Down in Nokomis is the Gulf Shores Beach Resort Motel – this is not your typical lodging. We found it a delightful throwback to old Florida in many ways.

The front office of the properties that comprise the Gulf Shores Beach Resort Motel.

The Motel

To our delight, Gulf Shores Beach Resort actually boasts dual waterfronts. There is a private beach along the Gulf of Mexico and a second along the Venice Inlet which leads to Blackburn Bay, that separates the key from the mainland of Florida.

On the Gulf side, guests can use the private beach to swim, fish, go shelling or just enjoy a long walk. On the bay side it’s more quiet, relaxed and private.

Instead of being a traditional single unit motel, Gulf Shores Beach actually is a compendium of small bungalows, cottages and rooms on both sides of Casey Key Road. We were on the bay side of the property.

For us, it was perfect

We had the opportunity to see the sunrise over the water and watch as several boaters put in their craft for the day. It all was in perfect solitude.

We loved walking out the back door with our morning coffee to watch the sunrise over The Venice Inlet,

Just across the street from our room was another set of cottages. We walked up through the twin shuffleboard courts to an expansive tiki hut. The concrete courts were flanked on either side by barbecue grills. They were available for us as guests, if we wanted to enjoy our own cookout.

However, we were more interested in the tiki hut with its commanding view over the Gulf. The tiki hut had both fixed wooden benches to sit and talk, as well as a number of blue Adirondack chairs. We then could choose our spot to watch the water under the shade of its massive thatched roof.

We loved the old Florida feel of the Gulf Shores Beach Resort. (Although we did not get a chance to either play shuffleboard or barbecue)

Our Lodging

Our room was in the main building just behind the office. We have to give credit to the owners. In their renovation they have made great use of the space. We had a comfortable bed, a full kitchenette, a dining area and a great little bathroom – all in a compact area.

Our room had a comfortable bed, kitchenette, dining area and a bathroom.

The kitchenette had everything we needed – even for an extended stay. In addition to the microwave, toaster and coffee machine, we had glassware as well as a drawer full of tableware and kitchen tools. We also had a sink. The refrigerator was pretty big – at least by motel standards.

Although we did not have too many meals in the room, we did enjoy some baked goods we got at Martin’s Country Market in Arcadia on the way down. The chairs and table provided made for a perfect little spot.

We even had a little dining area in our room.

In Conclusion

So, this little grandfathered property is a true throwback to old Florida. There are cottages on the Gulf side that actually overlook the water. Guests there are able watch the sunset from their rooms. Others are steps away from a barbecue grill.

On the bay side there are rooms where we could watch the sunrise, or watch boats motor up the inlet to Blackburn Bay.

Better yet – all of the properties are within easy access of everything the area has to offer. We have written about the fun things to see and do in Nokomis and Venice and they are literally minutes away.

Additionally, The Gulf Shores Beach Resort offer facilities for weddings, receptions and special events. Yet, it remains tucked into the quiet of Casey Key.

We could spend a lot of time sitting under the tiki hut and watching the action on the Gulf.

This place is begging us for a return visit, where we can spend more time enjoying the amenities of the facility as well as the quiet offered by this wonderful little lodging.