Fifth floor Gulf front. Tall windows bring in the shoreline and natural light.

Fifth floor, directly on the Gulf. Not across the street, not at an angle, not Gulf view if you lean over the railing. Tall windows pour natural light into the living room and frame the shoreline, and the balcony stretches across the living room and the Primary Suite. Your biggest decision each morning is coffee inside or coffee outside. (Outside. It's always outside.)

Room to spread out, and a bathroom for everyone

The split floor plan puts the Primary Suite on the Gulf front end and both guest suites on the opposite wing. Every bedroom has its own private full bath, which means no hallway lineups, no knocking, and no one just grabbing a quick shower for 40 minutes while everyone else waits.

The Primary Suite has a king bed, its own door to the balcony, and an en suite bath with double vanities, a jetted tub, a separate shower, and a walk-in closet. Fair warning: whoever claims this room first will be very hard to negotiate with. Each guest suite has a queen bed and its own full bath with granite counters, and the sofa bed in the living room handles the extra guest, the night owl, or the kid who swears they aren't tired.

The practical stuff

The kitchen has granite counters, stainless steel appliances, a breakfast bar, and enough cabinet and pantry space for a week of groceries and one ambitious seafood boil. Central air and heat keep things comfortable in any season, and the balcony off the entry gives you a quiet corner when someone needs a break from the group.

Downstairs at San Carlos

Gulf front pool, fitness center (it counts if you look at it), sauna, BBQ area, and covered parking, so your car doesn't bake while you do. San Carlos sits on one of the deepest Gulf front parcels in Gulf Shores, which means more sand between you and the road.

Out the front door

You're on Beach Boulevard in the center of Gulf Shores. The Hangout is close enough to walk to for live music and dinner, and local seafood spots and shops line the strip. Gulf State Park is a short drive, with miles of paved trails for biking, the fishing pier, and quieter stretches of beach. With little ones along, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo and Waterville USA are both nearby. And if you come in October, the National Shrimp Festival takes over the public beach just down the road. If you are like us you will enjoy 24 hr service from the staff at the Waffle House across the street next to a convenient grocery/general store.

Three night minimum stay, because one night on the Gulf only works as a teaser. Come for the view, stay for the bathroom situation. We look forward to hosting you.