At the head of Mobile Bay on Alabama’s striking Gulf Coast, the southern city of Mobile brims with heritage charm. Famous for the oldest Mardi Gras celebration in the USA, this small port city makes for a fascinating southern destination. Accommodation options range from historic inns to swish city hotels, fit for a whole host of tastes and budgets. With the best places to stay in Mobile set downtown and close to the waterfront, this is a hugely appealing spot to explore on foot or by bicycle.

One of the Gulf Coast’s most vibrant culture centres, Mobile is brilliant for history buffs. Highlights include the History Museum of Mobile, the Mobile Medical Museum, the American Sport Museum & Archives, and the Mobile Museum of Art. For heritage homes, head to the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion, Bellingrath Gardens & Home and Condé-Charlotte Museum House. The imposing 1850 Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception is especially striking, whilst the city’s Mardi Gras traditions are detailed at the fantastic Mobile Carnival Museum.

Life in Mobile centres around the waterfront, and you’ll find an excellent array of eateries and shops, as well as boat tours and opportunities to go fishing, kayaking, canoeing and wildlife-spotting in the area. The Mobile-Tensaw River Delta’s bays and beaches are an eco-diversity hotspot, with over 48,000 acres of wetland habitats and waterways. Hiking, cycling and horse riding trails wind their way along the riverbanks, too.

Take the whole family to visit the WWII-era USS Alabama at Battleship Memorial Park, to the Gulf Quest Explorium and the Gulf Quest Maritime Museum. The Mobile Botanical Gardens are ideal for a relaxed stroll. The best places to stay in Mobile fill up fast during the city’s eclectic annual Mardi Gras celebrations, so book your trip well in advance!

The Best Places to Stay in Mobile

For Heritage Charm

• Malaga Inn offers airy, elegant rooms with hardwood floors, sash windows and antique furnishings in a beautiful 1862 townhouse. Kick back on the veranda, enjoy big Southern breakfasts and explore the heart of the city. Tours of the property are fantastic! For couples, friends or families.
• Fort Condé Inn is a 19th-century colonial building in well-preserved Fort Condé Village, near the city centre. Choose from traditional guestrooms or multi-bedroom cottages — great for families or groups — feast at the new Bistro St. Emanuel, and stroll through a charming old Mobile neighbourhood. Also a wonderful wedding venue.

For City Style

• The Admiral Hotel is a glamorous city property with swish Art Deco touches, and a monochrome colour palette offset by gold details. Expect sleek rooms and suites, an outdoor pool, a gym & a vibey restaurant & bar. A smart urban choice.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY COTTAGE

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Fly to Mobile Regional Airport, 13 miles west of the city, and journey into the city centre by bus or taxi.
• Alabama is ideal for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Travel during the summer months (June to August) for the warmest weather, but do be aware that this is peak season. Come in the spring (April - May) or autumn (September - October) for fewer crowds and great hotel deals.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Browse our list of the best places to stay in Birmingham, AL.
• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Alabama.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.