Staybridge Suites Gulf Shores By Ihg

The hotel is highly regarded for its spacious suites featuring full kitchens, providing a home-like atmosphere that is particularly appealing to families, long-term guests, and those seeking comfort during extended stays. Its strong pet-friendly policy, complete with dedicated outdoor areas, makes it an excellent choice for travelers with pets. Many guests consistently return, highlighting the hotel's overall cleanliness, excellent breakfast, and the consistently friendly staff. To enhance your experience, consider utilizing the in-room kitchen facilities to prepare meals and save on dining expenses, and be sure to take advantage of the complimentary social hours offered in the evenings for a relaxing end to your day.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently praise the convenience of the full kitchens available in the suites, which come equipped with a refrigerator, stove, microwave, dishwasher, and all necessary dishes and silverware, allowing for self-catering and extended stays. The hotel also offers free washer and dryer facilities, a significant convenience for all guests. For recreation, there is a pleasant outdoor pool with comfortable furniture, a basketball court, and grilling areas for guest use. While most guests find the free Wi-Fi reliable, some reported occasional connectivity issues. Rooms are well-appointed with plenty of outlets and charging ports. The presence of only one elevator for a four-story building can sometimes lead to delays or crowded conditions, especially during peak times. A dedicated pet relief area is also available.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Most guests commend the hotel's cleanliness, noting well-maintained rooms and common areas. However, some reviews reported significant issues, including dirty sheets with hair, animal hair on pillows, a dirty couch, and general dust. Several guests experienced strong, unpleasant odors in their rooms, described as musty, wet dog, urine, or even rotting smells, particularly on pet-friendly floors. Some rooms were noted as dated and in need of updating, with reports of mold, rust in bathrooms, and missing or wobbly tiles. While many found the beds comfortable, some described them as super uncomfortable, too soft, or even broken, with issues like springs poking through sofa beds. Noise can be a concern, with guests hearing conversations from adjacent rooms, kids jumping upstairs, and noise from the elevator or laundry room. In-room amenities like TVs were sometimes dated or had remote issues, and some toilets experienced sluggish draining or clogging. Air conditioning was occasionally reported as not working effectively or not cooling sufficiently.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast receives widespread praise for its variety and quality, often described as tasty and hot. Guests appreciate the diverse options, including fresh fruit, waffles, and various turkey and chicken choices. The breakfast area is generally kept clean and well-stocked by attentive staff. While most reviews are positive, a few guests found the food to be lukewarm or described it as "fake," and some noted that options could be limited if arriving later in the morning. A significant highlight for many guests is the social hour, offered Monday through Wednesday evenings. This event provides hors d’oeuvres, beer, and wine, with some guests finding the food substantial enough to serve as dinner, making it an unexpected and enjoyable perk of their stay.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a great location, offering convenient access to various attractions. It is situated approximately ten minutes from the beach and is also close to Orange Beach. Guests appreciate its proximity to the Gulf Shores Sportsplex, though it is not within walking distance. The hotel is centrally located near a variety of restaurants, shopping centers, the zoo, and the Gulf Shores State Park, making it easy to explore the area. Parking is readily available and well-lit, contributing to a sense of security. While the area is generally accessible, some guests noted ongoing construction nearby and a lack of sidewalks, which can affect pedestrian access. The hotel also offers well-designed handicapped accessible rooms, praised for their thoughtful features like low beds and accessible showers.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for being exceptionally friendly, helpful, professional, and accommodating. Many guests highlight the quick check-in process and the staff's willingness to assist with requests, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. The front desk team is frequently mentioned for their personable and compassionate approach. Housekeeping is generally described as attentive, ensuring rooms are clean and well-maintained, though some guests reported issues with inconsistent service or rooms not being thoroughly cleaned upon arrival. Maintenance staff are typically quick to address and correct issues, though a few guests expressed frustration when asked to resolve minor problems themselves. The hotel's pet-friendly service is highly appreciated, with staff providing treats and maintaining the dog park area. During stressful events like hurricane evacuations, the staff demonstrated remarkable support and understanding.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of an incidental charge collected at check-in, which is typically refunded after departure. Some guests reported issues with their room keys quitting working unexpectedly, requiring multiple trips to the front desk. There was an instance where the power went out for several hours, and the standby generator did not function. While the hotel is pet-friendly, some guests with allergies or sensitivities noted persistent pet odors in certain rooms or common areas. The hotel generally offers rewards program benefits for loyal guests. Some reviews suggest that the hotel needs updating in certain areas. Guests can also enjoy a communal library area with a collection of books. A few guests reported being overcharged on their debit cards, with difficulties resolving the issue.