Last Updated on September 10, 2026
If you’re looking for a beachfront condo in Orange Beach, Alabama, you’ve probably come across one of the many Phoenix properties along Perdido Beach Boulevard. There are a lot of them! And with so many to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you?
My family recently spent four nights at Phoenix VII (Phoenix 7) in Orange Beach and overall, we had a good experience. But there are some things you should know before booking.
Phoenix 7 is a condo building made up of a variety of private rental units (it’s not a hotel). These are all individually owned, so the inside of the condo (furnishings, renovations, cleanliness, layout, etc.) can vary dramatically from unit to unit. This review is not of any individual unit, we focus on the Phoenix VII complex itself – location, beach access, pools, amenities, parking, elevators, and overall feel. Because while the individual unit you stay in matters, the complex itself should also be a good fit for your vacation.
*This review is our own personal and honest experience… we weren’t compensated in any way to write this review.
Phoenix 7 at a Glance
First, here’s a quick overview of what you’ll find at Phoenix 7, located at 26802 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, Alabama:
- Beachfront condo complex with direct beach access
- Indoor and outdoor pools (including a kiddie pool)
- Hot tubs and sauna
- Tennis and pickleball
- Racquetball
- Basketball
- Fitness center
- Grills
- Parking
- On-site staff/front desk
What We Liked About Phoenix 7
Right on the Beach
The back exit of Phoenix 7 takes you to the outdoor pool and a long boardwalk leading out to the beach. It’s very convenient to get to the long stretch of sand and also easy to haul chairs or coolers. You don’t have to get in a car to drive or cross a busy road to get to the beach. And it’s super easy to go back to your condo for lunch, or if you forgot something.
There are also beach chairs and umbrellas set up and available to rent if you don’t want to haul your own. Then, on your way back to the complex from the beach, there are multiple showers and sprayers to get all the sand off before entering the pool area of the complex.
The Outdoor Pool Was Better Than Expected
I have three big pet peeves with outdoor pools: water that’s too cold, not enough lounge chairs, and not enough shade umbrellas. (I sunburn easily and need my shade.)
But the Phoenix 7 swimming pool was great in all three aspects. Granted, we were there in August which may not have been peak season, but we were all impressed with the outdoor pool. It was a nice alternative to the ocean water.
Tennis and Pickleball Courts with Lights
Our family loves to play tennis and pickleball especially on vacation. Phoenix 7 made it so easy and accessible with ball and racket rentals at the front desk and lighted courts.
Mornings and evenings are our favorite time for matches to avoid the peak heat of the day, so the lighted courts definitely came in handy.
Balcony with Scenic Ocean View
Every vacation rental unit at Phoenix 7 has a private balcony overlooking the Gulf, which is a big plus. This is a great feature, especially if you don’t feel like going down to the pool or the beach. I liked to kick up my feet and read while listening to the ocean waves. My teenage daughter found it peaceful to nap out there.
Rarely Had to Wait for an Elevator
This may sound like a minor point, but if you’ve ever stayed in a high-rise building on one of the higher floors, you know it can be very time-consuming and frustrating to have long waits for the elevator.
Phoenix 7 had a bank of four elevators. During our stay, there was almost always one available within a minute. It was very handy – especially when I realized I forgot something and kept my family waiting while I quickly went back up to our room on the 14th floor.
24-Hour Front Desk
This is an underrated benefit, but having someone manning the front desk around the clock was very convenient. Multiple times we were there very early in the morning or later at night with questions or to pick up tennis rackets and they were always there ready to help.
Other neighboring Phoenix properties don’t have that and instead direct their guests to visit Phoenix 7’s 24-hour desk after hours.
On-site Parking
The onsite parking felt reasonably secure during our stay. Vehicles are required to display a parking pass, and while they often checked your pass as you entered the lot, the entrance station wasn’t always staffed.
Parking passes cost extra, and you buy it at the front desk or online ahead of time for a slight discount. We paid $55 in advance for our four-night stay. If we had waited to pay at the front desk on arrival it would have been $65. Rates are subject to change.
What We Didn’t Love About Phoenix 7
Phoenix 7 Is Showing Its Age
The building and common areas (lobby, elevators, fitness center, etc.) feel dated. We don’t necessarily mind staying in an older facility because we value location and amenities more, plus our individual condo was very nice. Everything was perfectly functional, it just wasn’t particularly modern. If you want a sleek, modern luxury resort, this isn’t it.
Not Very Walkable
While Phoenix 7 is convenient to drive to Orange Beach restaurants, attractions, shopping, parasailing, and Gulf Shores, it’s important to note that this isn’t a very walkable area. We tend to like destinations where we can walk to a variety of restaurants, bars, and shopping – but the area around Phoenix 7 is not like that. In fact, much of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores in general are not very walkable, which was a little disappointing.
Phoenix 7 Amenities We Didn’t Try
We didn’t try everything Phoenix 7 offers, so I can’t personally review all of the amenities. The indoor pool, kiddie pool, and hot tubs all looked nice and inviting, though, and we saw people enjoying the racquetball court and lighted outdoor basketball court.
Overall, the entire complex seemed to have something for everyone… families with kids and teens, especially.
Would We Stay at Phoenix 7 Again?
Yes, we’d stay at Phoenix 7 again. Even though the building itself is dated and we wish the surrounding area were more walkable, neither was a dealbreaker for us. We cared more about being right on the beach and having amenities we’d actually use, like the large outdoor pool and tennis/pickleball courts.
The biggest thing I’d do before booking, though, is carefully research the individual condo you’re interested in. Since each unit is privately owned, the condition and features of your particular condo are likely to have a bigger impact on your stay than the age of the building itself.
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