Point Clear, Alabama
THE GRAND HOTEL RESORT & SPA
A Hidden Gem of Southern Hospitality
On my search for a luxury getaway near Orange Beach, Alabama, I stumbled upon The Grand Hotel in Point Clear, AL. Just a short drive from the charming town of Fairhope, AL, this four-star hotel immediately caught my attention. The proximity to Fairhope’s quaint shops and scenic views added to the allure of this southern retreat.
Just a few miles from the resort, we found ourselves driving through Fairhope, AL—a quaint town that took me by surprise with its charming boutiques, cozy restaurants, and antique shops. The drive along Mobile Bay offered breathtaking views and elegant homes that whispered hints of the beauty to come. When we finally arrived at The Grand Hotel, we were greeted by a gated entrance and impeccably manicured grounds that set the tone for the stay.
A Warm Southern Welcome
From the moment we pulled up to the valet, the southern hospitality was undeniable. The staff exuded warmth and charm, ensuring a welcoming arrival. As we walked toward the entrance, a friendly gentleman opened the doors for us and greeted us with a smile. We had timed our arrival perfectly for Sunday brunch, and let me tell you—it was incredible. Bottomless mimosas and a wide array of delicious options made for a perfect start to our stay.
Check-In and Room Experience
At check-in, I asked if there were any possible upgrades, as we had originally booked a bay room view. Much to our delight, they upgraded us to a suite in the spa building with a marina view. While I appreciated the suite, my heart still holds a special place for the North Bay rooms, which I’ve stayed in during previous visits—there’s something particularly charming about them.
The Grand Hotel is rich in history (more on that in a moment), and while the rooms reflect that, they do show their age in the form of dated decor, linens, and beds typical of a four-star hotel. Despite that, the real star of the experience was the service. The staff went above and beyond with a “can-do” attitude that made every interaction pleasant.
Spa Building Suite – Marina View Room Tour
Service Challenges
There was a small hiccup with housekeeping. After letting the housekeeper know we needed our room cleaned in about 30 minutes, we returned at 5:30 PM to find it still hadn’t been serviced. A call to the front desk assured us someone would take care of it. After returning from dinner later that evening, we found the room had still not been cleaned. While this was disappointing, the overwhelming friendliness and helpfulness of the staff more than made up for this one-off issue.
Dining at Bucky’s Lounge
One night, we planned to venture off-property for dinner but found ourselves enjoying Bucky’s Lounge so much that we did not want to leave! Outside dining by the firepits while watching the sunset over Mobile Bay was pure magic. As the evening progressed, live music filled the air, adding to the ambiance. The night ended with a stroll along the brick path back to our room, the full moon casting a glow on the bay. It was truly magical.
Bucky’s Lounge Information:
Hours:
Saturday & Sunday:
11 am to 12 am
Monday – Thursday:
5 pm to 12 am
Friday: 4 pm to 12 am
The Grand Hotel’s Rich History
One of the resort’s most unique traditions is the daily procession at 3:45 PM, where the grounds’ rich history is celebrated with a cannon firing by the water’s edge—a nod to its ties to American freedom. As a proud member of the Marriott Autograph Collection and part of the Historic Hotels of America, The Grand Hotel blends timeless elegance with a rich heritage. Read more about the history of The Grand Hotel here.
A Few Quirks in Room Service
One small oddity: when room service delivered our coffee one morning, it came in a brown paper bag. While this didn’t quite match what I was expecting, it’s a small quirk in an otherwise delightful stay.
Exploring Off-Property
One night, we ventured off-property to a restaurant called Jesse’s Restaurant, located about a 15-20 minute drive away. The atmosphere was fantastic, and the food was even better. I highly recommend making the trip if you’re looking for a special dining experience outside the hotel.
Jesse’s Restaurant Information:
Hours:
Lunch: Mon to Sat – 11 am to 3 pm
Dinner: Mon to Thur – 5 pm to 9 pm
Dinner: Fri to Sat – 5 pm to 10 pm
Sunday: Closed
Final Thoughts
The Grand Hotel, a part of the Marriott Collection Autograph Hotel, has earned a spot among the Historic Hotels of America. Known as, The Grand Hotel in Point Clear, AL, is a place where southern charm meets history, offering an idyllic retreat for families with children under 13, couples seeking a relaxing getaway, or a girls’ weekend.
For a laid-back vacation of 2-3 days, this resort provides just the right mix of relaxation and charm. While the rooms may not scream five-star luxury, the service, grounds, and history of The Grand Hotel: A Hidden Gem of Southern Hospitalitymore than make up for it
Luxury. Service. Passion. Rating
Luxury: 7
While the grounds are luxurious, the rooms, linens, toiletries, and room service are not.
Service: 9
Everyone is so helpful, nice, and friendly! How people treat you is welcoming and warm, not because they have to be but because they want to be there. They do not claim to be a 5 star resort so not as much is expected.
Passion: 8
The view of the bay, walkways, landscape, and history ignite something within you. At dusk the place comes alive with the beautiful sunset, firing of the cannon, and the fireside tables at Bucky’s.
Live Phone Attendant or Automated Service: Automated Service Attendant
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or just passing through, The Grand Hotel in Point Clear, AL offers a unique blend of history, charm, and southern hospitality that leaves a lasting impression.
-Paige
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