Dauphin Island Hotels

For those who are planning a trip to Alabama's Dauphin Island, the lodging options are somewhat limited. As such, you should always try to book your Dauphin Island lodging in advance, especially if you plan to visit during the holidays and during the busy spring and summer months. Otherwise, you might have some issues securing accommodations, especially if you're looking to stay at one of the few hotels on Dauphin Island. In addition to the Dauphin Island hotels, which also come in the forms of motels, inns, and bed and breakfasts, you can also consider booking a stay at a vacation rental. Vacation rentals are available on Dauphin Island year round, and they come in the form of private homes and condominiums. This article focuses mostly on the Dauphin Island hotels, with recommendations for some of the best below. You'll also find a recommendation for a vacation rental community that is among the best of the Dauphin Island lodging choices.

When it comes to the hotels on Dauphin Island, the largest establishment that you'll find is the Holiday Isle condominium resort, which isn't exactly a hotel at all. The 144 units at Holiday Isle are vacation rental properties that range in size from about 1,200 square feet to 1,800 square feet. Each of these units is pretty upscale, and they are full of amenities for your group to enjoy. Among the amenities that you can expect in each unit are granite countertops, a full kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and a whirlpool bathtub in the master bathrooms. The master bathrooms also boast separate showers. You'll truly feel at home should you rent one of the units here, as they are fully furnished and feature things like laundry facilities, cable TV, and DVD players. Some of the units even feature wet bars, so you can opt for one of those if you so desire. Outside of the guest units, the Holiday Isle Resort has a tennis court, an indoor pool and hot tub, a sauna, steam rooms, and a fitness center. When you're looking for things to do outside of the resort, you can always do some fishing on the nearby pier, or enjoy the beachfront access that the resort affords. The Inn at Dauphin Island also offers condos that you can rent as well, so you might want to give it a look as well.

For those who wish to pass on the vacation rentals when looking for a Dauphin Island accommodation, the Dauphin House Bed and Breakfast is one of the few choices. There are ten unique rooms to choose from at the Dauphin House, each of which are clean and comfortable enough for most visitors. While the guest units here are not upscale, it's hard to beat the rates, which are easy on the budget. Since the units vary a bit, some will cost a bit more per night than the others, so you can choose accordingly. As for the amenities in each room, they include cable TV, a private bathroom, inviting memory-foam beds, a dresser for your clothes, and a coffee maker. To help you start your days during your visit, the Dauphin House offers a hearty breakfast that is included in the rates. When it's a romantic Alabama vacation that you're after, the Dauphin House Bed and Breakfast is one of the more agreeable hotels on Dauphin Island.

The Dauphin Island Inn is another option when it comes to the Dauphin Island hotels, and its six rooms are affordably-priced if you're not looking to break the budget. Daily maid service helps to keep the rooms clean at the Dauphin Island Inn, and each unit boasts either a balcony or a terrace. Other amenities that you'll find in the rooms here include cable TV, a telephone, air-conditioning, a kitchenette, and a coffee maker. All six rooms at the Dauphin Island Inn are fairly spacious, and it's hard to find a better Dauphin Island lodging deal, so you'll want to take this establishment into consideration if it's a fair price that you're after.

The rates at the Gulf Breeze Motel are also quite friendly, and recent expansions have brought the room total up to 31. Like the rooms at the Dauphin Island Inn, the guest units here are also rather spacious, and you can get a 2-bedroom suite if you need. Should you stay for a week, you'll get an extra night for free, and since all of the units are clean and comfortable, you might consider extending your stay. You're within walking distance of the main public beach and its fishing pier when you stay here, and while the rooms are fairly standard, they offer a lot of bang for your buck considering the price. Cable TV, a telephone, and air-conditioning are about it when it comes to the amenities, but as mentioned before, people come here mostly to relax on the beach, so you likely won't be spending a ton of time in your room. There are kitchen facilities at the Gulf Breeze Motel if you want to fix your own meals and snacks, and for those with a boat in tow, there is a boat launch and some slips behind the hotel. With the money that you save staying here, you can enjoy an extra round or two at the island's golf course, treat yourself to a few extra meals at the area restaurants, or perhaps consider a cruise on the Mobile Bay Ferry.

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Birmingham Hotels

When it comes to the Birmingham hotels, you will find that variety is the name of the game. You will also find that value is part of the overall picture as well. Even the more upscale Birmingham hotels offer relatively low rates, so you might look to splurge a little if you are even remotely interested in an upgrade. Some of the upscale Birmingham hotels can be found downtown, while others are located on the outskirts and close to some of the area's best attractions, so you can choose your location according to your wants and needs. Should you be looking to pass on the upscale hotel experience, finding a mid-priced or cheap hotel in Birmingham won't be an issue, as there are a number of quality establishments in and around the city. Since there are so many good Birmingham hotels to choose from, you might appreciate the following recommendations.

Downtown Birmingham is full of great attractions, and should the Civil Rights District be high on your list of things to see, then a downtown hotel is the way to go. Among the best downtown Birmingham hotels is the Hampton Inn and Suites Tutwiler, which offers spacious rooms that are certainly hard to find fault with. You're just steps from some of the best Birmingham attractions when you stay at the Hampton Inn and Suites Tutwiler, and while the hotel offers a fine restaurant of its own, you might take advantage of the complimentary hotel shuttle service to get to some other great downtown eateries. A free breakfast is included in the rates at the Tutwiler, as is complimentary internet access, so while you'll pay more to stay here than you will at most of the other Birmingham hotels, you get quite a lot for your money. An upscale decor and large windows with city views characterize the 149 guest rooms and suites here, and among the amenities that you can expect are a flat-screen cable TV, air-conditioning, a sizeable work desk, an mp3-compatible clock radio, premium bedding, complimentary bath products, a coffee and tea maker, a hair dryer, and an iron and ironing board. Should you book a larger suite here, you will enjoy extras like a microwave and a mini-fridge. As for the hotel's overall amenities, they include a fitness room and a business center, so you can always fit in a workout or get some work done on the side during your stay.

While there are a bunch of downtown Birmingham hotels to choose from, those seeking a different location might want to book their stay at the upscale and modern Birmingham Marriott, which can be found in the Grandview Corporate Park. You're just 10 minutes from the downtown area and no more than 20 minutes away from the airport when you choose to stay here, so it's a convenient Birmingham lodging option for a couple different reasons. You'll enjoy a comfortable stay at the Birmingham Marriott, as the rooms and suites are among the best in the area. In-room amenities that help to make the relatively high rates worth it include complimentary bathrobes and bath products, cable TV, air-conditioning, a mini-bar, luxurious bedding, high-speed internet access (fee), a coffee maker, and a hair dryer. The jetted tubs in the bathrooms surely go a long way after a full day of work or sightseeing, and when you're too tired to go hunting for a restaurant, the onsite RiverCity Grille serves up some good American fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. When you find yourself with some downtime, you can also hit the hotel's indoor pool, burn some calories in the fitness room, or schedule any number of activities that can be enjoyed in the immediate area. If you are looking to do some hiking, for example, there are trails nearby, and you can always arrange a family trip to the nearby Birmingham Zoo.

While the aforementioned hotels are great, those who are looking for a cheap hotel in Birmingham should find the Best Western Carlton Suites to be a worthy option. An all-suites hotel, the Best Western Carlton Suites boasts spacious units that offer plenty of bang for your buck. Another plus is the hotel's location, which provides easy access to such area attractions as the Civil Rights Museum and the famed Talladega Speedway. If shopping in Alabama is on your agenda, this hotel will have you close to the Galleria Mall and the Brookwood Mall, which helps to make the hotel a great Birmingham lodging choice. While the decor of the suites at this Best Western offering leave a little to be desired, all of the guest units are clean and comfortable, not to mention good on amenities. Guest amenities include cable TV, refridgerator, a microwave, a work desk, individual air-conditioning, a coffee maker, free bath products, internet access (fee), a hair dryer, and an iron and ironing board. As for overall hotel facilities, they include an attractive indoor pool, a fitness room, meeting rooms, a 24-hour front desk, and a breakfast room where guests can enjoy their complimentary morning meals. While the Best Western Carlton Suites isn't the lowest-priced option in town, it's a quality cheap hotel in Birmingham, and you can hardly go wrong with this one.

Sightseeing in Birmingham is certainly one of the top things to do when in town, but you might also fancy a bit of golf or shopping during your visit. Should golf be on your intended itinerary, then a stay at the Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa is sure to please. You'll enjoy a certain amount of seclusion at this castle-like Birmingham lodging establishment while still being fairly close to the downtown area, meaning that a great location is part of the deal. When it's time to tee it up, the Renaissance boasts a Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail course, so you can bet that the experience will be a good one. Luxurious rooms, great facilities, and a 12,000-square-foot spa are just some of the reasons why the majority of guests at the Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa leave happy. If shopping is more important to you than golf, then you might pass on the Renaissance to enjoy a stay at the Wynfrey Hotel, which can be found across from the Riverchase Galleria. Like the Renaissance, the Wynfrey Hotel is rather upscale, so amenities are definitely part of the plan. Service, comfort, and elegance characterize the Wynfrey Hotel, and the three onsite restaurants do well to offer guests a varied dining experience. With Birmingham accommodations like these to choose from, you might find yourself lingering a bit longer than you may have intended.

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Alabama Luxury Hotels

Finding Alabama luxury hotels can be kind of difficult, mostly because of the fact that the state lacks in 4- and 5-star accommodations. That's not to say that there aren't any luxury hotels in Alabama, but you'll just have to do some proper searching. As tourism continues to increase in this Southern hot spot, however, more and more luxury hotels are popping up across the state, so your options are getting better all the time. Being that golf is such a popular pursuit in Alabama, the state has seen the addition of some pretty impressive golf resorts, so you can always go that route if you please. As for other options when it comes to securing a luxury accommodation in Alabama, some of the state's larger cities and towns are good places to look.

Birmingham is the largest city in Alabama, and as such, it's lodging possibilities are among the most prolific in the land. While the Birmingham hotels don't necessarily feature tons of luxury options among them, there is one new hotel in town that is looking to raise the accommodations bar. The Wynfrey Hotel, which is found attached to the upscale Riverchase Galleria, is the top luxury hotel in Birmingham, and among the amenities that you'll enjoy in its tastefully-decorated rooms and suites include down pillows, pillow top mattresses, a mini-bar, Italian marble bathrooms, and more. Before or after a long day of visiting Birmingham attractions like Rickwood Field, treating yourself to a rejuvenating session in the Wynfrey Hotel's spa is sure to please, and if you are in town for business, the 32,000 square feet of meeting space should come in handy. As mentioned, golf resorts are becoming more prevalent in Alabama, and should you be visiting the Birmingham area, the Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa offers what is tantamount to the best golf resort in the state. Golfers will definitely want to consider the Renaissance Ross Bridge Resort when compiling their lists of top Alabama luxury hotels.

Plush guest rooms and a long list of amenities await you at the Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa, and even if you don't like to golf it's an excellent place to stay. One of the things that helps to make this resort one of the top luxury hotels in Alabama is the fact that it boasts the world's third-longest golf course. This course is just one of many in the state that pertain to the famed Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, which is largely responsible for making Alabama golf as renowned as it is. The Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa also boasts a 12,000-square-foot spa, and it's hard to find fault with its extra-comfortable rooms. Oversized luxury bathrooms, private balconies, and deluxe amenities help to make the rooms here among the best in the area, and as is customary of the Alabama luxury hotels, you'll find a few onsite eateries here. Another great luxury golf resort that you might consider in Alabama is the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club and Spa, which can be found overlooking the Mobile Bay in Point Clear. You're close to Gulf Coast destinations like Mobile, Gulf Shores, and Orange Beach when you stay at the Grand Hotel Marriott in Point Clear, and you'll also find a couple courses here that pertain to the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.

Speaking of Mobile, Gulf Shores, and Orange Beach, they are also home to some establishments that you might add to your luxury accommodation in Alabama list. In Mobile, for example, The Battle House delivers an upscale experience, while both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach boast some pretty upscale condominium resorts. A stunning lobby isn't the only thing that the downtown Mobile Battle House boasts. The 207 rooms and the 31 suites here are quite impressive, and there's also an inviting 10,000-square-foot onsite spa, not to mention an appetizing Italian restaurant, which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. As for the upscale condo resorts in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, the Gulf Plantation House is among the examples. There are more than 500 guest units to choose from at Gulf Shores Plantation, and they vary in quality and price, so you can pick one that best suits your wants and needs. The Preferred units are the most upscale, and they offer all of the comforts of home, and then some. Upscale beach hotels like the Gulf Plantation House are easily among the most popular luxury hotels in Alabama.

Not everyone who visits Alabama will be looking to visit the central and southern parts of the state. Northern Alabama has plenty of delights to speak about, and if it's a luxury hotel that you seek in the upper reaches, the Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa in Florence is a top option. This luxury accommodation in Alabama offers close proximity to two Robert Trent Jones golf courses, and when you're tired out after a few intense rounds, you can hit the hotel's 6,000-square-foot spa. If you aren't up for a spa treatment, relaxing in your room's deep garden tub is always a good way to soothe the soul as well. While Florence is a top northern Alabama vacation destination, so too are Decatur and Huntsville. The Decatur hotels unfortunately do not offer much in the way of luxury. As for the Huntsville hotels, they are also lacking in luxury on the whole, though places like the Westin Huntsville do well to offer a considerable amount of comfort and amenities. It may not be the top luxury accommodation in Alabama, but the Westin Huntsville isn't exactly shabby. In addition to nice amenities in the rooms, the Westin Huntsville also offers a great location. You're right in the heart of the Bridge Street Town Centre, which is full of restaurants and shops, and the US Space and Rocket Center is just a couple of miles off.

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Alabama Hotels

Sporting the nickname of its state bird, the Yellowhammer State may have not made it to the top of your list of states to visit in America, but you may reconsider that when you see just how much there is to do here. Besides its year round warmth and overall pleasant weather, Alabama offers plenty for the outdoor enthusiast, from mountains, beaches, and lakes, to caverns and woodland expanses. History buffs will be rewarded with a trip to Alabama, as the state capital of Montgomery was the first capital of the Confederacy, and the home of Jefferson Davis. Alabama is bordered by some of the south's most visited states, such as Florida, Georgia and Tennessee, and whether you are passing through, or taking time out to see what Alabama has to offer, the Alabama hotels provide plenty to choices, regardless of your taste or budget.

Crossing Alabama are five major interstates where you will find a plentiful amount of Alabama hotels. Along these routes, motorists will often come across gas, food and lodging options, and there are almost always some affordable options for discount lodging in Alabama along the major thoroughfares. If you are arriving on a flight to Alabama, perhaps to enjoy the bevy of Alabama golf courses, you will likely arrive in Birmingham, which is the state's largest city. The hotels in Birmingham are plenty when it comes to the most recognizable chains, and near the Birmingham City Center and in downtown Birmingham, you can find budget hotels, or exclusive historic hotels in Birmingham that set themselves apart from the chain brands. Alabama found itself often at the heart of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950's and 60's, and as such, those staying at one of the hotels in Birmingham will want to schedule a trip to the Birmingham Civil Rights Museum. Another popular cultural activity that you can enjoy while staying at hotels in Birmingham is the Birmingham Museum of Art, which features a nice permanent collection of works from around the world. Birmingham's central location makes it a great city from which to begin your Alabama Great Vacation.

Alabama is not a terribly large state, which means that getting around to the places you want to visit is not an extremely timely ordeal. Just 90 miles south of Birmingham on I-65 is the capital city of Montgomery, which begs a visit. Like the hotels in Birmingham, the Montgomery hotels have plenty in the way of big name chain brands, which are often your best consideration for discount lodging in Alabama. The Montgomery hotels have choices for families, business travelers and even those bringing the family pet, and there are plenty of places to rest your head where you won't have to sacrifice comfort or quality for a good price. Downtown Montgomery is a quiet place, as many of the businesses have left for the suburbs, which makes it a great southern town to explore. There's plenty of southern hospitality to be found here, and as the center of the Civil Rights Movement, the city has special importance. The Montgomery Zoo is a great side trip for the kids, and for fans of Shakespeare, the city hosts one of the bigger cultural events in the state with its Shakespeare Festival.

One of the best ways to find discount lodging in Alabama is to check online for deals, or to look for vacation packages that include discounts on accommodations and transportation. Alabama is a pretty well kept secret when it comes to the quality of golf that can be enjoyed here year round, and a good amount of the Alabama golf resorts will often offer packages of some kind that include playing and staying. You can also look for great deals on Alabama hotels with vacation packages to the Gulf Coast. Not far from Pensacola, Florida, the city of Mobile is a major vacation destination in Alabama. You can find nice vacation rentals on the Alabama Gulf Coast, and the resorts like those found at Orange Beach, Alabama are among some of the most visited Alabama Hotels. You can choose from a good variety of Mobile AL hotels, which feature some of the same options for chain discount lodging in Alabama that Montgomery and Birmingham do. Downtown Mobile is a joy to explore, and if you choose to stay in one of the nicer downtown Mobile AL hotels, you can better appreciate the city's beautiful antebellum architectural examples. There are many historic districts in Mobile worth exploring, and the city is full of unique museums. The Mobile Botanical Gardens are a joy to visit for nature lovers, and the city's parks and outdoor attractions can be enjoyed year round. Some of the Mobile AL hotels with the most character and charm can be found near Water Street and Dauphine Street.

Outdoors enthusiasts will get as much joy out of an Alabama vacation as will history buffs, and it is particularly alluring when you consider that two-thirds of the state consists of forest and rivers. Not far east of Birmingham, NASCAR enthusiasts can visit Talladega and the Talladega Superspeedway. If you choose to stay at a hotel in Talladega, the Talladega National Forest is yours to enjoy. Here, Cheaha Mountain rises to over 2,400 feet where the Appalachian Mountains reach their end. About 100 miles north of Birmingham, the small cities of Huntsville and Decatur have nice Alabama hotels near two of the state's largest lakes. If you like fishing, you can choose to stay at a myriad of Alabama hotels near some of the state's most prolific fishing areas, from the wilderness streams to the Gulf of Mexico on the southern border. Alabama is waiting for you to visit, and its many hotels offer access to the all the best spots.

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Alabama Cheap Hotels

Finding Alabama cheap hotels isn't hard, as the state is full of them. From the top of Alabama all the way down to the Gulf Coast, chain hotels abound. Since most of these chain brand hotels feature low rates, coming across Alabama hotel deals wherever you go is generally part of the plan. You'll be happy to know that while the Alabama cheap hotels feature low rates, they also tend offer quite a lot in the way of free amenities, so you don't have to compromise a comfortable stay just to save some money. Freebies like a complimentary continental breakfast, free internet access, and free local calls make many a cheap accommodation in Alabama desirable, and with the money that you have left over, you can enjoy things like area tours or perhaps a round of golf!

In northern Alabama, cities like Huntsville, Decatur, and Florence do well to keep visitors busy, as they abound in interesting attractions. The Huntsville hotels, which are strong in number, have a lot of discount options among them, and even the more upscale choices are still pretty affordable. The Best Western Rocket City Inn and Suites is just one of the northern Alabama cheap hotels that you might consider, not only because you get a lot of amenities, but also because you're close to area attractions like the US Space and Rocket Center. The amenities at the Best Western Rocket City Inn include things like free internet access and a complimentary hot breakfast, so you get a lot of bang for your buck. The Best Western is just one of the discount hotels in Huntsville worth considering, and you shouldn't have problems saving money on rates during a Huntsville visit. In nearby Decatur, Best Western comes through again with its River City Hotel, and you'll also want to consider hotels like the Jameson Inn and the Comfort Inn. Both the Jameson Inn and the Comfort Inn are always worth considering when looking for a cheap accommodation in Alabama, as there are quite a few of them across the state. All three of these Decatur hotels offer clean and comfortable rooms, a lot of free add-ons, and proximity to top attractions, so they are always good budget options.

You'll find a Comfort Inn in Florence, and it's definitely one of the best places to find Alabama hotel deals. You can also save considerably on Florence hotels when you book a stay at the Super 8 Florence. All of the clean rooms at the Super 8 Florence offer cable TV, a mini-fridge, a microwave, and a coffee maker, among other amenities, so while you'll save some cash here, you will still have most everything that you'll need to enjoy a good stay. The outdoor pool and the complimentary continental breakfasts only help to make Alabama cheap hotels like the Super 8 Florence good lodging options. Once you've explored northern Alabama, you might head to the middle of the state, where destinations like Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, and Talladega await you. Starting with Talladega, virtually all of the hotels are discount chain brands. Discount Talladega hotels like the Super 8 Talladega and the Comfort Inn go fast when there's a big race going on at the Talladega Superspeedway, so book ahead if you plan to visit during one of these big time events. Over in Birmingham, which is the largest city in the state, tons of hotels compete for business, which means good rates for the traveler. Even if you book one of the rather cozy and spacious suites at Birmingham hotels like Homewood Suites and SpringHill Suites, you won't have to break the bank, and if you need to stay close to the airport, the Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport does well to offer a lot in the way of value.

When visiting Tuscaloosa, more cheap hotels await you, but just make sure to book your room here in advance when the University of Alabama Crimson Tide football team is playing one of its home games. There's a Jameson Inn in Tuscaloosa, so you might move that to the top of your list when looking for central Alabama hotel deals, and the Fairfield Inn Tuscaloosa and the Courtyard by Marriott Tuscaloosa also do well to appeal to value-minded travelers. A free weekday newspaper and access to an onsite fitness room are just some of the things that these Tuscaloosa hotels offer, so you can hardly go wrong when you choose one as your cheap accommodation in Alabama. Heading south of cities like Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, the Alabama Gulf Coast destinations of Mobile, Dauphin Island, Gulf Shores, and Orange Beach do well to attract visitors, and they also do well to offer affordable hotels that are easy on the wallet. The newer La Quinta Inn Mobile is just one of the many discount Mobile hotels that you can consider, and in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, hotels like the Best Western on the Beach and the Sleep Inn can help you free up cash for area attractions. The Gulf Shores hotels and Orange Beach hotels have other discount options that are also worth considering, but since there are a few condominium resorts here that offer some pretty good rates, many visitors choose to book something a little more substantial. As for the Dauphin Island hotels, they are few in number and come mostly in the form of motels, so you will have no problem securing a cheap room there. You can also go the condominium resort route in Dauphin Island if you have the funds.

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Alabama Beach Hotels

The Alabama beach hotels are among the most popular hotels in the state, as many Alabama visitors look to spend some fun on the coast during their trip. While only a small part of southern Alabama borders the Gulf of Mexico, it's a pretty privileged part. You'll find soft, white sand beaches in southwest Alabama, and when you're not hanging out with your feet in the sand, there are plenty of great area attractions that await you. You can even plan side trips to Biloxi, Mississippi, to hit some impressive casinos while vacationing along the Alabama coast. In addition to a fine collection of affordable hotels, the Alabama beach lodging scene also consists of resorts and vacation rentals, so you can choose your accommodations accordingly. Whatever beach accommodation in Alabama that you secure, a fun and relaxing time awaits you.

When heading for the Alabama coast, many visitors take the opportunity to stop in Mobile first. Attractions like the USS Alabama do well to encourage a visit to Mobile, and it's definitely worth spending at least one day exploring the city. Once you've got a good night's sleep at one of the Mobile hotels, you can continue on to your beach destination. Due south of Mobile, Dauphin Island is among the top Alabama beach destinations, and while there aren't a ton of hotels here, you will have ample options for places to stay. In addition to the Dauphin Island hotels, which come in the form of motels, inns, and bed and breakfasts, you can also consider booking a stay at a vacation rental. For those who want to save money on their Alabama beach lodging, the Gulf Breeze Motel on Dauphin Island is probably the best bet. While the rooms might be rather standard at the Gulf Breeze Motel, they are spacious and feature cable TV and air-conditioning, which is all that some visitors will need. You're close to the public beach, a golf course, restaurants, and the Dauphin Island fishing pier when you stay at the Gulf Breeze. For those who are looking for a more upscale Alabama beach lodging experience, the Holiday Isle condominium resort is a Dauphin Island favorite. The 144 units at Holiday Isle are vacation rental properties that range in size from about 1,200 square feet to 1,800 square feet. Each of these units is pretty upscale, and they are full of amenities for your group to enjoy. Holiday Isle is a condominium resort, and while it's not exactly a hotel in the truest sense of the word, it is akin to one. The other two top Alabama beach destinations have similar condominium resorts, so you can also choose to go that route once you arrive at those destinations.

Speaking of the other two top Alabama beach destinations, they include Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Both of these beach resort towns are prime places to be for the Alabama Mardi Gras, but if you plan to visit during this premier annual event, you'll want to book your lodging well in advance. It's also a good idea to book any and all Alabama beach hotels and condo rentals in advance during Spring Break and during the summer months, as these peak seasons can also see rooms going fast. When it comes to the Gulf Shores hotels, you will have quite a few discount options, though you can also opt for a roomier and more amenity-filled condo as well. The Gulf Shores Plantation is a condominium resort that offers tons of amenities, including an indoor pool, six outdoor pools, and eight tennis courts, and the fully-furnished units range in quality, so you can choose according to your budget. The Phoenix All Suites hotel also offers condo units that are worth considering, partly because of the great rates. Families will definitely want to consider staying at one of the condominium beach hotels in Alabama because of their convenience and comfort. They will also likely enjoy a stay at Shoreline Towers, which is among the cheaper condo-hotel options in Gulf Shores.

When visiting Gulf Shores, you can not only consider the Gulf Shores hotels, but also the Orange Beach hotels. That's because the two towns are right next to each other, their beaches "separated" by a long pier. The Orange Beach hotels offer about the same kind of variety that the Gulf Shores hotels do, so you're merely expanding the number of choices. If you are looking for upscale condo units here, you can start by checking out the White Caps by Meyer Real Estate. Facilities at this condo resort include a children's pool, a boardwalk, and a fitness room. As for the condo units, they are fully-equipped. When it's discount beach hotels in Alabama that you seek, the Sleep Inn in Orange Beach is a top option, while those wanting something a bit more comfortable might prefer the Hilton Garden Inn or the Holiday Inn Express. Beach hotels in Alabama like the Hilton Garden Inn and the Holiday Inn Express bridge the gap between the cheaper hotels and the more upscale condo resorts. They offer clean and comfortable rooms that are hard to find fault with. Amenities at these kinds of mid-priced Alabama beach hotels tend to include signature brand beds, complimentary internet access, expanded cable TV, and basics like a coffee maker and a hair dryer.

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Hotels in DC Area

When exploring the nation's capital city, where to stay can be an overwhelming decision, given the enormous number of great choices for lodging in Washington DC. Whether you want a grand, historical luxury hotel, or just cheap hotels in Washington DC, DC lodging options are plentiful. There are also accessible hotels in Washington DC's neighboring states Virginia and Maryland. If proximity to major attractions is most important to you, consider hotels in DC areas downtown near Capitol Hill and the National Mall. If you'd rather stay somewhere with a more home-like feel, try the Woodley Park or Dupont Circle neighborhoods. And if you crave a wide range of shops, boutiques, and antique dealerships, Georgetown is probably for you. If you want to feel the very power pulse of the city's political culture, stay on Capitol Hill near Union Station.

One stop for power players and tourists alike is the Phoenix Park Hotel, just two blocks from the Capitol building. The Phoenix resembles an Irish manor house from the 1700's, down to its antique furniture and fine wood craftsmanship. Politicians migrate here, including guests Dick Cheney, John Kerry, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Dennis Hastert, and Howard Dean. Among hotels in Washington DC, the Phoenix Park is known as the center of Irish hospitality. The hotel's internationally renowned Dubliner Restaurant and Pub is one of Capitol Hill"s most popular and boisterous bars.

Quintessentially Washingtonian amongst hotels in DC area, the Watergate Hotel offers a unique lodging experience in its beautiful location along the Potomac next to the Kennedy Center. The Watergate Complex features a variety of upscale boutiques and shops. Guests should also make an excursion to nearby Georgetown to the selection of specialty shops, boutiques, and stores there.

Another standout for DC lodging, The Jefferson's Beaux-Arts-inspired historic hotel enjoys a central location in the nation's capital. Just four blocks from the White House, the property debuted in 1923, and displays its collection of vital manuscripts signed by Thomas Jefferson. The dining room at The Jefferson has always been favored by Washington's power elite, among them heads of state, presidents and celebrities from around the world. Cozy, intimate, a lit by a crackling fire, The Jefferson's Lounge's decor features many historic prints and caricatures from the 18th century and beyond.

When The Madison first opened its doors in 1963, President Kennedy christened the hotel as "Washington's Correct Address." The Madison has since been honored to host every President since, proving the President's assertion and the hotel's esteem. Every guest at The Madison is treated like family. Even the doormen here are historical institutions, having been in service for over forty years. They have their own followings, and a wealth of history to share. The Madison's fine dining room, The Federalist, modeled after Dolley Madison's parlor, is a staple amongst Washington insiders, featuring American fare from local producers.

If you are traveling with pets and seek lodging in Washington DC, try the stylish Hotel Monaco, which occupies what was once Washington DC's General Post Office Built in 1839 by Robert Mills, the same architect to design the Washington Monument, The Monaco is a completely renovated Registered National Landmark all-marble building. Lofty, arched ceilings define the luxurious space in each guest room, combined with highly selective, yet varied, interior design and furnishings. Like visitors from another time, enter through the carriageway and dine on the courtyard at the Poste-Modern Brasserie, after you enjoy complimentary wines at the evening welcoming party. In addition to having pet food on its room service menu, the Monaco provides dog walking maps and disposable walking bags, and even provides and cares for a complimentary goldfish to keep you company in your room!

These are but a sampling of tried and true hotels in Washington DC, and their rates vary. Cheap hotels in Washington DC do exist, but if money is your primary concern, you might want to look to the Maryland and Virginia suburbs along the Metro lines.

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