Are We There Yet? The Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa, Point Clear, Alabama

By Linda Holloway

Photography by Larry Holloway

Fall Vacations Are Grand

Parents dream about a place like this--where children are content so that they can relax. When we first arrived, I noticed families enjoying bike rides on brick paths along the hotel. Here, you can swim and play in Mobile Bay which is just steps away from century-old live oak trees with bowing, knarred limbs and Spanish Moss swaying. Visitors have been mesmerized by this enchanted landscape since 1847. Over the years, The Grand hotel has hosted guests from American Presidents and world leaders to generations of families from across the country.  The Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa, Autograph Collection, has rightfully earned the title, “Queen of Southern Resorts.”

The crowds and traffic fade as Fall arrives, and September and October are perfect times to travel to the Grand where cooler temperatures translate to the perfect vacation. There is nowhere else in the world like the Grand where you will find 550 acres of natural beauty—a sensory sanctuary for guests. It was fascinating to learn the original guests arrived by steamboat and dressed to the nines for dinner. The hotel has earned a Historic Hotels of America designation and a collection of impressive awards and accolades. The resort has been transformed into the perfect blend of upscale modern amenities while honoring the past.

I recommend the Grand Guest Room Bayside with balcony. The space is enhanced with beautiful overlooks across Mobile Bay, and you will want to choose the two queen beds room for your family. The soothing décor and plush bedding guarantee a restful night.  On the balcony, you can see for miles and sunsets over the Bay are legendary. Many families like the Spa building overlooking the Grand Marina as well. The indoor pool is located here—perfect for a pre-bedtime splash. The resort’s three pools and two hot tubs are open year-round from 8 am to 10 pm. The Feature Pool, an expansive lagoon-style pool, comes complete with elaborate waterfalls and waterslide. There’s an Adult Pool, and indoor pool as well.

Recreation

In September and October every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday evening, guests are invited to come down to a bonfire on the beach where a S’mores Station is set up. Kids enjoy playing with new friends while having a snack and watching the sunset. Families enjoy watercrafts on weekends through September; kayaks, aqua cycles, paddle boards and pedalboats are complimentary for 1 hour. Be sure to take a scenic ride on a resort bike.

The Games Lawn is a popular spot, where kids play Ladder ball, Croquet, Beanbag Toss, a Putting Green, Volleyball, Tether ball, Table Tennis, and Horseshoes. Plus, there is a 24/7 arcade with a family game room open from 9 am – 9-pm. There is no chance your kids will get bored for a second. The big deal for the younger set is feeding the Grand Ducks. These sociable feathered friends gather around the Lagoon for freebies---ask for complimentary cracked corn at the front desk and be ready for the fun at 9:00 a.m. and 2:00pm.  Make sure you take the kids to the Grand Pier where fishing poles and bait are supplied. Pickleball and Tennis are great fun for all ages.

 Check the resort’s daily calendar for more activities such as Sand Art on the Sand, Oyster Keeper Eco-Tour, and ask about the Scavenger Hunt, Sandcastles and Popsicles, and Crafts and Create. A kid-favorite is the Ringing of the Sunset Bell, a Southern Tradition to celebrate the end of the day and beginning of the night. Then move to the porch of Bucky’s to enjoy a spectacular Bay Sunset. There are wooden swings spaced strategically to view the sunset as well.

Dining

With elegant décor’ and amazing cuisine, Southern Roots restaurant is where the chef-driven menus check all the boxes. The kids-favorite is the Bayside Grill where the burgers, pizzas and “Small Plates” are perfect for everyone. You can choose to dine outdoor - a big plus with little ones. The morning brings a breakfast bar complete with homemade omelets and waffles. You can choose the menu option as well.  Sunday Brunch at the Grand comes complete with a Brass Band and the traditional favorites. The pastries are made fresh daily.

A Grand Military History

Finish your daily activities in time for the Grand Salute to the Military.  The tradition begins every day in the main hotel lobby at 3:45 with a Grandeur, Grit and Glory presentation—including the Pledge of Allegiance. Everyone can follow in a procession around the Grand hotel grounds. The kids will enjoy marching to the beat of the drums.  The ceremony concludes with the firing of the cannon at 4:00 p.m. From past experience, once is never enough for kids, so plan your activities around the firing of the cannon.  Afterwards, the hotel offers complimentary cookies, coffee, and specialty teas, served in the upper lobby of the main building.

Me and Tee Time

Golfers will enjoy the Lakewood Club at the Grand, a sparkling resort member of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. The Dogwood and Azalea course are spectacular. The Dogwood course wanders through pines, magnolias and ancient oaks. The Spa at the Grand is a 20,000 square-foot European-inspired spa featuring an array of services. The Quiet Room is my favorite of all spas that I have experienced. Here, the dimly lit room with mosaic panels flanking the room is pure relaxation.

Grand Holiday Stroll

If you can’t get away for the Fall months, the Grand at Christmas is legendary. Explore the Grand during the Holiday Stroll that begins Saturday, November 28, at 5:00 p.m. – January 1, 2027. Begin with hot chocolate served by the hotel’s elves.  Enjoy festive music as you follow the brick pathway around the lagoon beneath gleaming arches. Discover Santa’s sleigh, formed by three glistening fountains and thousands of twinkling lights. There are huge illuminated ornaments, and the setting offers the perfect backdrop for family photos. Be sure to pose for a photo in the front of the Grand Snow Globe. The Spa Building is where you will find Mrs. Claus and her elves; then, enjoy s’mores prepared by the elves before traveling to Gingerbread Lane. In the Main Building, you will find the pastry team’s gingerbread village of Grand proportions. Step upstairs to the Lagoon Room where the kids can decorate an ornament. The Grand Hall is decorated in 1847 style where carolers perform classic Christmas favorites. View the Grand Live Oak with more than 23,700 holiday lights. Share your favorite Grand photos on Instagram for a chance to win a one-night stay in 2027.

For more information, visit www.Grand1847.com