No matter how good the golf courses are on our review trips, it is very important to us to stay in nice accommodations. All of the photographs are edited and the article is written during the evening after we play. Having a roomie office like space with Wi-Fi is an absolute must for me to write and Myra to edit in a productive environment. For this review trip to The Trail in Alabama, we chose to stay exclusively in Marriott Hotels and Resorts. We could not have made a better choice and here on the last two days of our seven day review trip we are extremely pleased with the entire resort that is the Marriott Hotel and Conference Centre at Grand National just outside of Opelika, Alabama.
Paul extends a welcoming hand to us as we arrive
The clubhouse for the golf courses is less than 1 mile away and the proximity is a real bonus in being able to go there so quickly from our room.
As we drove down the long roadway into the resort we knew we had come to another very high-quality property.
The staff here are great and special mention must go to Paul,the Bellman, who is a great ambassador for the resort. He brought our bags to the room and proceeded to give us an overview of all the different highlights of the property that we could enjoy.
With our room up behind us, we stop to take a selfie by the pool
We were extremely pleased that we had been upgraded to a 900 square-foot executive suite with a fabulous third story view of the entire outdoor pool and sports bar complex.
The two dinners we had; one in Fairways Bar and the second out at The Grill Sports Bar near the pool were absolutely fantastic. We both highly recommend the gumbo, as well as the wings. Our servers both nights, Brianna and Nick were fast of foot, very friendly and very skilled. We don’t know any of the kitchen staff by name, but someone in there needs to get a big pat on the back as they really put out great meals.
Myra is all smiles eating her Redfish and grits
General Manager, Mr. Kevin Cross, took time out of his busy day to allow Director of Sales and Marketing, Brooke Kastler, to parade us unannounced into his office.
We always like to meet the upper management of the golf resorts we review to let them know about key individuals and our own personal view of what is like to be a guest.
This is my office for the two days we are here, absolutely perfect!
Both Kevin and Brooke exuded a great deal of charm and warmth towards us. We can highly recommend golfers and non-golfers alike choosing to stay here. I can’t imagine as a golfer playing the courses at Grand National and staying anywhere else but this fantastic resort. Bring your bathing suit, your tennis rackets, a hearty appetite and even your favourite book as there are plenty of beautiful lounges to enjoy relaxing in.
For us, when we come to a resort as great as this one, we don’t leave the grounds other than to go golfing.
Many thanks to everyone here.
Please come to the Grand National to enjoy the entire experience; trust me you won’t be disappointed.
Related
Bill Flower
Bill Flower is a passionate golfer and lover of the game who lives on Vancouver Island in Parksville, BC. He has played the game since the age of 10 and has spent many years in the golf business ranging from full time teaching pro to part time professional caddy, golf tour operator and golf writer. He loves to travel with his wife Myra throughout the US and Canada playing and reviewing golf courses of all styles. To date he has reviewed over 125 golf courses.
