• Take the ultimate selfie in 50 “Instagrammable” scenes
• Watch the nightly laser light show
• Shop the boutiques for clothing and accessories, gifts, souvenirs, specialty spirits, tea, spices, wine, hot sauces, and more
• Eat oysters, beignets, pizza, tacos, or ice cream
• Sip coffee, frozen daiquiris, gourmet wine, or a self-serve beer

Activities on the Water from Orange Beach & Gulf Shores

• Sunset Sailing Cruise — Step aboard a 52-foot catamaran and sail past ospreys, herons, and perhaps even alligators before watching the golden sunset over the waters of Orange Beach.
• Tiki Bar Sunset Cruise — Cruise along the shoreline on a floating tiki bar at sunset! This small-group activity accommodates up to six participants and would be fun for girls’ trips, birthday celebrations, and bachelor/bachelorette parties. If your group would rather float on this mobile tiki bar during the day, you can book a 3-hour excursion or a 1.5-hour tour.
• Private Fishing Excursion — Test your fishing skills by attempting to catch a variety of fish near the Gulf of Mexico on a private 6-hour charter for your family or group! Rods, reels, tackle, and your fishing license are included, and your captain will even clean and fillet your catch right on the boat for you to eat.
• Parasailing from Gulf Shores — Soar above the water of the Alabama Gulf coastline on a thrilling parasail! In addition to parasailing, Ike’s Parasailing also offers banana boat rides, single and tandem kayak rentals, and stand-up paddleboard rentals.
• Dolphin Cruise — On this kid-friendly cruise of 1.5-2 hours, keep your eyes open for dolphin and hermit crab sightings!

Outdoor Recreation in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

• Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge Hiking & Birding — In this nature preserve of nearly 7,000 acres of coastal lands, you can hike among sand dunes or over 4 miles of trails. Don’t forget your binoculars because you might eye a sea turtle or migratory songbirds along the way!
• Dolphin and Wildlife Kayaking Excursion — As you paddle along the waters of Gulf Shores, you might spot a bottlenose dolphin as you take in the serene coastal scenery on your guided morning kayak adventure.
• Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail — Walk, run, or pedal a bicycle along this well-maintained nature trail for views of alligators, ospreys, bald eagles, and more wildlife sightings!

Getting to Island House Hotel Orange Beach

If you are visiting Orange Beach from beyond a day’s drive, you have a couple options for flying into the region. For commercial flights, your options are to fly into Mobile Regional Airport (MOB), about 72 miles away, or Pensacola International Airport, about 30 miles away.

I recommend flying into Pensacola like I did. It took me less than an hour to drive to The Wharf, where I went to dinner at the Italian-inspired Villaggio Grille before checking into the hotel.

If I were you, I would stop at the Flora-Bama Ole River Grill or The Gulf as you head to the hotel from the Pensacola airport. Both waterfront restaurants are located along Perdido Beach Boulevard before you reach Island House Hotel Orange Beach and offer delicious seafood and cocktails.

Do You Need a Car in Orange Beach?

I think having a rental car is the easiest way to get around Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. However, there are airport shuttles, and you could try to rely on Uber and local cabs to get around.

When I visited, I found renting a car provided me much more freedom to roam and explore as I pleased.

As a Hertz Gold Rewards member, my rental process was a breeze. At some larger airports, Hertz Gold Rewards members can just pick up their keys from a board, skip the line, and head straight to their vehicle. However, at the Pensacola airport, you have to check in with the Hertz desk to get your rental car’s keys.

Other car rental agencies at the Pensacola airport include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, National, Payless Car Rental, and Thrifty.

Plan Your Stay at Island House Hotel Orange Beach

Now that you’ve learned how relaxing a stay at the Island House Hotel Orange Beach – a DoubleTree by Hilton can be for a seafood-filled getaway, are you ready to book your next beach vacation there?

If the answer is yes, you can check the hotel’s availability for your travel dates and find more things to do in Orange Beach.

For more information about visiting Orange Beach, please refer to the Alabama Beaches tourism guide.

Final Thoughts on Island House Hotel Orange Beach

In this post, I shared my favorite features of the Island House Hotel Orange Beach with you. What I truly love about this beachfront hotel is that every single room has beach views — and a private balcony for enjoying them. Plus, guests have direct access to the white-sand beach and a heated outdoor pool.

As a foodie traveler, I visited Orange Beach to dine at the area’s restaurants, and there are many tasty options only a short drive from this hotel.

Lastly, I truly enjoyed how the airy rooms made me feel like I was staying at a beachfront boutique hotel. Yet, I was actually earning Hilton Honors points and had all the convenient amenities of a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel — including that delicious chocolate chip cookie!

I would definitely stay here again, and I recommend you book the Island House Hotel Orange Beach for your next beach vacation along Alabama’s Gulf of Mexico coast!

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