What to expect: Opened in 2005, this contemporary hotel is set in a convenient location off the I-65 freeway. Downtown Mobile is five miles, Springhill College and Springdale Mall are both 2.5 miles, and the University of South Alabama is 4.5 miles. The hotel is a good choice for travelers seeking spacious accommodations with microwaves and refrigerators.

Amenity highlights: A year-round outdoor pool highlights the hotel's amenities offerings, which also include an indoor spa tub and fitness center. Hotel guests receive complimentary shuttle service to and from Mobile Regional Airport and the cruise terminals. The hotel serves a daily complimentary hot breakfast, with eggs, sausages, waffles, assorted baked goods, and beverages. A manager's reception is held each Thursday evening, with light fare and beverages.

Insider tip: Visitors to the USS Battleship Alabama Memorial Park can tour the USS Alabama, nicknamed the "Lucky A" because no American lives were ever lost on board due to enemy fire during her active duty. Located along Mobile Bay, the military park also includes the USS Drum submarine, and a 36,000-square-foot aircraft pavilion housing WWII-era fighter planes and Cold War-era spy planes and jets.