are we there yet?
Photo courtesy of The Grand Hotel
FALL VACATIONS ARE GRAND THE GRAND HOTEL GOLF RESORT AND SPA, POINT CLEAR, ALABAMA
8september / october 2026
By Linda Holloway Photography by Larry Holloway
Parents dream about a place like this--where children are content so that they can relax. When we first arrived, I noticed families enjoying bike rides on brick paths along the hotel. Here, you can swim and play in Mobile Bay which is just steps away from century-old live oak trees with bowing, knarred limbs and Spanish Moss swaying. Visitors have been mesmerized by this enchanted landscape since 1847. Over the years, The Grand hotel has hosted guests from American Presidents and world leaders to generations of families from across the country. The Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa, Autograph Collection, has rightfully earned the title,“ Queen of Southern Resorts.”
The crowds and traffic fade as Fall arrives, and September and October are perfect times to travel to the Grand where cooler temperatures translate to the perfect vacation. There is nowhere else in the world like the Grand where you will find 550 acres of natural beauty— a sensory sanctuary for guests. It was fascinating to learn the original guests arrived by steamboat and dressed to the nines for dinner. The hotel has earned a Historic Hotels of America designation and a collection of impressive awards and accolades. The resort has been transformed into the perfect blend of upscale modern amenities while honoring the past.
I recommend the Grand Guest Room Bayside with balcony. The space is enhanced with beautiful overlooks across Mobile Bay, and you will want to choose the two queen beds room for your family. The soothing décor and plush bedding guarantee a restful night. On the balcony, you can see for miles and sunsets over the Bay are legendary. Many families like the Spa building overlooking the Grand Marina as well. The indoor pool is located here— perfect for a pre-bedtime splash. The resort’ s three pools and two hot tubs are open year-round from 8 am to 10 pm. The Feature Pool, an expansive lagoon-style pool, comes complete with elaborate waterfalls and waterslide. There’ s an Adult Pool, and indoor pool as well.
RECREATION
In September and October every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday evening, guests are invited to come down to a bonfire on the beach where a S’ mores Station is set up. Kids enjoy playing with new friends while having a snack and watching the sunset. Families enjoy watercrafts on weekends through September; kayaks, aqua cycles, paddle boards and pedalboats are complimentary for 1 hour. Be sure to take a scenic ride on a resort bike.