Crawfish Travel Review: The Marriott Grand Hotel and Resort
The Marriott Grand Hotel and Resort in Point Clear, Alabama gets a four bottles rating for being kid friendly and just as good as a rating for a couple’s destination. It is hard to be a one stop shop but The Grand Hotel does a great job of walking the line, here is the break down.
Location- The historic and storied Grand Hotel is located on Mobile Bay in Point Clear, Alabama. Yes, there is a beach area but don’t picture pristine waters, it is a typical Gulf Coast destination with muddy water. However, the beach is not the main attraction. The sprawling resort is gated and feels so far from the hustle and bustle of daily life, you would never know you are just yards from the city’s main highway.
Kids- If you’ve got kids in tow, they’ve got entertainment! Your resort fee included in your room charge includes fishing and bait, bikes for adults, children and can even accommodate babies to ride along with mom or dad, croquet, horseshoes, baby pool, family pool, waterslide, sandbox, playground, hobie-cats, kayaks, beach volleyball and miniature golf. Also available but not included- arcade and jet skis.
A daycare option is available.
Adults- If you want a get-a-way, which hubby and I did, you can have your own experience at The Grand. There is a beautiful spa calling your name. If you receive any spa services you get to use the indoor pool and hot tub facilities as well. There is also an adult pool, 21 and older, outside lined with lounge chairs so you can soak up the sun. There are hammocks scattered all over the property which are perfect for a quiet nap or to curl up with a book. The resort activities are fun to take advantage of as a couple. Also, each night the hotel bar features live music.
Food- There are a variety of dining options and all include kid friendly foods. There is a generous breakfast buffet daily or you can order off the menu. You can dine by the pool or in the main dining room for lunch. For dinner the main dining room offers a seafood menu with fresh catches from the bay or delicious steaks. The main dining room provides crayons and coloring sheets to keep the crew entertained. There is a fine dining option for dinner, but I did not try it. There is even a complimentary tea each afternoon which features homemade cookies.
Rooms- There are several different buildings on the property which offer views of the harbor, the bay or the interior lagoon. We stayed in the Spa Building. Being the newest building, the rooms were very large! The bathroom was also spacious and had a separate standup shower from bathtub. Double sinks would have been nice, but I can overlook that. Several of the buildings have balconies. We enjoyed a bottle of wine and cheese and crackers sitting on our balcony which was a great “happy hour.” 
History-The hotel was built in 1847. While the property served as a hotel for the majority of its history it also has a storied history entangled in the Civil War and World War II. About 300 Confederate soldiers are buried near the hotel. A patriotic military salute and cannon firing takes place each day at the hotel overlooking the bay. The walls of the hotel are lined with pictures of the hotel through the years which are very cool to check out.
Although hubby and I took a trip there without Baby Crawfish, it will definitely be on our list for a family trip sooner than later.
