Phoenix All Suites Hotel

Both properties of the Phoenix All Suites Hotel have spacious lobbies with nice wicker furniture topped with tropical floral print upholstered cushions. Some of the furniture is arranged around glass tables, while other sofas and armchairs face flat screen TVs. Floors are beige tile and the registration desks are laminate. Free coffee and tea are offered, but guests don’t tend to linger in these quiet spaces -- rather, they check in and head straight to the beach or to various Gulf Shores attractions. If there is a gathering place at all here, it’s the pool areas, which have comfortable lounge chairs and direct beach access. The Pink Pony Pub near the East pool is a popular and sometimes noisy spot. These properties can get busy with families during high season, while retired people escaping colder climates visit throughout the year.

Both the East and West properties are on Beach Boulevard, which runs through the heart of Gulf Shores. The road is generally quiet but can get congested in high season or during popular events such as the Hangout Music Festival in May. Numerous restaurants and attractions are within walking distance of both properties, which are about a half-mile away from each other (a two-minute drive or a 14-minute walk). Several vacation condo complexes surround the hotels. It's about a five-minute drive or 20-minute walk to Waterville USA Water Park, Hummingbird Ziplines, Zooland Animal Park, and the state fishing pier. Jack Edwards National Airport is a 10- to 15-minute drive, and Tanger Outlet Foley about a 20-minute drive.

While rooms at the East and West properties of the Phoenix All Suites Hotel differ slightly in decor, walls are painted beige or white, and floors are white tile except for in the master bedrooms, which have solid brown or mauve carpeting. Kitchens have all white cabinets and laminate countertops, and bathrooms have white-wood vanities with acrylic tops as well as white acrylic shower/tub combos. Bedspreads have bright tropical prints. East suites have mostly painted black-wood furniture, with beige upholstered armchairs and sleeper sofas in the living rooms. West suites feature white wicker furniture with tropical print cushions, including sleeper sofas. Suites, at approximately 635 square feet, are spacious and are configured the same in each building, with king beds in the master bedrooms and bunk beds in hallway alcoves. Kitchens, with dining tables that seat four, separate the bedrooms from the living rooms. Balconies overlook the beach and have small tables with chairs. Bedrooms and living rooms have flat-screen TVs, and kitchens include microwaves, full-size refrigerators, dish washers, toasters, ranges, and dishes and utensils. Most suites have one-and-a-half bathrooms, but they're disappointing, with little or no storage space. Past guests have complained about subpar housekeeping, such as dirty floors -- suites are not cleaned every day, but towels are toiletries are replaced daily upon request. Room furniture shows signs of wear, and is dated. All suites at both properties have free Wi-Fi.

This is an all-suite, condo-style property with full kitchens, and so while free coffee and tea are available in the lobbies, there are no restaurants and guests fend for themselves for breakfast. Both properties of the Phoenix All Suites Hotel have small beachside pools and adjacent kids' pools with lounge chairs and direct beach access. Registration desks are staffed 24/7. Parking is free -- some of it is covered -- with space for one car per suite. Self-service laundry facilities are available. Wi-Fi is free throughout.