Hotel Grand Beach Condominiums by Wyndham Vacation Rentals (Gulf Shores, USA)

The condo complex is clean and spacious. Accommodation can include a balcony with stunning sea views. All essential facilities are nearby and the beach itself is just across the road.

There's no shortage of restaurants in the area, to suit all conceivable tastes. The enthusiastic self-caterer is also... well; superbly catered for, with grocery and convenience stores. The more adventurous visitor can wander across the street to the State Park Fishing Pier and try catching their own dinner!

The beach here is much quieter than in other areas, probably because the property is the last commercial building on the east side of Gulf Shores, before the State Park. Here, there are fewer people and much less traffic.

The beach is tantalizingly close, just across the street. It's a bit of an expedition though, navigating the four lines of traffic. Also, there is an impression that the property overlooks the beach. This is a mirage .. there are few beach views here.

After their initial excitement, unsupervised kids run around screeching and throwing anything they can lay their hands on; including stones! Generally, too, the ratio of iffy adult folk continues to gather pace and this area is no exception. It's just the way things are, but a blemish on what could have been a perfect holiday.

Floors are wooden so attract noise. All you can do is hope that your neighbors are as considerate as you intend being. Apartments are missing some really cheap additions. Lacking, for instance, any salt, pepper or sugar, it's a trip to the convenience store before you can even start the holiday.