Our Family’s Experience: Beach Houses in Gulf Shores Alabama (and a discount code!)

We just got back from a sunny, sandy Gulf Shores vacation. This was my third time to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama in the last 13 months. In that time, I have stayed in two hotels, and a condo, but for this trip we opted to stay in the Diamonds and Pearls at the Cottages at Romar beach house managed by Kaiser Vacation Rentals. If you’re interested in staying at a Kaiser Vacation Rental property, keep reading for a discount code!

If you’ve ever searched for beach houses in Gulf Shores Alabama, you know the options can be overwhelming. But after spending a week here with our family, I can say with confidence that this is one of the best decisions we’ve made for a beach vacation.

Beach houses in Gulf Shores Alabama offer a different kind of experience than hotels or condos. You have more space, more flexibility, and more opportunity to slow down and enjoy the coast on your own schedule. 

Let’s dive into what we loved (and what we didn’t) about staying in Gulf Shores vacation rentals—and what you should know before booking your next trip.

The Pros of Staying in Beach Houses in Gulf Shores, Alabama

1. Unbeatable Beach Access

The biggest draw of beach houses in Gulf Shores Alabama is, of course, the location. Our beach house wasn’t directly on the beach, although some from Kaiser Vacation Rentals are. We could see the beach from our porch, and it was an easy 2-minute walk to the beach. 

Having that kind of direct access made everything feel more relaxed. We didn’t have to pack up the car with gear or fight for a parking spot. It also made it easier to spend a half day on the beach instead of feeling like we had to commit to a full day. We could go back to the beach house for bathroom breaks or just to take a break from being out in the sun. If my kids were still napping, one of us could have gone back for the nap, while the other parent stayed with the older kids. 

Another thing I liked about our beach access was that it was far less crowded. If you park in a busy beach access point, or even stay on the beach in a hotel, there will be more people using the same beach area you are. With the beach house, there were other people on the beach, but far fewer than last year. 

There is more flexibility with being close to the beach. If you’re driving 14 hours (like we did) to go to the beach, it’s nice to not have to drive further to experience it! 

2. Space to Spread Out

We’ve stayed in hotels before, but when you’re traveling with kids (or even extended family), space matters. Our beach house had multiple bedrooms, a full kitchen, and a huge living area where we could all hang out comfortably. We had room for puzzles, board games, movie nights, and even a little quiet time when someone needed a nap or break from the sun.

This is one of the biggest advantages of beach houses in Gulf Shores Alabama—you get the comforts of home, but with a view that’s anything but ordinary.

The Diamonds and Pearls beach house we stayed at had three bedrooms, and some bunk beds in the hallway, that each had their own tv. In the afternoon if we needed some downtime, our family of 5 had plenty of space to spread out and rest. It was definitely a great place to stay for a family friendly vacation.

3. A Fully-Equipped Kitchen and Laundry Room

With picky eaters and food allergies in our family, being able to cook some of our own meals is a huge win. The kitchen at the Diamonds and Pearls Beach House was well-stocked with pots, pans, utensils, and even a few pantry staples. 

We boiled fresh seafood from Topsail Steamer and had steamed seafood at our house. We brewed coffee in the morning and drank it on the porch in the morning looking at the gulf. It was nice having a full fridge to store leftovers. My kids always get hungry before bed, so it was nice to have something to pull out for them without having to make something fresh or raid the snack supply we keep in our van. 

The Laundry Room was honestly an even bigger perk. We left for a 9 day trip, but only packed clothes for 5 days, knowing we could do laundry halfway through the trip. We ended up doing a few loads because we had sandy towels and wet swimsuits. It was nice being able to throw a load in, instead of having to reuse dirty clothes. 

Bonus: Kaiser Vacation Rentals provided a starter supply of soaps, detergent, dish soap, and other basic necessities so we didn’t have to bring any from home or buy some for a short stay. 

4. Great for Groups

We have talked with my parents and sister’s family about doing a beach stay in the future. If we did, we would definitely stay at a beach house. Beach houses in Gulf Shores Alabama are ideal for multi-generational trips. Our house had three bedrooms on 2 floors, making it easy to spread out while still waking up in the same house and being able to spend quality time together. Some of the properties with Kaiser Vacation Rentals have up to 15 bedrooms, so you could even make it a family reunion if you wanted! 

It would be nice to have everyone wake up in the same space, spend evenings chatting on the porch, and eat dinners together. If you’re staying in different places that makes it harder to coordinate those moments. If you’re planning a reunion or group trip, renting a beach house is the way to go.

The Cons of Staying in Beach Houses in Gulf Shores Alabama

1. You’re Your Own Concierge

One thing to know about beach houses in Gulf Shores Alabama is that you’re not staying at a resort—so there’s no front desk, no daily housekeeping, and no one bringing fresh towels every morning. We were totally fine with this, but if you’re someone who prefers full-service accommodations, a beach house might take a little adjusting.

One thing I liked about Kaiser Vacation Rentals, is they did provide a starter supply of trash bags, dish soap, and laundry detergent. 

2. Upkeep and Cleaning

Because you’re staying in someone else’s home, there’s often a checklist to complete before checking out—taking out the trash, starting a load of laundry, and wiping down the counters. It’s not a big deal, but it’s something to keep in mind, especially if you have a tight schedule on your departure day.

At the Diamonds and Pearls beach house we stayed at, they only asked us to take out the trash, which was easy and reasonable. 

3. Limited Amenities

Unlike hotels or resorts, beach houses in Gulf Shores Alabama don’t usually come with pools or fitness centers. If you’re looking for those resort-style perks, a hotel might be a better fit.

The Diamonds and Pearls beach house was a part of the gated community The Cottages of Romar. This community had a beautiful pool in the middle of it. It even had fountains. 

But if your goal is to unplug, play in the sand, and soak up gulf time as a family, a beach house is hard to beat.

4. Hit or Miss Properties

Also, while our beach house was clean and comfortable, some properties can be hit or miss. When searching for beach rentals in Gulf Shores Alabama, be sure to read recent reviews and look at photos closely. Be sure to filter by what you’re looking for such as pet friendly or the number of people staying. 

Locations can vary too, because there are fewer beach vacation rentals it may be harder to find one near the main attractions in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach. 

I would recommend anything booked through Kaiser Vacation Rentals because of the ease and care they put into their beach houses. The Diamonds and Pearls beach rental is very centrally located and a short drive, or even walk, from a lot of restaurants with great menus, Gulf State Park, or a short drive from other nearby places like Fort Morgan. 

Discount Code 

If you’re interested in staying at a Kaiser Vacation Rentals property, use the discount code OUTDOOR at check out for a 5% discount on stays of 3 nights or longer between now and March 1, 2026. This code applies to all but two of their properties. 

Final Thoughts: Would We Stay at a Beach House Again?

Absolutely. Our time at the Diamonds and Pearls Beach House reminded us why beach houses in Gulf Shores Alabama are such a great option for families. The space, the privacy, the gulf views, and the chance to slow down and reconnect—it was everything we needed. We made memories that will stick with us long after the salt has washed out of our swimsuits. If you’re looking for beach house rentals, consider Kaiser Vacation Rentals.

If you search for rentals gulf shores you will get a lot of real estate results, so I hope my personal experience can help you determine the best 2025 Gulf Shores accommodation for you. 

If you’re planning an Alabama gulf coast vacation and want something that feels like a true getaway, take a look at beach houses in Gulf Shores Alabama. You might just find your new favorite family vacation tradition.

If you’re looking to take a Gulf Shores beach trip, check out 8 Must-See Fun Experiences for Your Gulf Shores Family Vacation or Things to do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama for a Fun Family Beach Vacation for the best activities, eats, and places to stay when visiting these beautiful beaches.