Alabama’s Grand Hotel Begins Massive Transformation
May 24, 2017
Opened in 1847, the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa in Point Clear, Alabama, will be transformed in the next 16 months during a major renovation. “From redesigning meeting space and guest rooms to enhancing the resort’s legendary service and culinary options, this historic legend will take Southern hospitality to a higher level,” said Tony Davis, CEO of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail Resort Collection. The transformation is schedule to be complete in spring 2018.
“The Grand Hotel has played a major role in the region historically, socially and financially,” said Davis. “After much research and planning, the next chapter in the Grand’s history is being written. Over the coming months, buildings will be transformed one at a time to minimize guest disruption during the process,” he said. “In April 2018, the Grand Hotel will reach an even higher pinnacle of hospitality excellence when the resort joins the Autograph Collection of hotels.”
The Autograph Collection properties are high end and remarkably independent while still benefiting from Marriott’s expertise. These international hotels focus on great design, are located in preferred locations and are beacons of good taste.
Guest Rooms and Meeting Space
- Total number of guest rooms at the Grand Hotel: 405
- Design One: 225 rooms in South Bay/North Bay/Marina House
- Design Two: 126 rooms in the Spa Building
- Design Three: 54 rooms in the Grand’s Main Historic Building
- Meeting facilities: The Grand has 37,000 sf of meeting space. All of this space will be renovated during 2017.
The Grand Hotel opened a new golf practice facility in 2016. The Grand Golf Experience features three acres of tee surface, 22,000 sf of USGA greens surfaces, today’s most advanced teaching technology, club fitting services, a two-acre short game area and a 1,500-sf range house. The Experience is a destination for the avid golfer as well as families looking to enjoy the great game of golf. Individual and group lessons are available from the Lakewood Club professionals. Renovations to the Lakewood Club’s Azalea and Dogwood courses are planned in the future.
Restaurants
The Grand currently has multiple restaurants both in the resort and at the Lakewood Club. These offerings are being reviewed in preparation for the next chapter of the Grand’s exceptional culinary history.
Spa
The rooms in the Spa Building will be renovated with a design inspired by the spa experience. While services and protocols will transform as the Grand becomes an Autograph Hotel, the Spa at the Grand will maintain its current design and world-class offerings.
The Grand Hotel and the other seven properties in the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail Resort Collection are owned by the Retirement Systems of Alabama. The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is celebrating its 25th year in 2017.