Tips for Staying at the Grand Hotel, Point Clear AL

The Grand Hotel first opened its doors in 1847 in Point Clear, Alabama, a short drive from the town of Fairhope. It was originally a two-story building with 40 rooms. Guests used to take steamboats across Mobile Bay to reach the hotel.

The Army used the hotel as a training base during World War II. The hotel honors the military history with cannon firing, which takes place daily at 3:45 pm. Guests are welcomed into the tall brick fireplace in the lobby. There’s also a small alcove with artifacts from the early days of the hotel like brochures and room keys.

Over the years, the hotel expanded and was remodeled, especially after fires and hurricane damage. It now sits on 550 acres. It is a member of the Historic Hotels of America and Marriott’s Autograph Collection. Known as the “The Queen of Southern Resorts,” the hotel has hosted such acclaimed guests as Margaret Thatcher, Dolly Parton, Colin Powell, and Patti Labelle.

Rooms at The Grand Hotel

The Grand Hotel is spread across five buildings, with a total of 405 recently refurbished rooms and suites, many with balconies overlooking Mobile Bay. Standard rooms have televisions, work desks, and bathrooms with luxury toiletries.

Spa rooms have a calming atmosphere, including bay views and spa-style amenities like a bathtub. The historic building, which is the original hotel, is home to unique suites that include iron post beds. The Nall Suite honors the noted artist. There are also multi-room suites, including the honeymoon and presidential suites.

Dining at The Grand Hotel

A martini at Bucky's Lounge — Bucky’s Lounge

There are nine food and drink options throughout the property, which vary in terms of service and offerings. Among them, Southern Roots is the signature upscale restaurant with Gulf grouper and roasted chicken. Reservations are encouraged.

Bucky’s Lounge is named for an employee who worked at the hotel for 60 years and is honored with a statue. The cocktail bar has an incredible whiskey collection and hosts live music nightly. 1847 is another watering hole, with craft cocktails, open Wednesday to Sunday.

Amenities at The Grand Hotel

The first 18-hole golf course was constructed at the Grand Hotel after World War II and an additional course was added in the years following. They are now part of the state’s famed Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, with TifEagle greens, and have hosted national championships.

The marina has 36 slips as well as boat charters available for guests. The hotel has ten tennis courts, lit for late-night playing. A walking trail circles the property, which is also on the Monarch Butterfly flight path. Guests can play lawn games like cornhole and croquet.

The Grand also has a 20,000 square foot spa with 12 treatment rooms that opened in 2002. Guests can enjoy a variety of treatments, including hairstyling, manicures, and pedicures. Treatments start at $40.

Beaches and Pools at The Grand Hotel

The Grand Hotel is popular with families for its pools and beach access. There’s an indoor lap pool, open year round, along with an outdoor adult pool and a kid-friendly zero-entry pool. There’s also a waterfall, two whirlpools, and a slide. The hotel also has an artificial beach with chairs and umbrellas.