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In its nearly 175 years, The Grand Hotel in Point Clear has seen its fair share of history. It has overcome fires, floods, hurricanes, and dozens of renovations to retain its twin titles of Alabama’s oldest hotel and the Queen of Southern Resorts. Following the completion of its most recent renovation in 2018—a $35 million three-year endeavor that included changes to all 405 guest rooms, its spa, pier grounds, pool, conference spaces, and restaurants—the queen’s crown is shining brighter than ever. 

Then

Located in Point Clear on the coast of Mobile Bay, the Grand was originally built in 1847 as a disjointed two-story building with 40 guest rooms called the Point Clear Hotel. At the time it was billed as an exclusive vacation spot for wealthy families and was only accessible by boat. In addition to the main building, it also featured a detached dining room and kitchen, as well as a full-service bar called the Texas. During the Civil War, part of the hotel was used as a hospital for Confederate soldiers. Today, you can see part of that history at the 150-grave Confederate Rest Cemetery on the hotel’s Azalea Golf Course. 

Following the war, the building experienced a string of bad luck including a devastating fire and once again being used as an emergency hospital—this time for the survivors of a passenger steamboat that exploded off the cost of Point Clear. In 1875, the building rose from the ashes with 20 additional rooms, three times the space, and a new name, the Grand. It was then that the Grand received the moniker of Queen of Southern Resorts, a title which it has held onto to this day. 

Over the next nearly 150 years, the Grand saw plenty of ups and downs, including the addition of several amenities like golf courses, a swimming pool, marina, tennis courts, and guest cottages, as well as hurricane damage. 

In 1980, Marriott was brought on to manage the historic resort. They facilitated a $50 million renovation that added 200 rooms, a golf course, and a ballroom to the resort. The 2000s brought several more upgrades including a 20,000-square-foot spa, new restaurants, improved landscaping, and more.   

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Now

In 2018, the Grand joined Autograph Collection Hotels, part of Marriott’s exclusive group of 150 luxury, one-of-a-kind hotels. The rebranding coincided with the Grand’s massive renovation project. Set on 550 lush acres, today the Grand is as awe-inspiring as ever. Majestic live oak trees, vibrant azaleas, and perfectly manicured lawns give way to dozens of buildings housing everything from guest rooms and restaurants to gift shops and a spa. The buildings, ranging in age from 25 to 100, were redesigned with mid-century modern vibes and nods to the Grand’s nautical roots. Among the renovations was a reimagining of the Grand’s conference center, Bayside Grille, Grand Hall, Southern Roots restaurant, and all 405 rooms. 

A stay at the Grand gives visitors endless opportunity for activity and relaxation without ever leaving the grounds. Golf enthusiasts can play on two 18-hole championship golf courses that are part of the famed Robert Trent Jones Trail. For tennis pros, there are 10 tennis courts outfitted with LED lighting. Rest and relaxation are found at the state-of-the-art spa or at one of the Grand’s resort-style pools outfitted with private cabanas, poolside service, waterslides, splash pads, and more. If you can’t get enough of the water, reserve a chair and umbrella at the resort’s private sandy beach. When it’s time to refuel, try one of the Grand’s nine signature dining experiences, including a piano bar and lounge, farm-to-table dinner spot, opulent Sunday brunch, and relaxed poolside grill. 

At the Grand, certain things never go out of style. The resort’s longtime commitment to excellence and Southern hospitality may just keep this queen reigning for many years to come. 

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