Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa
One of the best ways to enjoy Bellingrath Gardens is to stay at the Grand Hotel in Point Clear, Alabama, which rests regally on the other side of Mobile Bay. This venerable lodging, having recently undergone a $50-million renovation after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina's storm surge, offers a special package that includes accommodations, breakfast buffet, and two tickets to Bellingrath. Still, that's not the only reason to stay at this fabulous spot.

Hotels have stood sentry on this point of land by the Mobile Bay since the 1800s, but they were nothing like today's grand resort that offers almost every amenity imaginable to its lucky guests. A fabulous spa, redesigned golf courses, beautiful pool complex (complete with waterfall, two whirlpools, and a slide), and an inviting beach area keep guests relaxed and entertained. The more active pursuits include sailing on the bay, fishing from the pier, and bicycling the shady paths on the property.

Four restaurants offer taste-tempting regional cuisine; you can partake of a complimentary tea each afternoon. Younger guests find plenty to occupy them as well. A Kid’s Camp features pint-sized activities such as croquet, games, and crafts. A resort fee includes high-speed Internet access, morning coffee in the Coffee Shoppe, tours of the property, driving range golf balls, daily arts and crafts, water aerobics, the use of kayaks and sailboats, bicycles, tennis courts, horseshoes and croquet equipment, and two daily shuttles to Fairhope for shopping. As you enjoy these activities, don’t miss some recent arrivals to the property: 500 new roses; 2,000 azaleas; an herb garden; and 50 trees planted since Katrina.