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Original Romar House – reviews, photos

23500 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach, AL 36561
Hotel amenities
Original Romar House
4.5 of 5 stars 25 Reviews
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25 reviews from our community

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Oceanside, California
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
“The Only "Old Alabama" Beach Property Left!!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 June 2011
3
people found this review helpful

We recently took a 10 day Road Trip from Jacksonville Fla to Lafayette, LA mainly hugging the Coast straight down from Tallahasse to New Orleans and had planned 2 days along the Alabama Shore. Now I'd been down to the Gulf Coast many times as a kid in the 70's, but had not been back till last month. Boy!! was I in for a Surprise!!! What has "In the Name of Progress" done to the Gulf Shores? Condo's Everywhere!! and Those Stupid "Surf Shops" Everywhere!!! My Lord!! What have you folks done to that Place? Except for the place we stayed....The Original Romar House (built in 1927) . The Last of Old Alabama!!!
Now, there are still some of us who really despise a 30 Story View of countless other 30 Story Views. Thank Goodness, there are two fine Gentlemen, by the names of Jerry Gilbreath, who owns the Original Romar House; and treats it like his Child. And Mr. Darrell Finley, who has put his 100% Alabama "Being" into caring for his guests! and has done so for the last 17 years. We were 110% happy we found this place on the internet as we planned our trip.
As we pulled into town, pass the FloraBama, the Highrises kept a comin'...one after another, and those danged Surf Shops...Cookie Cutters, they are. We could hardly find the place amongst those Towering Giants, but when we pulled into their "Grassy" parking Lot, time just sorta slowed down! Darrell saw us pull in and came out and Greeted us. Welcomed us with a tour of the 6 Rooms and the Common Areas. We sorta had the Place to ourselves. We were put in the "Song Writer's Room" (every room is themed). It was decoder in a "Woody" theme and as very clean and modern (Thanks to IVAN), yet retained it's old Charm. The rooms had no TV's which actually was a Godsend, however the Living Room has a Flatscreen with Cable TV and Wi Fi. Breakfast was served between 8-10am and Coffee @ 7am. However, I get up @ 5:30a every morning to exercise, and Darrell got up and made Coffee just for me. Back to Breakfast, his recipes were his Grandmother's going back a 100 years, and those Peach Pancakes, were absolutely wonderful!!! There was even afternoon Wine and Cheese as well as a full array of Menus of local Eateries and Waterin' Holes. That is one one thing that will never change in the Deep South is the Food!!
We stayed 2 days there and were really sad to go. Every morning, we got up, walked past the beautiful Mermaid Pool to the Boardwalk to the Beach. That's another thing that Mother Nature will not let "Progress" change...are the Alabama Beach!! It's like Sugar!!!
So, you Wanderers out There!! You want to take a ride in the "Way Back Machine"? Take a good look @ The Original Romar House. We Did!! and We are Better because of it!! Thanks!! Jerry & Darrell, for Keepin' OLD ALABAMA~OLD!!!
Tom & Linda Metz
Oceanside, Calif

Room Tip: Take the Rooms Facing the Gulf.
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  • Stayed May 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask tomas420 about Original Romar House
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Cut and Shoot, Texas
1 review
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“HSGF AND I HAD A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!!!!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 August 2010
2
people found this review helpful

Darrell innkeeper wonderful/great place going back after labor day/wonderful breakfast and wine hour!!!!....... cottage great for weekend get away trying out suite next... but all rooms great!......... pool just right size ....... avoid the franchise boys deal with the real people!!!

  • Stayed June 2010, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask rdnckhip about Original Romar House
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Absolutely fabulous! My wedding could not have been better!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 August 2010
1
person found this review helpful

The Original Romar House was tucked away along Romar Beach (the beach gets the name from the house). Darrell was fabulous and could not have done more to accommodate us! Everything from making sure that we had everything we needed to just good conversation. It is unfortunate that Brett & Robinson are putting the eyesore up next door. I know that it upsets the community terribly and it ruins the view. However, Darrell and his hospitality were wonderful and it could have not been better! Even with all the tension from the oil spill everything was perfect. The pool was clean, the rooms were perfect and our family was able to relax! Our day fell into place and we were able to cherish every moment. We will be back in the next few months.

  • Stayed August 2010, travelled with family
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask geohaz about Original Romar House
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Lebanon, TN
1 review
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“Our Favorite Get-Away!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 July 2010
2
people found this review helpful

After seeing a review for this property titled "Creepy", I had to submit my own review. My husband and I have visited the Original Romar House for the first time in 2003. We patiently waited for the re-opening after Ivan, and were thrilled when we found out the property was "open for business". Our last trip was in January of this year and we are planning another visit in the fall. Darryl is one of the most gracious hosts I've ever met. He makes sure our needs are met and completely RESPECTS the fact that couples staying at the house are there typically there for "couple time". You will find him each day completing his daily "chores" around the property but he will take the time to chat, if YOU want to strike up a conversation, never imposing. His breakfasts are wonderful and the "wine & cheese" parties are a great part of each evening. This is a great couples retreat, do not miss out on the atmosphere and hospitality of this wonderful beach gem. We will continue to plan our "get-aways" to the Romar House and highly recommend others to do the same.

  • Stayed January 2010, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Crowell2 about Original Romar House
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Dothan, Alabama
1 review
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“A romantic, charming, quiet and historical gem on the beach”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 July 2010
2
people found this review helpful

The Original Romar House was exactly what we were looking for - a quiet, romantic getaway with the charm of a historical B&B right on the beach. It was cold and rainy outside, but warm and cozy inside. Darrell's breakfasts are "to die for"! (I'm actually jealous because I consider myself a breakfast wizard. Mine pale in comparison.)

Above all, we found a new friend in Darrell. He made us feel welcomed and at home. He makes this place special. What a kind, knowledgeable and respectable gentleman. It was easy to tell this place is a part of his soul. We asked for a recommendation to eat seafood the first night we got there and he suggested Cobalt, another great find!

We stayed in the Songwriter's room but we looked at the other rooms too. It doesn't matter which room you stay in because they're all very well decorated and immaculate. Incredible stain glass throughout which was the inspiration for stained glass in my house. Unless the Romar House is completely booked, you have to stay here. It is the BEST - Hands Down! Don't miss it! Many thanks to Darrell for making our stay a dream!

  • Stayed January 2010, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask Roadtrip1309 about Original Romar House
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

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Additional Information about Original Romar House

  • Original Romar House Orange Beach
Address: 23500 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach, AL 36561
Price range (per night):* INR3,335 - 11,116

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