Anybody been to Grand Marriot in Fairhope, AL?

We looked into going last year, but that was the week the hurricane hit so we just backed off and hadn't looked back again until last night. My wife said she didn't remember the rooms being that much when she looked less than a year ago.

How are the rooms? From the pics I can see it's not like a regular hotel room, looks like there are separate living/sitting room type areas.

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How are the rooms? From the pics I can see it's not like a regular hotel room, looks like there are separate living/sitting room type areas.

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They have several different buildings and like 15 different room types, so you can basically get whatever you want.

We did the spa building and got a room with a balcony overlooking the marina. This was nice because we aren't really early birds and there wasn't much going on otherwise. The buildings closer to the pool have more families, from what I could tell, but were still plenty nice.

Overall, it was nice and I'd definitely go back if we wanted to get away and only had a few days/wanted to stay close. But just mentally prepare that you might spend overall what you'd spend flying somewhere else.

I did search, but didn't see anything. Guess I'll try again

There are some really nice rooms there, but there are also some outdated rooms in the older buildings.

Prices are usually pretty high to stay there, but there is a good bit to do on site & around the area.

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Any other must see sights?

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Park at Grand Hotel and walk out by the bay where fishing pier is. To the south just off property is a boardwalk along the bay. Very nice homes, oak trees and good view of bay. Great place for a walk or run.

Punta Clara Candy Kitchen

Red or White - wine

Sit in the courtyard at Panini Pete's - get the tuna panini

Visit Magnolia Springs - park at Jesse's then walk down Oak Street

We were there in late January. Really enjoyed it. Lots of recent renovations. Stayed in spa building. We try to go every couple years just on short weekend getaways. The place was PACKED, people everywhere. Our room was great, super clean. Resort is really nice. We didn’t do much around the resort.

Wife loves to bike ride around the area. We do plenty of that. We never ate at the resort on this trip. Giovanni’s is fantastic but usually a wait, but it’s worth the wait. Paid like $800 total for 2 nights.

Thanks all for the recs!

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PolarPop5

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Where was the brunch? On the property or in town?

The Grands a great resort. If possible, request a bay view in the Spa Building. If you like golf, both courses are very good @ Lakewood. Most people prefer Dogwood because the views on the first 4 holes are really nice. If you’re a “better” golfer, I would recommend the Azalea course. Greens on both courses are PERFECT.

For food, we like a handful of places .... Dragon Fly, Sunset Pointe, Ravenite (pizza), Texarbama (BBQ), panini Pete’s (sandwiches). It’s also nice to sit outside at Bucky’s (the bar at the grand) and have appetizers.....crab claws are great. If you don’t mind a drive, Jesse’s in Magnolia Springs is good too. If you want a cheaper breakfast spot than the grands $30 buffet, there’s a good place about 10 mts away.....Warehouse Bakery. It’s off of greeno road.

If your wife’s into shopping, there’s a ton of stores downtown she will enjoy.

It’s a great town! Enjoy!

For food recs Panini Pete’s for breakfast (beignet breakfast sliders). Dragonfly for lunch (all their tacos are fire). Jessie’s in Magnolia Springs for dinner.

I use to stay at the Grand quite a bit as I travel down there for business. Been staying at the Lodge in Gulf Shores since they opened.

If you have any teacher friends that live in AL get them to book the rooms for you at half price as they are owned by RSA.

Daphne has a great restaurant called Southwoods Kitchen that’s worth finding as well. Sunset Marina as mentioned above in Fairhope is excellent as well.