Escapes! to the Gulf at Orange Beach

We are new owners at Escapes to The Gulf at Orange Beach and we had our first visit there in March, 2008. We have vacationed in the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach areas a number of times and we really enjoy the area. The beaches are always great and there's lots to do for the whole family. During this visit, the weather was too cool to enjoy the Gulf water and the beach so, the heated swimming pools were a real treat.

The check in to the unit was a breeze, even though we came in late. Steve Gaydos, the security guard, welcomed us with a great attitude and immediately I felt that we were going to have a great stay. The next day we met Donna Davis in the office and we couldn't have been in better hands. From Steve, Donna, and the others, to Anne Mitchell, the property manager, the people were great.

There was no pressure to go through a sales pitch. There was a very nice man who set up an appointment to come to our unit and tell us about Escapes and the new one scheduled to open soon just down the street. He said that if we were interested in purchasing in the new building or converting to points, which would allow us to use the new facility, we could come by the office and set up an appointment. This was a very short, yet very informative, visit.

The unit that we stayed in was on the ground floor in building A, so it was probably damaged in the hurricane and had been renovated and was in great shape. We didn't get to see other units but, given the attention that we saw being given by management, I believe that this place is well taken care of. There was plenty of everything in the unit and everything was clean.

The kitchen area was just a bit small but there was room for us to prepare meals and everything worked great.

The only thing that didn't work was the wall jack for the fast internet connection. I called the first night and the repair team showed up early the next morning and replaced the jack.

The master bedroom was roomy and comfortable with a TV and has a comfortable king- sized bed. The master bath was very roomy with plenty of storage and had a great Jacuzzi as well as a large walk in shower with a bench. One important little touch that you just don't see much was that they had installed coat hooks by the tub and also by the shower. This has been such a problem in other timeshare condos over the years that we had to buy over-the-door coat hooks to have a place to hang our makeup and shaving kits. This bathroom had a large vanity with two lavatories and a large mirror. There was plenty of drawer space to unload the suitcases into. There was one suitcase caddy in the unit and it would have been nice to have more but, that's something that we've rarely seen anyway.

The other bedroom had a comfortable, according to the adult couple that slept there, queen-sized bed with ample storage. I didn't stay in this bedroom so, I can't remember if it had a TV or not. The bathroom was not as roomy and had a tub/shower unit. There were no complaints from the couple that stayed in this bedroom.

The pullout bed/couch in the living room slept two adults and, according to them, was comfortable. There was no complaint of the dreaded sofa sleeper bar that we've had to endure in other places, and it was comfortable as a couch as well.

The unit was well decorated and the furniture was positioned well and comfortable. We were too busy getting ready for a wedding so we didn't get to check out the activities at the unit this time but, we will next time.

We're looking forward to coming back next year and highly recommend the Escapes as a great place to vacation.

Absolutely beautiful! 3 pools, brand new!! We always look forward to our days here. Resort is crisp and clean, close to all the good restaurants. We love it!!

Stayed 2 times in 2006, 1 week in april (on bonus time) & 1 week in october. I am owner here.. Golf, beach, food.. can't be beat. going back october 2007 for Shrimp Festival.

One pool was closed but stay was great..Highly recommended, very limited time share availability in orange beach.

This is a great resort, I own a week here but can never get in to reserve my week because they are always full. I've tried as far in advance as 8 months. My only complaint is I'd love to stay here instead of losing my week and having to rent somewhere else.

The only problem with this property is that you have to make your "reservations" 10-11 months in advance and have that next years maintenance fees paid to do it. I have tried to call to reserve a unit (being very flexible on the dates) for the summer 9 months in advance and be told that they are already booked.

Otherwise, it is a great timeshare. Lynn

Returned the first week of June 2006. This is still a beautiful, well maintained resort with great amenities. Yes, I am an owner.

After the hurricane it took almost a years to re- open (10/05) but it is even better than before. Both pools are now heated and the board walks to the beach are nicer.

This is a great resort for couples or families, with beautiful ocean views.

We have stayed in our resort three times of the five years. We have owned and have never had a problem getting one of the two bedroom units but you must do it eary per demand is high. If you elect to bank your week it trades 2-1.

THIS RESORT DOESN'T ALLOW BIKE TRAILERS OR ANY TRAILER. MAKES YOU MOVE THEM FROM THIER LOT. THEY ARE NOT BIKER FRIENDLY.GAVE US A HASSLE EVERY DAY REGARDING OUR BIKES, HAD TO PUT PADS UNDER THE STAND, AT THEIR REQUEST. WILL NOT GO THEIR AGAIN! REPORTED THEM TO BENTONVILLE OFFICE. ALSO, WE ASKED TO REPLACE THREE LIGHTS THAT WERE OUT & SPRAY FOR BUGS. FOUND 3" BUGS. THEY NEVER DID ANYTHING. ALSO THE SECOND BEDROOM HAS TWIN BEDS IN IT. THE OTHER COUPLE WAS NOT HAPPY ABOUT THAT. THEY DON'T HAVE A BAR OR RESTAURANT. UNFRIENLY STAFF, ESPECIALLY ANN.

STAYED HERE ONCE & WILL BE THEIR THIS AUGUST. A GREAT PLACE. BEAUTIFUL BEACH

Very nice resort - Right on the beach. New units with all new decor. Leave the doors open and hear the waves crashing on the shore. Great for couples or small families.

We will go back again!