Enhanced Standards For ‘The Queen Of Southern Resorts’
Editor’s Note: This article portrays the first-hand experiences of Marlane Bundock, ConventionSouth
managing editor. | 
Overlooking the Mobile Bay, The Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club and Spa in Point Clear, Ala., has reopened after completing renovations following Hurricane Katrina. |
Touted by locals as “The Queen of Southern Resorts” and one of the most historical resort properties along the Gulf Coast is Alabama’s The Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club and Spa. This 550-acre resort is located less than an hour from Mobile in Point Clear, a quiet, upscale residential community along the eastern shore of the Mobile Bay. The resort first opened its doors in the mid-19th century, and although modern accommodations and amenities now grace the landscape, its traditional architecture and historical spirit reminiscent of its founding days, still provide a regal environment for gatherings.
I had the opportunity to tour the property earlier this year after the completion of a multimillion-dollar renovation in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, which brought an even higher standard of resort excellence to a property already full of grandeur.
Enhancements can be found throughout the property such as the new fishing pier. And, each newly renovated guest room—more than 400 throughout the resort—are fitted with Marriott’s Revive bedding package. Each guest room captures the picturesque views of the bay, the marina or the resort’s golf course and grounds.
Among the Live Oaks that delicately wrap around its buildings and grounds, groups will find 22 enhanced meeting rooms totaling up to 37,000 square feet of meeting space. The resort is capable of accomodating groups up to 1,000, with the largest meeting room offering nearly 10,000 square feet.
The resort also features a spacious European-styled spa, which provides a full array of traditional and unique treatment options; two golf courses that are noted for their challenging greens as part of Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail; five diverse restaurants; eight tennis courts; and an indoor/outdoor pool facility with swim areas for families and adults.
