Mobile Hotels & Dauphin Island Hotels—Where to Stay
If you’re heading to Alabama and searching for the best Mobile hotels, this guide has all the information you need.
The city of Mobile is one of the best cities in the US to visit because it has great weather all year, as well as a famous Mardi Gras Parade! While in Mobile, you should also check out nearby Dauphin Island. It’s an island right off the coast with many things to do and see and some of the most exquisite white-sand beaches.
There are also many great options for Dauphin Island hotels if you want to stay the night rather than head back to Mobile. Both places also have many attractions, including museums, art venues, and great places to eat.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.
Mobile Accommodation Quick Guide
If you’re looking for the best Mobile hotels, here are some of the best choices around the city as well as places to stay in Dauphin Island.
Budget—Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Mobile: This is a great simple hotel with all the basic amenities you need while in Mobile. They have free Wi-Fi and TVs as well as free breakfast. They also have an outdoor pool and free parking.
Mid-range—Bernley Fly Bed and Breakfast: Set in an 1895 Queen Anne Victorian home, this bed and breakfast is definitely unique. If you’re coming to Mobile for the Mardi Gras parade, this is a great place to stay as it’s just blocks from the parade route. Your stay includes breakfast and amazing customer service. They don’t have all the same amenities as a regular hotel, but you feel like you’re right at home.
Luxury—Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa: If you want to stay along Mobile Bay, check out this resort. They have over 400 rooms, an amazing spa, and two golf courses. It’s one of the best places to stay in Mobile if you want to relax. They also have an on-site fitness trail through the gardens where you can go for a walk or jog.
Downtown Mobile
Downtown Mobile hotels are the best choice for those visiting the city for the first time. Most of the hotels are within walking distance of the city’s best museums. You can also walk to restaurants, cafes, and bars.
Downtown Mobile is also the best place to stay if you don’t want to rent a car and drive while in the area since all the best attractions are nearby. In downtown Mobile, you can easily get to the famous Exploreum science center and Fort Condé.
Budget—Super 8 by Wyndham Mobile/Tillmans Corner: Stay here to be close to all the best attractions. Nearby you can go to the Gulf Coast Exploreum and GulfQuest National Maritime Museum. They have free Wi-Fi and free parking. You also get free breakfast and tea/coffee throughout the day.
Mid-Range—Holiday Inn Mobile Downtown/Historic District: For a stay in the historic district, check out this great hotel in the downtown area. It has a rooftop lounge on the 17th floor as well as an on-site restaurant. If you’re visiting the hotel for a special event, make sure to ask about their special packages, as they offer different rates for honeymoons, graduations, and other special events.
Luxury—Hampton Inn & Suites Mobile-Downtown Historic District: This is one of the best places to stay downtown if you want to be within walking distance of all the best places. You can reach Fort Conde and the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center in less than 5 minutes. They have free Wi-Fi in every room. They also have suites with little kitchenettes and pull-out sofas.
Dauphin Island
While in Mobile, check out the hotels on Dauphin Island. While there are many Mobile beach hotels where you can see the gulf shores, staying on the island gives you better access to the sand and water.
Most of the attractions include lying in the sand and relaxing under the sun. You can get a hotel right on the beach and wake up to the sunrise above the Gulf Coast. Dauphin Island is one of the best places to relax.
Many of the hotels and rentals are pet friendly, so you can bring the whole family around, including pets!
Budget—Gulf Breeze Motel Dauphin Island: This small motel is exactly what you think of when you imagine a typical beachfront motel. It’s painted a bright blue color with white balconies! They have double rooms or two-bedroom suites with full kitchens. They have a small bar onsite, and you can reach the beach in just a 3-minute walk.
Mid-Range—Dauphin Island Willow Tree Cottage: For a beautiful stay in Dauphin Island, check out this small cottage. They have six rooms and a few small event rooms that are great for family reunions or small events. They’re pet friendly and have free Wi-Fi in every room. Many of the rooms also have small terraces where you can eat your meals or enjoy the sunshine.
Luxury—Holiday Isle Resort: Definitely stay here if you are bringing the family or traveling with a large group of friends. The suites are huge, with two bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens. Some also have their own washers and dryers. They have an outdoor pool as well as a fitness center.
Near the Convention Center
Searching for hotels near Mobile Convention Center? Many people come to mobile for events happening at the convention center. The convention center is close to many of Mobile’s best attractions, including the Condé Charlotte Museum and the USS Alabama.
The convention center is also part of downtown Mobile. Although the historic area of Mobile is very walkable, staying close to the convention center is extremely convenient if you need to be at the center early in the morning or until the evening hours. This way, you don’t have to walk far back to your hotel.
Budget—Fort Conde Inn: This hotel is a home from the 19th century that has been transformed into a hotel. It’s more of a bed & breakfast vibe rather than a hotel. It’s one of the best hotels in the area for events since the elegant decorations make it a perfect place for weddings, bridal parties, and graduations.
Mid-Range—Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel: Connected to the Mobile Convention Center by a sky bridge, this hotel is the most convenient place to stay if you’re attending an event or conference. They have a pool and high-speed Wi-F. The local restaurant, The Harbor Room, is amazing, and they also have a cocktail lounge.
Luxury—The Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa: This luxury hotel is right across the street from the convention center. This is one of the most popular places to stay in Mobile, as many celebrities stay here when they visit the city. They have a heated outdoor pool, a cafe, and a restaurant. There’s also a fitness center and lounge.
Top Things to do in Dauphin Island and Mobile
If you’re looking for all the best things to do in Alabama, check out my full itineraries for Mobile and Dauphin Island.
Here are some of the best attractions not to miss:
- Learn about Mardi Gras at the Carnival Museum: Mardi Gras is one of the top events in Mobile. Some people even make their living off the parade! Heading to the Carnival Museum is a great way to learn about the history of Mardi Gras and its impact on the local economy.
- Condé Charlotte Museum: This museum used to be a courthouse, but it’s now a museum showcasing antiques and the history of the affluent historic families of Mobile. It’s one of the oldest buildings in the area and was built in the 1820s.
- Battleship Memorial Park: If you’re interested in the Navy and World War II, this is a great place to go. You can tour the park as well as the ship. It’s massive and breathtaking.
- Little Red Schoolhouse: This should be your first stop in Dauphin Island. It’s a welcome center, library, and museum all combined into one.
- Fort Gaines: Stop here to learn more about Mobile Bay and the Civil War. You can even watch live reenactments and see the original cannons.
- Go to the beach: After a day of touring the island, head to the beach to relax. You can go swimming or sit in the sand with your dog, as the beach is pet friendly!
How to Get to Mobile
Mobile has a small regional airport, but it can be expensive to fly into, and the flight options are extremely limited. Until the international airport opens in 2025, the best way to get to Mobile is by car.
It’s easy to get to Mobile while driving on I-10 and I-65. The best airports or cities to come from to get to Mobile include Jacksonville, New Orleans, and Atlanta. Mobile is also a great city to add to a southern road trip as well.
From Mobile, you get to Dauphin Island easily. There are two different ferries that go to and from the island several times a day. Check the Mobile Bay Ferry website to see the ferry schedule and current rates.
There is also a bridge from Mobile to Dauphin Island. If you rent a car, you can make the trip in about 30 minutes.
How to Get Around Mobile
Mobile has a small transportation system. You can check the bus schedules and routes here. If you’re going to places outside of downtown Mobile, the best way to get around is by renting a car.
In Dauphin Island, everything is very close together. You can walk to most places. You can also rent a bike for the day.
When to Visit Mobile
Mobile never gets very cold, so you’ll find the temperatures to be pretty mild, even in the fall and winter months. You might want to try avoiding going in the summer as the humidity levels are high, and it rains quite a bit.
The best months for visiting Mobile are the spring. It’s not too hot yet, and there isn’t much rain. This is also a perfect time to visit Dauphin Island, as the temperatures are perfect for going to the beach and kayaking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dauphin Island Worth Visiting?
If you love the beach and want to spend time at one of the south’s best beaches, Dauphin Island is a great place to go. There are also many kid and family-friendly activities, so it’s a nice place to check out when traveling as a family.
Dauphin Island is also known as one of the best places in Alabama to relax. You can spend days lounging under the sun, kayaking, or going for a dip in the warm water.
How Much Time Should I Spend in Mobile?
You should aim to spend about 2 to 3 days in Mobile so that you can spend time downtown and see the museums. This also gives you at least one day to spend on Dauphin Island.
window.fd(‘form’, { formId: ‘5f654c78bf43d8ae8bbfa457’, containerEl: ‘#fd-form-5f654c78bf43d8ae8bbfa457’ });Where to Stay in Mobile for the Weekend?
The best place to stay in Mobile for the weekend is downtown in the historic district. Staying here makes it super easy to walk to many restaurants and museums.
Where to Stay In Mobile Near the Airport?
Mobile only has a small regional airport, but it might be worth being close to the airport if you have an early flight. It might also be a good idea to stay in hotels near I-65 if you are road-tripping and want to head out early or super late.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Mobile I-65/Airport Blvd is a great option. It’s just 8 miles from the regional airport. They have free evening socials Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.
Hilton Garden Inn Mobile West I-65/Airport Blvd is also an excellent choice, with a restaurant, gym, and pool.
Book One of the Best Dauphin Island and Mobile Hotels Now!
Ready to head to Alabama and stay in the top Mobile hotels? Choosing one of the places on this list ensures you’ll have all the best amenities as well as be close to all the top Mobile and Dauphin Island attractions.
Visiting Mobile and Dauphin Island is a great way to experience the history and culture of the south, as the city has many military attractions and museums.
Are you heading to Mobile? Which of these Dauphin Island hotels or Mobile hotels are you going to book?
You Might Also Like
- One Day in Dauphin Island Alabama
- Mardi Gras Mobile: The Original Celebration
- 11 Fun Things to Do in Mobile
Like it? Pin it!
