Since 1847, The Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa has welcomed travelers to the shores of Mobile Bay. Recently, the Queen of Southern Resorts completed a three-year transformation and has now joined the Autograph Collection, Marriott’s portfolio of more than 150 distinctive properties.
The renovation has succeeded in retaining some of the resort’s most iconic features while adding numerous amenities. Six new restaurants and lounges have opened, including Southern Roots, which combines a picturesque ambience including beautiful views over the Bay with Chef-driven menus focused on farm-to-table fare. An expanded edibles garden allows inclusion of ingredients grown on-site. Bayside Grill, which also offers a spectacular view of the Bay, serves lunch and dinner featuring everything from pizza to fresh local seafood. Local Market, located just off the lobby, is open all day with a menu that includes breakfast items, sandwiches and pastries. The Grand Hall, next to the fireplace area, is an option for a more sumptuous breakfast, including a full buffet with an omelet bar. The iconic Bucky’s Lounge has expanded its outdoor area and offers fire pits outside and live entertainment inside along with a Southern Small Plates menu.
The Grand’s Historic Main Building has retained its trademark paneling in the fireplace area as well as the meeting rooms, corridors and guest rooms—all of which now have queen or king-sized beds and luxurious bathrooms.
Renovations to the resort’s pool areas include private cabanas at the adult pool with comfortable seating, fans, televisions, refrigerators and pool butler service. The Jubilee Poolside Grill features an open-air location and fresh local ingredients.
The 20,000-square-foot European-style spa, named a top spa by Conde Nast Traveler, has updated its fitness center with cardio and weight training equipment and has added new technologically-advanced features. I can attest that the massages are still first-rate and that the renovated rooms in the spa building are luxurious and serene.
Golf is a longstanding tradition at the Grand, which is located on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail and features two RTJ Golf Trail courses. The 18-hole, 72-par Dogwood course has been renovated and reopened this summer. The 18-hole, 72-par Azalea course will be renovated in 2019. The Grand Golf Experience which utilizes the most advanced teaching tchnology is available to develop new players and keep others in the game. The Lakewood Clubhouse, overlooking the course, remains the Grand’s favorite 19th hole.
The Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa is located in Point Clear, Alabama, on Mobile Bay. For more information check the website at www.grand1847.com.
photos courtesy Art Meripol
