Surfside Shores I and II
965-969 W. Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542-6306
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Did you already book this hotel?
Tell us so we can help you plan.
About
#16 of 25 hotels in Gulf Shores
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Surf Side Shores is NOT a hotel, but rather consists of a nine-story two building complex containing 96 individually owned and managed condominiums. There are no walk-in rentals an no rentals or sales office are on site. Rentals are handled by owners or their selected rental management company. Use of facilities is limited to owners and/or their guests. There is no public access.
Read more
Suggest edits to improve what we show.Improve this listing
Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Pool
Beach
Non-smoking hotel
Room features
Air conditioning
Private balcony
Kitchenette
Refrigerator
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Charming
Location
965-969 W. Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542-6306
Getting there
Car recommended
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 42 out of 100
42
Pensacola Regional Airport
56 km•
See all flights
Mobile Regional Airport
71.1 km•
See all flights
Rental Cars
175 Restaurants
within 10 kilometers
Reviews
Traveller rating
- 12
- 7
- 2
- 4
- 1
Time of year
Traveller type
Language
Selected filters
- Filter
- English
Popular mentions
Sort by:
Detailed Reviews
We stayed in unit 1704, booked through VRBO. Our owner was super helpful. There were only two complaints. The bathrooms were small (not a major deal), and even though we had to pay $150 for a cleaning fee, we were still required to wash dishes, strip the beds, and change out the trash cans. We would have found that a reasonable request had we not paid the cleaning fee.
Now... onto the good. The location is perfect! Close enough that you are just a 2 minute drive from the center of town, but far enough away from the hustle of the main square. Parking was plenty spacious, and navigating up to the room was very simple. The living, kitchen, and dining area was very roomy and updated. We were very comfortable spending plenty of time out on the balcony as well. The room was very clean and well kept. We were very happy with our stay overall!
Now... onto the good. The location is perfect! Close enough that you are just a 2 minute drive from the center of town, but far enough away from the hustle of the main square. Parking was plenty spacious, and navigating up to the room was very simple. The living, kitchen, and dining area was very roomy and updated. We were very comfortable spending plenty of time out on the balcony as well. The room was very clean and well kept. We were very happy with our stay overall!
Read more
Date of stay: December 2020
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The property was nice and the other people staying were very friendly. The location is amazing! My biggest complaint was Vacasa, who recently acquired the property. We had several problems with the management company. First, the code to get into the condo was wrong, then the lockbox was rusted and we couldn’t get the key. A wonderful security guard was able to help, but Vacasa was not helpful at all. Then our reservation said we had two free parking spots included. Vacasa said that wasn’t true even though I have an email from them saying it was. When I called about it… we had a worker just repeating I’m sorry. I rarely complain but I will actively seek out properties NOT managed by Vacasa. If you have the option, choose a property NOT affiliated with this company.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: We were in 2502. It’s cute and updated. Saw one roach, but I guess that’s typical in the south…
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from William Benton, Other at Surfside Shores I and II
Responded Apr 7, 2023
Vacasa is NOT the property management for Surf Side Shores Condo HOA. They may have been the rental company for your particular condo unit, but please do not judge our property by your poor experience with one management company. Surf Side Shores does not have an on-site rental office and owners who rent do so thru their own choice of method and/or management service. There is a charge for parking for all guests. No condo comes with "free" parking. The property, the amenities, even the Security Guard are the responsibility of the Surf Side Condo association and we appreciate your kind remarks. Maybe try a different rental agent the time time around?
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The view was beautiful. Going into our room you seen the bay and full ocean once in the condo. The condo was clean and well stock. The pictures were true to form. Everything was just like it was shown. The only thing I wish they was a hot tub by the pool. But other then that it was perfect.
Read more
Date of stay: May 2021
Rooms
Location
Service
Room Tip:Â Loved the sound of the ocean.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We made a last second trip To Gulf Shores and booked blindly! We are not known for that....this place was exactly like the pictures.....great views from the private balconies...two nice pools lots of seating. They even have 24 hr security. We are already looking to book our next stay.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2012Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â All beach front condos have great views, lower floors may be partially block by landscaping.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from wlbenton, Surf Side Shores Condo HO Association at Surfside Shores I and II
Responded May 19, 2015
Thank you for your review of one of our condominium units at Surf Side Shores. We are always glad to hear that guests of one of our owners have had a pleasant and enjoyable experience. Surf Side Shores is a complex consisting of 96 individually-owned condominiums in two nine-story buildings. As such, decor, furnishings, amenities, etc. will differ from condo to condo. Surf Side Shores is not a hotel or condotel type facility. As such there are no on-site rental desks or offices or walk-in rentals, and any rentals are handled either by the individual owner or a local rental agency. Some owners elect to rent, some maintain their private condominiums as second-homes. As the homeowners association, we do all that we can to maintain the common areas and to keep all facilities maintained for the enjoyment or our owners and their guests. It is our recommendation to prospective guests that you pay careful attention to photos and descriptions on any rental site and that you carefully read reviews and rely on recommendations from others for any condo-type rentals.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Early June of 2014 was our second visit to Surfside Shores II. We stayed in unit 2501 and were very pleased. Two masters, both with balconies that can overlook the Gulf, the street side balcony wraps to the side enabling views of the strip and Gulf. The bedrooms are well-appointed and the pools have ample seating. The only complaint would be tht the elevator was not reliable. It broke down twice in a week, but there was a security guard there 24 hours to call a repairman.
Read more
Date of stay: June 2014Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from wlbenton, Surf Side Shores Condo HO Association at Surfside Shores I and II
Responded May 19, 2015
Thank you for your review of one of our condominium units at Surf Side Shores. We are always glad to hear that guests of one of our owners have had a pleasant and enjoyable experience. Surf Side Shores is a complex consisting of 96 individually-owned condominiums in two nine-story buildings. As such, decor, furnishings, amenities, etc. will differ from condo to condo. Surf Side Shores is not a hotel or condotel type facility. As such there are no on-site rental desks or offices or walk-in rentals, and any rentals are handled either by the individual owner or a local rental agency. Some owners elect to rent, some maintain their private condominiums as second-homes. As the homeowners association, we do all that we can to maintain the common areas and to keep all facilities maintained for the enjoyment or our owners and their guests. It is our recommendation to prospective guests that you pay careful attention to photos and descriptions on any rental site and that you carefully read reviews and rely on recommendations from others for any condo-type rentals.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Have stayed here twice, we love it! Janet and John Ruess are great owners, and take care of their unit, plus offer a closet full of extras, toys, beach chairs, umbrellas, floats! Can't wait to return next year;) The property is beautiful with several palm trees and two pools. You can view the dolphins from your balcony! We also went through a terrible 30 year flood year before last while at Surf Side Shores. I was thanking my lucky stars, we picked this place. Lots of other places had cars submerged in flood water! We lost power for about 5 seconds. You are close to everything, yet just far enough away that the beach is not crowded. Love, Love, Love this place!
Read more
Date of stay: May 2015Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from wlbenton, Owner at Surfside Shores I and II
Responded May 19, 2015
Thank you for your review of one of our condominium units at Surf Side Shores. We are always glad to hear that guests of one of our owners have had a pleasant and enjoyable experience. Surf Side Shores is a complex consisting of 96 individually-owned condominiums in two nine-story buildings. As such, decor, furnishings, amenities, etc. will differ from condo to condo. Surf Side Shores is not a hotel or condotel type facility. As such there are no on-site rental desks or offices or walk-in rentals, and any rentals are handled either by the individual owner or a local rental agency. Some owners elect to rent, some maintain their private condominiums as second-homes. As the homeowners association, we do all that we can to maintain the common areas and to keep all facilities maintained for the enjoyment or our owners and their guests. It is our recommendation to prospective guests that you pay careful attention to photos and descriptions on any rental site and that you carefully read reviews and rely on recommendations from others for any condo-type rentals.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Have stayed at Surfside Shores many times. Great location in Gulf Shores. Condos are owner rented or agency rented. You can save yourself lots of money by renting directly through the owners. Each condo is decorated differently, so it depends if the owner keeps up the unit. We LOVE Gulf Shores and enjoy staying at Surfside Shores. We haven't ever seen a bad condo there.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2013Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from wlbenton, Surf Side Shores Condo HO Association at Surfside Shores I and II
Responded May 19, 2015
Thank you for your review of one of our condominium units at Surf Side Shores. We are always glad to hear that guests of one of our owners have had a pleasant and enjoyable experience. Surf Side Shores is a complex consisting of 96 individually-owned condominiums in two nine-story buildings. As such, decor, furnishings, amenities, etc. will differ from condo to condo. Surf Side Shores is not a hotel or condotel type facility. As such there are no on-site rental desks or offices or walk-in rentals, and any rentals are handled either by the individual owner or a local rental agency. Some owners elect to rent, some maintain their private condominiums as second-homes. As the homeowners association, we do all that we can to maintain the common areas and to keep all facilities maintained for the enjoyment or our owners and their guests. It is our recommendation to prospective guests that you pay careful attention to photos and descriptions on any rental site and that you carefully read reviews and rely on recommendations from others for any condo-type rentals.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Surfside Shores II #1902: View and location are great. Found delicious food close by. Condo needs numerous repairs and maintenance that would take less than a month's profit and would make the condo much more desirable: The front door is extremely hard to open - you have to push into it with shoulder to open and close all the way. Two lamps in living room had no bulbs, one lamp in master bedroom didn't work at all (blown bulb or bad cord) and one in #2 bedroom had no bulb. One light in kitchen ceiling trio also blown. The kitchen counters are not granite as stated but laminate with a broken section on the living room end - yes, purely cosmetic but for $400 a night these things matter. The coffee table is extremely thin - we had 3yo grandson traveling with us and when he put both hands on it, you could see the glass bend. This is not safe. In all rooms there is dust collected on the walls, most visible by lamps that do work. This bothered one in our group due to dust allergies. The closet door in 2nd bedroom drags on carpet, making it hard to open/close, and it's in the entrance of that bedroom so you cannot leave it open. The entire condo needs to be repainted. There are numerous white patches throughout the condo and in the master bedroom a HVAC wall register placed near the ceiling has created moisture so water has run down the wall in a two foot wide section creating stains. The master bath tub does not drain, so showers had to be taken in #2 bedroom shower where the curtain hangers would not slide on the rod w/o excessive force. #2 bathroom door knob locks you in the bathroom w/o warning. Luckily, after several attempts to get out, you can usually get out - each of us learned this since no one remembered to share information. Grandson also locked himself in the bathroom. Both bedrooms have hard, uncomfortable mattresses. Pillows are mostly flat and uncomfortable. The master bedroom mattress squeaks a little when you move, but the #2 bedroom mattress squeaks so loudly that it woke up the occupant during the night. The "recently remodeled" in description needs to be removed, as it has been years on the paint, in my opinion. The bedroom furniture looks nice and the TVs were easy to use. Parking is a little odd in that three entrances/exits into the parking lot are always roped off, leaving only one entrance/exit. When two cars pull up side by side to load/unload, you cannot get by to park. There is only one elevator which wasn't too bad, but someone mentioned the elevator broke when they were there last year and it was inconvenient from the 4th floor. Can't imagine that from the 9th. Pool is nice and wasn't crowded with end of summer/get in that last vacation crowd. Note the #2 bedroom does have a view of the Bay but the walkway is outside the window, so if you have the shade pulled up people walking by can see in the bedroom, so with the shade down the occupant said it was claustrophobic (furniture takes up most of room leaving small walkways) and didn't feel like being on vacation with no view. Wifi was fine/not slow, cable channels available were adequate. Also note, check out time is early - keys are due back at Brett Robinson by 9am, and that's about a 15 minute drive from condo. $50 fee if not returned by 9am.
Stayed August 2015, travel with family
Stayed August 2015, travel with family
Read more
Date of stay: August 2015Trip type: Travelled with family
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from wlbenton, Surf Side Shores Condo HO Association at Surfside Shores I and II
Responded Aug 5, 2015
Thank You for your review of Surf Side Shores. As I'm sure you are aware, each condo is individually owned and maintained. Most of our owners have recently renovated their condo units. I'm sorry you selected one of the few that might still need some work. Many of the maintenance items that you mentioned are the responsibility of the management company that rents that particular condo. I might suggest that in the future you look at one of the other rental companies and certainly one of our more modern and updated units. In that regard, I would strongly advise that you browse on-line photos of whatever unit you select and if it is not as advertised, I would complain and ask to be moved upon arrival. We will pass these comments on to the owners for their action. The elevator is the association's responsibility and plans are underway to remodel and update our elevator as soon as possible in the future. You are correct in that Surf Side is an ideal location and located directly on a beach that usually has plenty of room, regardless of the season. You were in Gulf Shores at the peak of the season and at many locations you would have found it difficult to find space on the beach or in the pools. The parking is monitored closely during peak season by closing two of the three entrances. Otherwise you might not find a parking place when you arrive, which would be much more of a problem than having to wait for a few minutes for the car in front of you. Again, thanks for selecting Surf Side Shores. Please try us again!!
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our family of 7 stayed in a 3 bedroom unit and were very comfortable. We loved that we were right on the beach and a short walk from several eateries. The location was great for what we wanted. Our unit was very clean and tastefully decorated. I liked that there was a bathroom connected to each bedroom. The kitchen was small but perfect for our needs. Would definitely return to this unit.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2017Trip type: Travelled with family
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from wlbenton, Surf Side Shores Condo HOA at Surfside Shores I and II
Responded Aug 18, 2017
Thank you for your review of one of our condominium units at Surf Side Shores. We are always glad to hear that guests of one of our owners have had a pleasant and enjoyable experience. Although incorrectly listed as a "Hotel" in TripAdvisor, prospective guests should be aware that Surf Side Shores is not a hotel or condotel type facility. As such there are no on-site rental desks or offices or walk-in rentals, and any rentals are handled either by the individual owner or a local rental agency. Some owners elect to rent, some maintain their private condominiums as second-homes. Surf Side Shores is a complex consisting of 96 individually-owned condominiums in two nine-story buildings. As such, decor, furnishings, amenities, etc. will differ from condo to condo. As the homeowners association, we do all that we can to maintain the common areas and to keep all facilities maintained for the enjoyment or our owners and their guests. It is our recommendation to prospective guests that you pay careful attention to photos and descriptions on any rental site and that you carefully read reviews and rely on recommendations from others for any condo-type rentals. Thanks again for being a guest at Surf Side Shores and for your helpful comments to prospective guests. We hope you will visit us again.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stayed in unit 2501 (3 bed/3 bath). Of paramount importance was that the condo was clean and well kept. While the furniture was not "new" it was in good condition. The kitchen was reasonably stocked with equipment and the washer and dryer worked well.
The access to the beach is great and the ocean-view balcony ( which had access from the master bedroom and the living room) provided great views. There was also another balcony facing the street. We also appreciated that there were, I think, a total of 8 chairs and a table (4-person) on the balcony---which was a nice benefit as everyone could sit out on the balcony at the same time.
The only downside (relatively minor) we saw with the facility was the the pool was very small relative to the number of units at the property (technically there are two pools as both buildings have a pool and you can use either but both are small). At times the pool got very crowded. We spent most of our time at the beach but it is nice to head to the pool to take a break from the sand. It feels a bit like the developer skimped on the pool element.
All in all, however, we enjoyed our stay and would happily visit again if we head to Gulf Shores.
The access to the beach is great and the ocean-view balcony ( which had access from the master bedroom and the living room) provided great views. There was also another balcony facing the street. We also appreciated that there were, I think, a total of 8 chairs and a table (4-person) on the balcony---which was a nice benefit as everyone could sit out on the balcony at the same time.
The only downside (relatively minor) we saw with the facility was the the pool was very small relative to the number of units at the property (technically there are two pools as both buildings have a pool and you can use either but both are small). At times the pool got very crowded. We spent most of our time at the beach but it is nice to head to the pool to take a break from the sand. It feels a bit like the developer skimped on the pool element.
All in all, however, we enjoyed our stay and would happily visit again if we head to Gulf Shores.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2017Trip type: Travelled with family
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from wlbenton, Surf Side Shores Condo HOA at Surfside Shores I and II
Responded Jul 25, 2017
Thank you for your review of one of our condominium units at Surf Side Shores. We are always glad to hear that guests of one of our owners have had a pleasant and enjoyable experience. Surf Side Shores is a complex consisting of 96 individually-owned condominiums in two nine-story buildings. As such, decor, furnishings, amenities, etc. will differ from condo to condo. Surf Side Shores is not a hotel or condotel type facility. As such there are no on-site rental desks or offices or walk-in rentals, and any rentals are handled either by the individual owner or a local rental agency. Some owners elect to rent, some maintain their private condominiums as second-homes. As the homeowners association, we do all that we can to maintain the common areas and to keep all facilities maintained for the enjoyment or our owners and their guests. It is our recommendation to prospective guests that you pay careful attention to photos and descriptions on any rental site and that you carefully read reviews and rely on recommendations from others for any condo-type rentals. I'm sorry you found the pools crowded at times but we hope you enjoyed the fact that Surf Side has such as large amount of beach area and also the two regular pools and two smaller kiddie pools, all adjacent to the beach. If you liked Surf Side in the peak summer, you would really love it during less crowded months, so pleas try us again. Again, we are happy that you have a pleasant stay at Surf Side and that you shared your opinion with others and we hope you will visit again!
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Under the Covid-19 current guidelines there are no rules against having floats as long as they social distancing and number of people guidelines are followed. This could change based on crowds. Under normal conditions floats are quite popular.
Hi Darlene. This is the association TripAdvisor pages and we do not do any rentals. You would need to contact a local rental agent or owner direct. One company i could recommend that rents a number of our condos at Surf Side Shores would be Gulf Shores Rentals and or 1-800-537-6903.
Thanks for your interest in Surf Side Shores.
No, sorry, but pets are not allowed at Surf Side for either guests or owners.
"We were in 2502. It’s cute and updated. Saw one roach, but I guess that’s typical in the south…"Read full review
"All beach front condos have great views, lower floors may be partially block by landscaping."Read full review
PRICE RANGE
C$560 - C$1,141 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
United StatesAlabamaGulf Shores
NUMBER OF ROOMS
96
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your ListingSurfside Shores I and II - UPDATED Prices, Reviews & Photos
Frequently Asked Questions about Surfside Shores I and II
Which popular attractions are close to Surfside Shores I and II?
Nearby attractions include Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail (7.3 km), Gulf State Park (7.6 km), and Pirate's Island Adventure Golf (5.1 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Surfside Shores I and II?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a pool, and free parking.
Which room amenities are available at Surfside Shores I and II?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, air conditioning, and a refrigerator.
Is parking available at Surfside Shores I and II?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Surfside Shores I and II?
Conveniently located restaurants include Hope's Cheesecake, Picnic Beach Bar & Grill, and Sunliner Diner.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Surfside Shores I and II?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Are there any historical sites close to Surfside Shores I and II?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Swift- Coles Historic Home (7.7 km).