The Queen of Southern Resorts
Perched along the shimmering edge of Mobile Bay in Point Clear, Alabama, The Grand Hotel has welcomed guests to its wide porches and waterfront lawns for more than 175 years. It’s a place where history and hospitality feel equally at home, and while it’s special at any time of year, in summer, it truly shines.
From the moment you pass through the entrance gates, it feels as though you’ve stepped into a slower, richer way of life. Ancient, moss-draped oaks stretch wide across the property, and shaded benches invite you to sit and cool down. Park the car, tuck away the keys, and let the resort do what it has always done best: invite you to stay and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Come for the bay views and limitless amenities, but stay for the hospitality that keeps families returning year after year.
Why it’s worth the trip
The Grand dons the nickname the Queen of Southern Resorts, and for good reason. Once you arrive, you can park the car and not think about it again. With multiple on-site dining options, activity options sprinkled throughout the property, and everything from golf to the spa just steps away, it’s the definition of a true resort experience.
What really sets The Grand apart is the hospitality. Many of the staff have worked here for decades, and it shows in the way guests are welcomed back year after year. Families have made this their vacation destination for generations, but whether you arrive solo, as a couple, or with the whole crew in tow, The Grand has a way of making everyone feel right at home.
The Grand’s story stretches back to 1847 and includes chapters shaped by wartime history and military training. Today, that legacy is honored each afternoon with a brief historical presentation followed by the ceremonial cannon firing over Mobile Bay. Afterward, guests gather for freshly baked cookies and tea, a simple and charming ritual that perfectly caps a summer afternoon on the bay.
Check In & Check This Out
If you plan to spend the afternoon by the water (and you should), go ahead and reserve a cabana. Shade, snacks, and zero reason to leave your lounger.
At 20,000 square feet and offering an extensive list of top-notch services, the spa is practically its own retreat. If you book just one treatment, make it the head spa ritual—a guest favorite and easily our top recommendation. Arrive early (or stay late) to enjoy the relaxation room, complete with oversized lounge chairs you’ll melt into and a whirlpool hot tub that makes it very easy to lose track of time.
Feeling active? Tee off at two championship courses on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, try stand-up paddleboarding, play tennis, or head out for deep-sea fishing. Prefer something slower? Horseshoes, bayfront strolls, and porch sitting are always acceptable plans.
Yes, the hotel has onsite historians—and yes, you should absolutely chat with them. Join a daily history tour or catch them before the afternoon cannon firing for stories that bring the property’s past to life.
Little Stickers/Sub Note
Pick your pool: One reserved for adults, one made for families, with poolside dining and a bar nearby.
Bay Beach: Enjoy the resort’s manicured bay beach—perfect for wading, building sandcastles, or catching the sunset.
If you leave (but why would you?): Nearby Fairhope is a short drive away and great for strolling, shopping, and dining.
