The Lodge at Gulf State Park

During a conference trip to Gulf Shores in early 2024, I had the pleasure of staying at The Lodge at Gulf State Park, and I can tell you from first-hand experience that it is a really nice play to stay. Nestled amidst the natural beauty of Gulf State Park, this eco-friendly resort offers a perfect blend of luxury and relaxation.

The Lobby

The Rooms

While many guest rooms boast breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico, my room had views of Gulf State Park, providing a serene backdrop for my stay. The modern amenities and comfortable furnishings ensured that I felt right at home from the moment I arrived.

My Bathroom

On-Site Dining

There are two restaurants on site: Foodcraft and Perch, as well as Roasted Oak Coffee & Wine Bar, The Dragonfly Pool Bar & Gril, and Woodside, a lunch and dinner spot where guests can also get free s’mores and enjoy live local music.

I am partial to Foodcraft where, once upon a time, I enjoyed the most perfect avocado toast (pictured above). As if that is not enticing enough, take a look at the Bloody Mary bar lineup:

Sustainability

What sets The Lodge, a Hilton property, apart is that it is an eco-friendly hotel that emphasizes sustainability.

The Lodge was built to meet high sustainability standards, earning LEED© Gold, SITES© Platinum, and FORTIFIED Commercial™ certifications. The construction of the hotel protected six football fields worth of coastal dunes and native plants. Energy-saving measures include AC sensors, efficient lighting, and passive cooling techniques. Water is repurposed through HVAC condensation collection, natural stormwater filtration, and a permeable parking lot.

Native landscaping covers 75% of the site, benefiting Gulf Coast wildlife like birds, sea turtles, and the Alabama beach mouse. Lighting is wildlife-friendly, and guest rooms feature sustainable BeeKind products. Recycling initiatives cover everything from cooking oil to waste separation. Proud Source® spring water and Wave Ware® sand straws reduce plastic use. Food programs emphasize freshness, local sourcing, and responsible seafood practices, supporting sustainability organizations like the Gulf Seafood Foundation.

Conference Center

I am so grateful that the conference took place at The Lodge. Staying and “playing” at the beach was the perfect blend of business and leisure, allowing me to recharge and unwind amidst the stunning backdrop of Gulf Shores. (If your boss is looking for a venue, you might want to throw this out as a suggestion. Just saying.)

Check-In and Check-Out

Guests must be 25 to reserve a room. Check-in time is at 4:00 p.m. and check-out is at 11:00 a.m. (Gulf Shores, Alabama is in the Central Time Zone.) If you are a Hilton regular, you probably already have the app. You can use it for your digital key to access your room and to check-in.

Pet Policy

Pets are not allowed; however, the hotel does permit service animals.

Parking

Be sure to get a parking pass when you check-in. Parking costs $12 per day and valet parking is available for $22 per day. (If you have mobility issues, you will want to use valet parking. Trust me on this. You have to walk a little to get back and forth from the parking lot to the hotel.)

Nearby Attractions

Gulf State Park is across the street from the Lodge. Gulf Shores proper is approximately 5 minutes away by car. Other fun things to do near the hotel are:

• Coastal Segway Adventures – 0.4 miles
• Waterville USA – 2.5 miles
• Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo – 7.0 miles
• Flora-Bama – 9.1 miles
• The Park at OWA – 12.5 miles

Location

The Lodge is located at 21196 East Beach Boulevard in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The nearest airport is in Pensacola, Florida (37 miles away).

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Have you stayed at The Lodge? What are some of the things you like to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach?

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