New Year, New Look

Point Clear, Ala - January 3, 2017 - Opened in 1847, the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa in Pt. Clear, Alabama, will be transformed in the next 16 months during a major renovation. "From redesigning meeting space and guest rooms to enhancing the resort's legendary service and culinary options, this historic legend will take Southern hospitality to a higher level," said Tony Davis, CEO of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail Resort Collection. The transformation is schedule to be complete in Spring 2018.

"The Grand Hotel has played a major role in the region historically, socially and financially," said Davis. "After much research and planning, the next chapter in the Grand's history is being written. Over the coming months, buildings will be transformed one at a time to minimize guest disruption during the process," he said. "In April 2018, the Grand Hotel will reach an even higher pinnacle of hospitality excellence when the resort joins the Autograph Collection of hotels."

The Autograph Collection properties are high end and remarkably independent while still benefitting from Marriott's expertise. These international hotels focus on great design, are located in preferred locations and are beacons of good taste.

Guest Rooms and Meeting Space
• Total number of guest rooms at the Grand Hotel: 405
• Number of unique guest room designs - 3. This does not include suites.
• Design One: 225 rooms in South Bay/North Bay/Marina House
• Design Two: 126 rooms in the Spa Building
• Design Three: 54 rooms in the Grand's Main Historic Building
• Meeting facilities: The Grand has 37,000 square feet of meeting space. All of this space will be renovated during 2017.

General Transformation Schedule
• Phase 1 - South Bay, North Bay, Marina House construction planned for completion Spring 2017
• Phase 2 - Conference Center – Complete in phases by the end of 2017
• Phase 3 - Main Building and Spa Building complete in Spring 2018

Golf
The Grand Hotel opened a new golf practice facility in 2016. The Grand Golf Experience features three acres of tee surface, 22,000 sq. ft. of USGA greens surfaces, today’s most advanced teaching technology, club fitting services, a two-acre short game area and a 1,500 square foot range house. The Experience is a destination for the avid golfer as well as families looking to enjoy the great game of golf. Individual and group lessons are available from the Lakewood Club professionals. Renovations to the Lakewood Club's Azalea and Dogwood courses are planned in the future.

Restaurants
The Grand currently has multiple restaurants both in the resort and at the Lakewood Club. These offerings are being reviewed in preparation for the next chapter of the Grand's exceptional culinary history.

Spa
The rooms in the Spa Building will be renovated with a design inspired by the spa experience. While services and protocols will transform as the Grand becomes an Autograph Hotel, the Spa at the Grand will maintain its current design and world-class offerings.

Ownership
The Grand Hotel and the other seven properties in the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail Resort Collection are owned by the Retirement Systems of Alabama. The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is celebrating its 25th year in 2017.

Renovation Partners from Alabama
Architect: Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood ; General Contractor: Jesco Inc.

About the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa
Point Clear, Alabama near Fairhope
Web and social media: www.marriottgrand.com; www.facebook.com/thegrandhotel; www.twitter.com/marriottgrand

Since 1847, The Grand has maintained a gracious tradition of Southern hospitality on historic Mobile Bay. The Grand Hotel is a family-friendly historical hotel that is 170 years young. The resort has received national honors from USA Today, Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, Tennis Magazine, Successful Meetings, Meetings Today and other national publications. A schedule of activities and special weekends is particularly attractive to families. Groups appreciate the superlative meeting facilities. With 405 luxurious guest rooms and having some of Marriott’s best spas, golf courses and pools, the Grand Hotel is now grander than ever. Once private, these golf courses are now open to Grand Hotel guests and the general public.

The resort has 37,000 square feet of meeting space that was completely renovated. The Grand’s 550 acres feature giant live oak trees, multiple beaches and lush landscaping. A military salute and cannon firing takes place each day at 4 p.m. and is followed by afternoon tea in the hotel lobby. In addition to world-class golf and the 20,000-square-foot spa, the resort has a variety of activities including eight rubico tennis courts, a croquet lawn, horseshoes, bikes, kayaks, sailboats and other watercrafts for the guests’ enjoyment. The Grand Hotel is a member of the Historic Hotels of America was named their top historic hotel in 2013.

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Media Contact: Bill Lang, bill.lang@pchresorts.com; 205.965.9574. Interviews available. Historic, current and rendering images also are available.