Autograph Collection Hotels Bring Historic Southern Resort Onboard

Image: (photo via SeanPavonePhoto/iStock/Getty Images Plus)
Image: (photo via SeanPavonePhoto/iStock/Getty Images Plus)
TravelPulse Staff
by TravelPulse Staff
Last updated: 10:00 AM ET, Sat September 1, 2018

WHY IT RATES: First opened in 1847, this 405-room resort is known for exceptional service, Southern charm, majestic oaks and beautiful sunsets over Mobile Bay .-Mia Taylor, TravelPulse Senior Writer.


Autograph Collection Hotels, part of Marriott International, Inc., together with the Resort Collection on Alabama's Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail today announced the rebranding of the Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, an iconic Southern resort in Point Clear, Alabama.

The Grand Hotel joins the brand's diverse portfolio of more than 150 one-of-a-kind hotels that champion visionary owners, thoughtful design, and craft.

First opened in 1847, the Grand Hotel has been known as the Queen of Southern Resorts for generations. The charming, 405-room resort is known for exceptional service, Southern charm, majestic oaks and beautiful sunsets over Mobile Bay. During the three-year renovation, the resort's guest rooms, meeting space, restaurants, spa, golf, pier, pools, and grounds were transformed.

Part of the Resort Collection on Alabama's Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, the Grand Hotel has been praised by group and leisure publications.

"With this stunning transformation nearly complete, the historic Grand Hotel enters its next chapter with its Autograph Collection distinction," said Tony Davis, president of the RTJ Resort Collection.

"We are debuting a modern sanctuary of golf, tennis, beach, pools, and spa filled with gracious Southern charm and attentiveness. Here, as it has for over 170 years, the Grand Life beckons with hospitality and warmth flowing through the resort in cheerful abundance," Davis added. "With our Historic Hotels of America designation, the affiliation with the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail and Autograph Collection signature, the Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa will appeal even more to group and leisure guests."

Owned by the Retirement Systems of Alabama, the Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa transformation was designed by Goodwyn Mills & Cawood and implemented by JESCO Construction, both Alabama companies.

The Grand's transformation blends the best of the resort's Southern charm and traditions with the modern amenities and technology today's guests demand.

The resort's iconic fireplace lobby, live oaks, and Bucky's Lounge remain while new cabanas, splash pad and restaurants were added. The design mix honors the Grand's history, traditions and sense of place.

Designed as an all-in-one destination, the Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa features a full-service spa, two RTJ Golf Trail courses, seven restaurants and lounges, two beaches, multiple pools and 37,000 square feet of renovated meeting space on 550 lush acres along Mobile Bay near Fairhope, Alabama.

The Grand's cannon firing each afternoon honors the resort's history and salutes past and present military.

For more information, please visit www.grand1847.com or www.autographcollection.com.

The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa is part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail's Resort Collection and is an active member of Historic Hotels of America.


SOURCE: Marriott International press release


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Authentically Mediterranean: Discover Celestyal’s New Western Mediterranean Itineraries & Iconic ClassicsTuesday, July 21, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
The Mediterranean is more than just a destination, it’s our home. Join Celestyal to learn why we are...
Upcoming Webinar
July The Travel Corporation WebinarTuesday, July 21, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Save your spot for this upcoming webinar! Details coming soon!
Upcoming Webinar
Sani/Ikos Group: Luxury Beachfront Resorts in Greece & SpainTuesday, July 28, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join us for an exclusive webinar introducing Sani/Ikos Group, a collection of luxury beachfront...
Upcoming Webinar
Authentically Mediterranean: Discover Celestyal’s New Western Mediterranean Itineraries & Iconic ClassicsTuesday, July 21, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
The Mediterranean is more than just a destination, it’s our home. Join Celestyal to learn why we are...
Upcoming Webinar
July The Travel Corporation WebinarTuesday, July 21, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Save your spot for this upcoming webinar! Details coming soon!
Upcoming Webinar
Sani/Ikos Group: Luxury Beachfront Resorts in Greece & SpainTuesday, July 28, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join us for an exclusive webinar introducing Sani/Ikos Group, a collection of luxury beachfront...