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The Holiday Inn Express Gulf Shores is conveniently located 1.5 miles from the beautiful pristine sugar white sand beaches on the Gulf of Mexico! We are also only 2 miles from the Gulf Shores Sports Complex and 3 miles from the Orange Beach Sports Complex.We are within a short drive of all the main attractions in the area including OWA Amusement Park and Entertainment destination, Waterville USA, Tanger Outlet Center, Gulf Shores Zoo, Lambert's Cafe, The Track, Adventure Island, Gulf State Park, The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, Fort Morgan and The Wharf. But if you don't feel like going very far, we've got you covered with a complimentary breakfast served each morning. After breakfast, feel free to indulge in our pool and complimentary fitness center! We also offer complimentary WiFi and free on site parking.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Gulf Shores, an IHG hotel
3.9 reviews
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
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.
Our stay was mid April. I’m giving this 3 stars because of the messy stairways. The entire time of our week stay there was spilled coffee in the stairwell. A couple days later someone dropped food and that stayed as well. Our room was clean upon arrival. The cleaning staff stop by most days to offer clean towels. They never replenished the coffee bar in the room. The reception staff were always friendly. We were very disappointed with the pool situation and that there was no hot tub. The pool is always cold and in the shade a lot of the time. It also had lots of leaves in it. The free breakfast had hot eggs, sausage and biscuits and cinnamon rolls everyday. There is a pancake machine as well. The public sitting spaces were always clean and tidy. We didn’t use the gym so no complaints about that.
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â No hot tub. Pool is outside and usually cold. Plenty of food at the free breakfast with fruit,...
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Response from Guest Service Manager, Guest Services / Front Office at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Gulf Shores, an IHG hotel
Responded Apr 29, 2022
Dear 632elishaa, Thank you for choosing our hotel for your trip to Gulf Shores. It is always encouraging to receive positive feedback, particularly when it comes to our valued guests, and we are delighted you received friendly service and enjoyed our hot breakfast service. In addition, please know that your comments regarding the cleanliness of our hotel and the pool have been shared with our associates as a significant way of understanding how we can continue to deliver outstanding experiences. It was our pleasure serving you, and we hope to welcome you back for a first-rate experience whenever you return to the area. Best Regards, Blake Majors General Manager
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This is a very friendly hotel. Very very clean and in a pretty good location. None of the musk or Milford you associate with a resort hotel. Only a couple miles from the beaches not an inconvenience at all . Actually had a good hot breakfast. Stayed in about 5 different hotels on this trip, they all advertise a hot breakfast. The others had a mini muffins to go and an apple, no comparison. We will be back for two weeks and spend our time there exclusively.
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Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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 Guest Service Manager, Guest Services / Front Office at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Gulf Shores, an IHG hotel
Responded Dec 4, 2022
Dear sailks2017, Thank you for reviewing Holiday Inn Express & Suites Gulf Shores. We are pleased you liked our ideal location, excellent hotel, and breakfast. We are thrilled you had a pleasant stay, and we are already excited about your next visit. Best Regards, Blake Majors General Manager
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Arrived around 2:45pm, room was not ready. Took a ride, came back at 3pm, room still wasn't ready, so agent switched me to a room that was ready. Room was decent except for red and black stains on carpet. There was a long bench for luggage with 3 large hooks attached to the wall above it. Closet for hanging clothes, with iron, ironing board, and safe. 3 clothes drawers below flat screen tv hanging on wall. Room has 2 beds, a tub/shower combo, a long mirror attached to the wall, a desk with chair, and another chair and portable table. It's less than a 10 minute drive from Gulf Shores Beach.
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Date of stay: July 2021Trip 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 IHG Service, Owner at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Gulf Shores, an IHG hotel
Responded Aug 23, 2021
Hi SL82512, Thank you for your stay at Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Gulf Shores. Our hotel offers our guests an environment of peace and relaxation with a quick pick-me-up breakfast. I received your comments, and I am sorry that your room was not ready on time and that the carpet was stained. I understand your disappointment with these matters and assure you that this does not represent our standards. I sent your review to our managers. They will review everything that has happened and take the proper steps to prevent these issues from happening again. We invite you to visit us in your future stay so we can change your mind about us. Warm regards, Oscar C. Case Manager IHG Service Manager
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We spent 3 nights there and had a thoroughly pleasant experience. Site was clean, comfortable and well-lighted at night. The bed and pillows were incredibly comfortable. The free breakfast was slightly different each morning and yummy all three days. The staff were friendly and helpful the entire time and we were able to do an early check-in.
We would not hesitate recommending this hotel to friends and family visiting Gulf Shores and will certainly stay there again when we have the opportunity.
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Date of stay: June 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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 General Manager, Guest Services / Front Office at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Gulf Shores, an IHG hotel
Responded Jul 2, 2024
Dear 282richs, Thank you for being our guest at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Gulf Shores and sharing your experience. We are delighted to know you were pleased with our well-maintained property, courteous associates, and excellent complimentary breakfast. We also appreciate you mentioning our relaxing beds and pillows. Thank you again for your recommendations, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon. Best Regards, Uday Singh, MBA General Manager
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Evacuating from a hurricane can be stressful but we chose the best place to find comfort during a difficult time. From Nina’s welcoming voice and southern hospitality, Andrew’s fast & flawless check-in and speedy delivery of extra towels, to Blake the GM personally ensuing an exceptional experience, we could not be happier with the Holiday Inn Express, Gulf Shores. I would absolutely recommend staying here whether evacuating or vacationing. We are walking distance from any store you could need, restaurants, activities for the kids plus a clean (thank you 3rd floor housekeeping) and comfortable (bed and pillows are incredible) room with great service, you will not be disappointed.
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Date of stay: September 2021Trip 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.
2 stars given because of the decent breakfast and friendly guy at the front desk (evening shift). The bed area has been slightly updated but the bathroom ceiling showed mildew stains and the tub was cracked and old. The bathroom was not clean showing evidence of hair in a few places in the tub, upon arrival. The room had ants, some of which were in the bed, and the others infested the bath towels after use and in the tub overnight. The front desk was notified and the room was sprayed. However, upon return the bathroom was left dirty with dead ants in the tub and the same foot towel with dead ants left to step out on. It makes me ponder if the health department has inspected this facility. To have paid $678 (in points) has left me angry and embarrassed that I selected this hotel for my family. I will not recommend a stay here unless you are okay with unsanitary conditions.
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Date of stay: July 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip 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 General Manager, Guest Services / Front Office at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Gulf Shores, an IHG hotel
Responded Jul 7, 2024
Dear K3121NZmarjoriel, Thank you for your recent stay with us and the valuable comments. We apologize that the condition of your room did not meet your expectations and for the inconvenience it caused. We have taken note of the concerns you raised as we are continually striving to ensure a perfect visit for every guest. We are also sorry for letting you down with regard to our housekeeping services. Your feedback is essential to improving our guest experience, and we will take the appropriate action to ensure this does not happen again. Everything we do aims to provide you with an excellent experience, and we would welcome another opportunity to show you our dedication. Thank you again, and we wish you all the best with your travels. Best Regards, Uday Singh, MBA General Manager
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I made a reservation ahead of time. The email said my card wouldn’t be charged until I check in. The check in time is at 3 PM. My card was ran at 6 AM of the same day instead. Since it was a different state, my card declined because it seemed like an inappropriate transaction. I received a notification on my phone and when I saw it I authorized it to go through. When I arrived to check in, the front staff said the card declined and that he doesn’t have any rooms available for me. Then he said he can get me a room with 2 queen beds for $25 more than my previous reservation. Then he said he can get me a king suite for $40 more than my original reservation. I didn’t have any other option, but to take up what he offered. I understand that they can “run out” of rooms, but this is not fair. He found 2 room options for me in less than 3 minutes of telling me they’re sold out. They could’ve called me or held the room till I checked in. I tried to tell him but he wouldn’t even listen. I always stay at Holiday Inn, but this was one of the worst experiences I have ever had with them. Terrible customer service!
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Date of stay: June 2024Trip 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 General Manager, Guest Services / Front Office at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Gulf Shores, an IHG hotel
Responded Jun 30, 2024
Dear U8403ONangelaa, Thank you for taking the time to share your review. Please accept our sincere apologies for the reservation-related concerns outlined and the service shortfalls you experienced during your visit. We make every effort to provide exceptional hospitality in all aspects; therefore, we genuinely regret that this was not your experience. We will share your message appropriately, and we are grateful for your patience. Best Regards, Uday Singh, MBA, General Manager
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My wife and I arrived at about 3:30 local time after a nearly 4 hour drive from the first part of our vacation near New Orleans. We then get told that we can’t be checked in, because the room got booked under my wife’s late mother’s name (she’s been gone for almost 5 years). She has been back and forth with IHG several times to get her name on the account, and they repeatedly say they’ll fix it and don’t. It has never caused an issue anywhere else we’ve stayed, because it was my wife’s card paying for the room, the points were just going to/coming from her mom’s account. The desk clerk said for my wife’s mom to call her and give her permission to check us in, which she obviously can’t do. The clerk then laughed and rolled her eyes at us when she was told that she was deceased and couldn’t call. So she then says she can reserve us a room under mine or my wife’s name. We ask if my wife will get her points back (cause that was covering our room), and she says very rudely “but they’re not your points, and I can’t discuss this with you any further”. So we left and then drove almost 7 hours back home with the second half of our vacation absolutely ruined. We will never stay at an IHG hotel again, and I highly recommend staying away from the Holiday Inn on Commerce Avenue in Gulf Shores, unless you like rude staff.
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Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Â Avoid this hotel entirely unless you like dealing with rude staff.
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 IHG Service, Owner at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Gulf Shores, an IHG hotel
Responded Nov 11, 2021
Dear tgor630, I appreciate you for sharing your review about your recent stay. I am very sorry that you did not experience an exemplary hotel stay because of the level of service you have received. On behalf of our hotel, I apologize for the issue with your reservation. This is not what we want any of our guests to experience. I have sent you a private message to reaffirm my apologies. I very much hope that you will grant us the opportunity to prove ourselves again. Best Regards, Ben W. Case Manager IHGService
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We were very pleased with our stay at this Holiday Inn express. The staff were professional and friendly. Our room was very comfortable and the bed wonderful. We were so surprised at the extensive breakfast ber, the hot food was hot and fresh. very pleasant atmosphere. We highly recommend this facility.
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Date of stay: October 2022
Value
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 Guest Service Manager, Guest Services / Front Office at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Gulf Shores, an IHG hotel
Responded Oct 5, 2022
Dear 372ginnym, On behalf of our team at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Gulf Shores, thank you for the excellent review. We strive to deliver refreshing accommodations combined with outstanding service and fulfilling amenities to every guest, and we appreciate you noticing our efforts. It was our pleasure having you as our guest, and we hope we will continue to be your hotel of choice whenever you return to Gulf Shores. Best Regards, Blake Majors General Manager
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We felt welcomed from the start. Jim at the front desk was awesome. He checked us in and informed us of anything we needed to know. He even joked a little bit about the Polar Bear club if you wanted to swim in the pool. Clean room and bathroom. Price was good for what you got. Noise wasn't too bad even being located by the elevator. Will be back again when in Gulf Shores.
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Date of stay: January 2025Trip 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 General Manager, Guest Services / Front Office at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Gulf Shores, an IHG hotel
Responded Jan 13, 2025
Dear dawnkH9454AD, Thank you for choosing Holiday Inn Express & Suites Gulf Shores and for your excellent review. We're thrilled to hear that Jim made such a positive impression and that you felt welcomed from the start. Providing a smooth and efficient arrival process is a top priority for us, and it's always rewarding to know that our efforts have made a difference in your stay. It's also great to know you enjoyed the cleanliness of your room and the overall value of your stay. We appreciate you sharing your feedback and love knowing you will return soon. Thank you again! Best Regards, Uday Singh, MBA General Manager
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Please note that Gulf Shores and Orange Beach do not permit dogs on beaches at all, and I haven't seen any exemptions for service animals listed. I would contact HI Express to let them know you have a service dog with you. As for the beaches, you might want to call Scott Smothers, the beach safety supervisor for Gulf Shores, at 251-968-2040.
No idea about the shuttle, but the boarding area for the Shrimp Festival shuttle was not far away.
Refrigerators are standard in rooms and do not incur an extra charge.
Both. There's always hot cinnamon rolls, some form of pork and turkey sausage, biscuits and gravy, and usually eggs. There's also a machine that makes fresh pancakes. Plus bagels, English muffins, cereal, fruits and such.
There are more places to choose from in the Gulf Shores area.
PRICE RANGE
C$189 - C$322 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
holiday inn express gulf shores hotel gulf shores
LOCATION
United StatesAlabamaGulf Shores
NUMBER OF ROOMS
89
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.
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