Hi there and thanks for stopping by! Today I’m sharing a Travel Guide for our recent trip to The Grand Hotel in Point Clear, AL. It’s actually located in Fairhope, Alabama which is on the Mobile Bay. The city of Mobile is about 35 minutes away. Gulf Shores is about 50 minutes. It took us about 5 hours 30 minutes driving from Huntsville.
In this post I’m sharing information about the resort, where we ate and what we did. If you’d like to see other places we’ve been and recommendations, check out those here. And if you’d like to see what I wore while on this trip, check out that video here.
Where We Stayed
Choosing a room is a little overwhelming if you’ve never been to the property. It all makes a little more sense once there though, so I’m going to share pictures and a resort map that will hopefully be helpful. From what we’ve heard from others who visit regularly, everyone has their favorite location or building. I’m torn between two building locations for when we go back. Yes, we will most definitely be going back!
We stayed in building 5, Marina. It has covered parking and an elevator. We had a Bayside Deluxe Balcony room. I had read reviews saying the Bay view was better than the Marina view. We had a Bay view but it was a little obstructed by a few towering oak trees, which were beautiful don’t get me wrong. The 200+ year old oaks on the property are what make it charming and something I just love about the South. Our balcony also looked over the recreation area. Fun for people watching but I’d rather have a different view next visit. The room was spacious and had a nice bathroom with a large modern shower. My only complaint was that it was so dark in the room all the time with the trees except in the very late afternoon.
Bay View Balcony Room via Grand Hotel
Building 4, North Bay House is located next door and near the pool and main building. The location here is great and you get a less obstructed view of the Bay if you choose that view. Of course they also have non-water view rooms which you’ll look out over the property instead. Both building 4 and 5 are 4 floors each if I remember correctly.
The Spa Building is across from building 5 Marina and is the newest and tallest. Also with covered parking, It’s the farthest away from the conference center and main building which houses all the restaurants and bars. The view here would be of the grounds or the marina. As you can see on the website, these rooms are more modern and bright. We looked around the actual Spa and the building itself. Definitely nice and one of my choices for staying next time.
South Bay House is next to the main building and has unobstructed views of the Fishing Pier and Bay. It’s only 2 stories and we didn’t see an elevator in this building. Something to consider? This is the other prime location on property and where we’d consider staying again.
Historic Main Building is of course in the main part of the hotel. It has the oldest rooms and no outdoor spaces like balconies or patios. If you’re looking for a standard room with a short walk to the lobby and restaurants, this is the area for you.
Spa Building 3
South Bay House
Where We Ate
The property has several restaurant options and then there are many options in the town of Fairhope. Downtown is a short drive with plenty of shopping and food. We did eat dinner off property one night based off a recommendation. The Wash House is a definite must. I didn’t see any kids there though so more of an upscale dining experience with cozy atmosphere for adults. The food was outstanding! I highly recommend The St. G Cosmo, Shrimp Stack and the Filet. Be sure to make reservations in advance.
Certain restaurants on site were closed Monday and Tuesday. Something to keep in mind. We actually arrived on a Sunday so this was a bummer for us.
Bayside Grill is probably the most popular restaurant. We actually ate there two nights. The food was great each time. They have both indoor and outdoor seating plus a bar.
Buckys is another popular spot. It’s a great place to sit outside by the fire pits or inside with snacks and cocktails.
Don’t snooze on the Jubilee Poolside Grill. It’s open for casual lunch and dinner and of course food by the pool. The Nachos, Chicken Salad Sandwich and Fish Tacos were all so good!
There are brunch options, breakfast, market grab and go and a higher end restaurant. You can browse them all here along with their menus, dress code and hours of operation.
What To Do
There are many activities to choose from while staying at The Grand. There is a private small beach with loungers available to rent or use the beach chairs for free. Bicycle rental is available as well as kayaks.
There are two pools: the Grand Pool and the Adult pool. We use the adult pool but the other was very nice and large enough so you aren’t on top of children if that’s not what you’re looking for.
If you’re a golfer, you must play at one of the two beautiful Lakewood courses across the street. My Husband played one day and I rode in the cart but loved seeing the beautiful course. We also had lunch at the clubhouse afterwards and the food was good there as well. Here are the list of activities including the spa and fitness center on site.
You’ll want to watch the daily firing of the cannon and hear the history of The Grand at least once while you’re visiting. You can enjoy afternoon tea and cookies afterward in the Grand Hall. And I also recommend reading the Grand Traditions book in your room. It has a complete history of the hotel and recipes.
I hope you found this travel guide helpful in planning your trip to The Grand Hotel. Please leave me a comment if you’ve visited or plan on it.
I visited so long ago that I could not remember what it looked like. After seeing your lovely pictures, it’s definitely time for me to go back.
Lots of good information. It looks like a great place to stay. Thank you for sharing.