Pros

  • Right on the beach with easy access to the water and sand
  • Quality wood lounge chairs with cushions (for a fee)
  • Heated indoor pool with two hot tubs
  • Small outdoor pool, and kiddie pool
  • Close to restaurants, zoo, and waterpark
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout the property
  • Free parking
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Cons

  • Older construction that shows its age in places
  • Slight musty smell from the high humidity
  • Inconsistent air-conditioning in rooms and halls
  • Sound carries from pool to the rooms directly above it, and from the hallways
  • No fitness center
  • No lifeguards
  • Indoor pool is dated, and has parking lot views
  • Limited food service
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Bottom Line

Geared to vacationers perhaps looking to save a little money, this 93-room mid-range hotel delivers satisfactory rooms with a prime beachfront location on the Gulf of Mexico. The exterior and some interior spaces look dated, but the hotel is clean and well-maintained. Amenities can include microwaves, fridges, or full kitchenettes, depending on the room. While the beach is the big attraction, the indoor pool serves guests well on rainy days. Nice lounge chairs and umbrellas are available for a fee. Beachfront rooms have small balconies and great views.

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Amenities

  • Cribs
  • Internet
  • Pool

Oyster Hotel Review

Best Western On The Beach

Scene

Family-oriented beachfront hotel

The beach is beautiful and easy to reach, a blessing as there is no food service at the beach -- guests might want to bring coolers. The on-site Island Pancake House is open only to mid-afternoon, but there are several restaurants across the street from the hotel.

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Location

A mile or less to many Gulf Shore attractions

The hotel sits right off the road across from some empty lots, which does not make for a favorable first impression. There are several condo complexes on either side. Once in from the street, the perk of being directly on the ocean is realized. It's about a mile to Waterville USA Water Park, Hummingbird Ziplines, Zooland Animal Park, and the state fishing pier. Shelby Lakes is a quick eight-minute drive, and Tanger Outlet Mall is 10 miles away.

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Rooms

Comfortable beds and Gulf-view balconies

Though the decor looks tired, the rooms are clean and have comfy beds with updated linens. Colonial-style pecan wood dressers and headboards look stark against blank walls. Some rooms have mini-fridges and microwaves, others have full kitchenettes with dated cabinets. Flat-screen TVs and coffeemakers are standard in all rooms, as is free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are utilitarian, with one-piece acrylic shower/tub modules, hair dryers, and toiletries. Ocean-front rooms have balconies with wonderful views.

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Features

Pools with hot tubs, free Wi-Fi, a business center

Aside from easy ocean access, the hotel has an indoor pool, outdoor pool, kiddie pool, and two hot tubs. Rooms can be furnished with mini-fridges, microwaves, or a kitchenettes. Breakfast and lunch are offered on-site at the Island Pancake House, and several restaurants are within walking distance for dinner. Guests with special needs will find many ADA features here. There is a 24-hour business center, free Wi-Fi, and free parking.

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Oyster Hotel Review

Best Western On The Beach

Scene

Family-oriented beachfront hotel

The beach is beautiful and easy to reach, a blessing as there is no food service at the beach -- guests might want to bring coolers. The on-site Island Pancake House is open only to mid-afternoon, but there are several restaurants across the street from the hotel.

See More Scene

Location

A mile or less to many Gulf Shore attractions

The hotel sits right off the road across from some empty lots, which does not make for a favorable first impression. There are several condo complexes on either side. Once in from the street, the perk of being directly on the ocean is realized. It's about a mile to Waterville USA Water Park, Hummingbird Ziplines, Zooland Animal Park, and the state fishing pier. Shelby Lakes is a quick eight-minute drive, and Tanger Outlet Mall is 10 miles away.

See More Location

Rooms

Comfortable beds and Gulf-view balconies

Though the decor looks tired, the rooms are clean and have comfy beds with updated linens. Colonial-style pecan wood dressers and headboards look stark against blank walls. Some rooms have mini-fridges and microwaves, others have full kitchenettes with dated cabinets. Flat-screen TVs and coffeemakers are standard in all rooms, as is free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are utilitarian, with one-piece acrylic shower/tub modules, hair dryers, and toiletries. Ocean-front rooms have balconies with wonderful views.

See More Rooms

Features

Pools with hot tubs, free Wi-Fi, a business center

Aside from easy ocean access, the hotel has an indoor pool, outdoor pool, kiddie pool, and two hot tubs. Rooms can be furnished with mini-fridges, microwaves, or a kitchenettes. Breakfast and lunch are offered on-site at the Island Pancake House, and several restaurants are within walking distance for dinner. Guests with special needs will find many ADA features here. There is a 24-hour business center, free Wi-Fi, and free parking.

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Airport Transportation

  • Beach

  • Business Center

  • Cable

  • Cribs

  • Full Kitchen

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Pool

  • Rental Car Service Desk Onsite

  • Room Service

  • Supervised Kids Activities

  • Swim-Up Bar

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.