Gulf Shores Condo Rentals - Choose the Right Complex

Gradually over the last three decades condos have replaced the mom and pop motels and auto courts as the preferred Gulf Shores lodging choice. The American middle class began to expect the comforts of home while on vacation. Developers were fine with that because it empowered them with the ability to build luxury condos, using the selling point that rentals would carry the majority of the mortgage and expenses.



There was a time when that was possible, but that time is long past. Even with price adjustments, the newer condos on and near the beach do not cash flow for the owners. That's not a problem for renters though. In fact, it's a positive because it contributed to a glut of luxury condos on the beach and competition among owners for rental dollars. It is possible today for an extended family or a group of friends to pool their funds and live a millionaire lifestyle while on vacation for little more per day than they would each pay for a motel room on an interstate interchange in the middle of nowhere.

Take your time when choosing among Gulf Shores condo rentals and pick the right condo for your group. Each complex has it's own signature amenities. Practically all of them have full kitchens and at least one bath for every bedroom.

If you plan on spending a lot of time on the patio, inquire about the patio size. This is an amenity that is usually overlooked until check-in time, but a large patio can add enormous enjoyment to a vacation, especially if your group is large. Patio sizes sometimes vary within complexes. Many end units have wrap around patios. Some interior unit patios extend out and serve as ceilings for walkways and steps.

Probably the most popular amenity is the swimming pool. Older complexes often have just one pool on the property. Many newer ones have several huge pools. Water slides are popular features at some complexes, but forget about the diving boards that were usually found at the old motel pools. Insurance and liability issues have eliminated those.

The ultimate in swimming pools at the beach is the lazy river. These are found at only a few complexes, but those that do have them attract many guests solely on the strength of that amenity. It is that popular.

Other amenities that should figure into your choices are gyms, steam/sauna rooms, hot tubs, on-site restaurants and shopping, tennis, racquetball, game rooms, grilling areas, boat docks, piers, meeting and party rooms and even golf courses and fishing lakes.

Location is something to consider when choosing one of the many Gulf Shores condo rentals. If you've never visited the Alabama Gulf Coast, condo rentals don't stop at the city limits. Orange Beach, Fort Morgan and Perdido Key, Florida, are nearby areas with plenty of rental condos.

The back bay areas on Terry Cove and Wolfe Bay and the Wharf on the Intracoastal Canal have became very popular with vacationers, especially those who like boating and fishing.

The Caribe

The Lighthouse

The Perdido Grande

Romar Lakes

Pelican Pointe

The Phoenix Properties

Phoenix I - IV

Phoenix On the Bay II

Phoenix All Suites

Phoenix X

Reader Reviews:

The Enclave

Crystal Tower

Emerald Key

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