Will be in gulf shores, ala. In 6 story condo on west beach; no hot spot there.
Have wireless HP notebook. What kind of external antenna do I need to be able to pick up a good signal. Any ideas

You can build your own or buy one ready made:
How to build a tin can waveguide antenna (http://www.turnpoint.net/wireless/cantennahowto.html)
Making an 802.11 antenna from a tin can (http://cruftbox.com/cruft/docs/cantenna.html)
WiFi Antennas-Super Cantenna Wireless Booster Antenna (http://www.cantenna.com/)

Do a Google search on "Cantenna" and you will find more.