The Grand Hotel Golf Resort And Spa: Luxury In Point Clear, Alabama

Gated entry and live oaks with amazing longevity

It’s a wonderful thing to book accommodations in a secluded location. It’s another thing to have a complete sense of security as you enter. The guard at the entrance makes sure that you are a guest with a registration and notifies the front desk of your arrival. From that point on, the reception is very personal and friendly.

The live oak trees on the property, many draped with Spanish moss, provide welcome shade, as well as a sense of history. One such tree, located near the entrance, is referred to as “Bent Oak.” If only trees could talk!

The Grand Hotel has an intriguing story to tell, and you will want to learn all about it while you stroll through the lobby and the grounds.

Fascinating lobby with stunning art and architectural details

If the entrance doesn’t convince you that The Grand deserves its designation as “the queen of Southern resorts,” then the lobby certainly will. A large, double-sided stone fireplace provides the focal point, while well-placed, comfortable chairs invite guests to linger and visit with friends. A number of artworks grace the walls, but perhaps the most intriguing were created by Nall, an Alabama-born artist who is so famous he’s known merely by his middle name. His works can be found in several of Marriott’s Autograph Collection hotels.

All of the public spaces at The Grand Hotel feature social distancing markers, hand-sanitizing stations, and enhanced cleaning procedures by the hotel staff.

Connection to important United States history

A hotel has been in this location since 1820. The first one was modest, but the original Grand Hotel replaced it in 1847. Wounded Confederate soldiers stayed here during the Civil War when it served as a hospital. The hotel burned and had to be rebuilt in 1875, but then another tragedy struck when a steamer ship exploded at the hotel pier, and many people died. In 1941, that version of the hotel had fallen into disrepair and once again had to be rebuilt to the structure found on the site today. It was used as a training base during World War II for United States Army and Air Force troops to practice amphibious landings. Walking around the grounds, it is easy to imagine why the location made The Grand Hotel perfect for all of its past roles.

Well-appointed guest rooms

Guest rooms include soundproof, floor-to-ceiling windows that can be opened. Beds feature pillowtop mattresses, and rooms are furnished with a chair and ottoman, in addition to a desk chair and workspace. Guests will find a lighted make-up mirror, a hair dryer, an iron and ironing board, as well as a coffee maker and a mini-refrigerator. Hospital-grade disinfectants are used in cleaning, and disinfecting wipes are available in every room.

On-site restaurant and market

Normally, Southern Roots restaurant, 1847 Bar, Bayside Grill and Local Market are the main on-site options for meeting the mealtime needs of guests. Some of those are temporarily closed due to COVID-19, but To-Go service from Sweetwater Cafe and in-room dining is open and available at the present time. Keep in mind that Chef Cory Garrison and his culinary team create more than 100 gallons (378.5 liters) of jam every year with the favorites being strawberry, triple berry, peach and fig. Don’t forget to take home a jar when you check-out.

Bayside swimming pool

The large bayside swimming pool is a beautiful and popular spot at this resort. It is heated during the off-season and includes a whirlpool for the adults and a children’s pool and slide. A heated indoor pool can be found at the Spa Building. Be sure to check with the front desk about any changes to capacity limits or hours of operation due to COVID-19.

Robert Trent Jones golf course and luxurious spa

The Lakewood Club at the Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa includes two golf courses that are included in the 26 signature courses of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama. Both the Azalea and the Dogwood courses have recently been refurbished and are ready for play. Golfers will love the Celebration Bermuda grass.

Appointments are required for treatments at the luxurious spa in order to comply with social distancing guidelines and to provide a topnotch experience. The range of services includes a body scrub, manicures, pedicures, paraffin hand treatments, hair and scalp treatments, massages (including couples’ massages), facials, waxing and a steam room.

Amenities related to Mobile Bay

Many of the guest rooms are situated to include a view of Mobile Bay with its constant stream of enticing scenes. A fishing pier is a wonderful amenity for those wanting to practice their skills with a rod and reel. A 36-slip marina is on the resort property for those who want to arrive by boat instead of by automobile.