Overview

Located in Fairhope, the Grand Hotel is a premier resort that offers luxurious accommodations including two renowned golf courses and a world-class spa. The hotel is a part of Marriott’s esteemed Autograph collection and a member of Historic Hotels of America. This award-winning resort has been featured in several publications including Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, and Southern Living. There are several rooms and signature suites to choose from including those with views of the beautiful gardens and the famed Mobile Bay. There are so many amenities and activities on this 550-acre property that you truly never have to leave the resort.

History of the Grand Hotel

The Grand Hotel has such a rich and interesting history. The resort is one of the Historic Hotels of America, and it has a fascinating story. The hotel welcomed its first guests in 1847! Guests originally traveled to the two-story building by boat and docked at the modern-day marina. Due to its strategic location on the Mobile Bay, the Grand Hotel has ties to wartime efforts, spanning two centuries. During the Civil War, it served as a hospital. Decades later, the Grand Hotel hosted key training operations during World War II. The Allied Forces trained on the beaches right here in Fairhope, Alabama. Later, it was revealed that the training was for Operation Ivory Soap, a top-secret operation that played a vital part in World War II’s final push.

In honor of its wartime history and a strong military heritage, the Grand Hotel hosts a special presentation daily. Every day at 3:45 PM, there is a procession with a brief history lesson. The lesson concludes with the firing of a canon into Mobile Bay in salute of American military service. I highly encourage everyone to attend the procession and history presentation.

Since opening its doors, the Grand Hotel has welcomed a number of distinguished guests! These guests include Colin Powell, Margaret Thatcher, Barbara Bush, Dolly Parton, and Patty Labelle. Unfortunately, throughout the years, the Grand Hotel has been subject to a number of catastrophic events including fire and hurricanes, but the hotel has managed to rebuild better and stronger each time. Its history of resiliency is admirable and certainly contributes to the Grand Hotel’s strong heritage. What started as a small building with 40 rooms transformed into a premier luxury resort with over 400 rooms spanning 550-acres.

Accommodations & Amenities

Accommodations at the Grand Hotel

There are several buildings on property at the Grand Hotel, each offering a unique experience for your stay. There are a variety of suites and accommodations to choose from, and you cannot go wrong with any choice. The main lodges play tribute to the Grand Hotel’s historical roots, the spa suites offer stunning bay and marina views, and the spacious executive suites are next-level grandeur.

During my stay at the Grand Hotel, I stayed in the Spa Building and my room had a beautiful view of the marina and bay. I loved having a balcony and sitting in the rocking chair, simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. I also loved the elegant decor of the room and all the amenities in the room itself! The room was complete with a refrigerator, flat-screen TV, luxurious tub and shower, robe, complimentary beverages, and signature spa amenities. I woke up feeling so refreshed after a great night’s sleep.

Amenities at the Grand Hotel

As I mentioned earlier, you truly never have to leave the resort with the numerous amenities and things to do on property! Here are several of the highlights:

• Golf: The Lakewood Club at the Grand Hotel is a member of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. “Rolling fairways, tightly mown greens, spring-fed lakes, meandering streams, and stands of mature trees make the 36 holes of Lakewood both beautiful and challenging”. Additionally, there are 2 other courses, Azalea and Dogwood, to choose from as well as golf lessons offered onsite.
• Spa: For ultimate pampering and renewal, be sure to visit The Spa at the Grand Hotel. Make sure to book your spa appointment ahead of time.
• Tennis: The Lakewood Club has a professional-quality tennis facility that offers lessons as well!
• Cabanas and Pool: There are multiple pools at the Grand Resort, including an outdoor pool with a waterslide and splash pad, and an indoor lap pool. Plus, you can rent a cabana to lounge right by the beach.
• Private Beach: As a guest at the Grand Resort, you’ll have access to a private beach along with a beach setup service.
• Gardens and Grounds: The grounds of the Grand Resort are absolutely stunning! I really enjoyed strolling through the gardens and seeing the live oak trees.

In addition to the amenities above, there are also complimentary bike rentals and fun games such as bocce ball and corn hole available on the property. You can also take a walk and explore the beautiful shoreline!

Dining at the Grand Hotel

There are multiple delicious dining options at the Grand Hotel, and I thoroughly enjoyed each meal I had!

Southern Roots

Southern Roots is an upscale dining experience with a menu that focuses on locally sourced and estate-grown farm-to-table fare. This is a great spot for dinner, and reservations are highly recommended. For starters, I ordered the crab cakes, and they were some of the best I’ve ever had (and I’ve had a lot ). The Basil Crusted Grouper, my main course, with wild mushroom was just fantastic! I thought the meal couldn’t get better until I tried the Grand Hotel Bread Pudding with whiskey sauce. My meal at Southern Roots is one of the most memorable meals I’ve ever had.

Bayside Grill

Bayside Grill is a great spot for a casual lunch, offering a wide selection of American fare from salads and pasta to burgers and pizza. I chose the Grand Seafood Gumbo with a Honey Pecan Chicken Salad Croissant, and I loved the soup and sandwich combo. For dessert, I ordered the Strawberry Cheesecake! The whipped cream was to die for! I also thought it was unique that the Grand Hotel made its own specialty sauces including the hot sauce I tried!

Grand Hall

The Grand Hall offers a classic breakfast menu from bread to pastries, and I went with their signature blue crab omelet. The lump crab was so fresh! I loved sipping on coffee while enjoying a view of Mobile Bay. There is no better way to start the day than a delicious breakfast with a view!

What made my dining experience so memorable was not just the deliciously prepared courses, but also the hospitality of the people I interacted with! The wait staff were so kind and constantly checked in on how everything was, and one even surprised me with a specialty drink that she thought I’d enjoy. Truly Southern hospitality at its finest!

Things to do around the Grand Hotel

If you do choose to venture from the Grand Hotel, there are plenty of things to do in the nearby town of Fairhope and the surrounding Bay Area. Southern Living named Fairhope one of the very best small towns in the South!

Here are some suggestions for sightseeing and activities around the Grand Hotel:

• Visit the Storybook Castles: Did you know that Fairhope has not one, but three castles?! These castles are located near downtown Fairhope, and anyone is welcome to visit, but please do be respectful and admire from a distance.
• Stroll on the Fairhope Pier: Great space to walk or fish!
• Watch the Sunset at North Beach Park: Don’t miss out on the famed sunsets here!
• Shop around Downtown Fairhope: There are numerous art galleries, restaurants, and unique shops in downtown Fairhope! Don’t miss out on checking these out.

The Grand Hotel in Fairhope, Alabama truly has all the Southern charm and hospitality! I had an amazing stay and I cannot wait to revisit. There’s a reason why so many people make a stay at the Grand Hotel an annual tradition! Come discover the beautiful grounds at this special place and experience a grand stay for yourself.

LOVE THIS POST? SAVE IT ON PINTEREST!

The post A Stay at the Grand Hotel in Fairhope, Alabama appeared first on GoAnnieWhere.

Georgia’s Golden Isles is a place of captivating beauty and serene relaxation. As a Georgia native, I had visited the Golden Isles several years ago, and was excited to return again for a weekend getaway. While there are many world-class resorts in the Golden Isles to choose from, the Jekyll Island Club Resort stands out amongst the rest!

History

The Jekyll Island Club Resort is a luxurious Victorian-style clubhouse turned into a hotel that’s located on Jekyll Island. It was once proclaimed as “the richest, most inaccessible club in the world”! The resort is deemed one of the Historic Hotels of America, and it has such a fascinating history! The Jekyll Island Club was actually founded in the late 1800s by the elites of America’s Gilded Age such as JP Morgan and Joseph Pulitzer. Other members included the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts. It is said its membership represented one-sixth of the world’s wealth. While the clubhouse was the main building for the Jekyll Island Club, some members developed their own seasonal cottages.

Several important events in history occurred on these grounds. In the early 20th century, Senator Nelson Aldrich held a secret meeting with American financial leaders and their discussions led to the creation of the Federal Reserve in 1913. The first transcontinental telephone call occurred from the Jekyll Island Club as well!

Overview

Today, guests can stay at the Jekyll Island Club Resort in the main clubhouse, Cherokee, or Crane Cottage. The resort is conveniently located in the historic district of Jekyll Island. It is just minutes away from top attractions, restaurants, and beaches on Jekyll Island!

The grounds of the Jekyll Island Club Resort are absolutely gorgeous! As I was driving towards the entrance of the resort, I was met with live oaks draped in Spanish moss. I gaped in wonder when the grand Victorian clubhouse came into view! I loved the architecture and decor of the hotel, and it transports you back in time. Plus, the sprawling gardens and cottages around the resort make for great exploration.

If you’re looking to visit other fairytale-like places in the US, check out my article here.

Accommodations and Amenities

I stayed in the main clubhouse on the third floor, and the room was furnished beautifully! The bed was very comfortable, and I loved the modern bathrooms. Plus, the staff were very friendly and helped us make reservations and pointed us in the right direction.

There are also a wide variety of amenities at the resort! You could play a game of croquet on the front lawn of the clubhouse or hit the gym, but my favorite activities were relaxing by the pool and roasting s’mores at the outdoor fire pits.

Although I stayed at the Jekyll Island Club Resort, I also got to enjoy the amenities at the Jekyll Ocean Club, a sister company. The Ocean Club has direct beach access and guests staying at either property have a complimentary beach chair and umbrella service.

Dining & More

There are several dining options at both resorts! I grabbed a quick breakfast each morning at the Pantry, a casual spot for breakfast and lunch within the resort. There was also complimentary coffee in the adjacent room. I had lunch at the Wharf, which is only a few minutes walk away from the main clubhouse, and it offered an amazing view of the marsh! The crab cake sandwich was delicious. For dinner, I dined at Eighty Ocean Kitchen and Bar at the Jekyll Ocean Club, and the setting was stunning! On my last day, I had brunch at the Grand Dining Room, and dining in the award-winning restaurant was a great way to end my trip!

Lastly, I have to mention that you can rent bikes at Jekyll Wheels, which is located directly behind the hotel. I highly recommend biking around the island! There are over 20 miles of biking trails on Jekyll Island and you can explore beaches, forests, marsh, and the historic district on wheels.

If you’re traveling to the Golden Isles and wondering where to stay in the area, look no further than Jekyll Island Club Resort!

LOVE THIS POST? SAVE IT ON PINTEREST!

The post A Stay at the Jekyll Island Club Resort appeared first on GoAnnieWhere.