Take a Trip and Escape Away From Atlanta to Marriott Grand National in Opelika/Auburn Alabama

Thank you Marriott for hosting us!

Do you ever feel like you need to escape away from all of the noise of city life in Atlanta, or any city for that matter?  Maybe you need a change of scenery and tired of the same everyday routine.


Each end of the year, my family and I go on a trip together to spend quality time uninterrupted to reflect on the year past, as well as talk about what we look forward to in the new year ahead.


For this family trip, I wanted us to unwind, kick our feet up, and ease our way into the new year.  I'm a firm believer, the way you end the year is the way your new year is going to be.  I want my new year to be all about family, relaxation, making sure I take care of my well-being.


Generally, our end of the year family trips is visiting Florida, but Florida is always crowded with party goers and a lot of commotion.

Recently, I discovered a hidden away gem just 2 hours away from Atlanta in Opelika, Alabama, just next door to Auburn.


Tucked away in the picturesque wooded trails lies Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National ready to take you away on a relaxing retreat.

When my family and I drove up inside the resort grounds, we knew we were in for a calming time during our stay.

Walking inside the lobby area, we were greeted by an excellent staff member, Robin who quickly helped us check into our rooms and shared with us what the resort had to offer.

Roaming around the resort, it reminded me of being in a mountain lodge due to the wooded grand entrance.  No wonder it's called the Grand National because of its majestic looks all around, especially the floor to ceiling windows overlooking the outside waterpark.

Beautiful, Clean, Spacious Rooms!

And the looks don't stop there, our spacious two queen bed guest room was nicely decorated with modern contemporary touches, along with a lovely mural on the wall displaying wild trees like outside.  Our sizeable bathroom had a deep soaking tub and a luxurious high power step-in shower.

Also, our room had the best view overlooking the outdoor pools, cabanas, tennis courts, golf courses, and lakes.  Honestly, I can sit on the balcony all day while gazing at all of God's natural beauty outside.  And if you look closely, you may even see several deer roaming around too.

Plenty of Things to Do For the Whole Family

We stayed at the Marriott Grand National without leaving the grounds during our two-day stay because the resort has a lot to offer to keep you entertained:

• Outdoor Pools

• Cabanas

• Game Room

• Lounge Areas

• Rooms with cable, Netflix, and movies

• Spa

• Gym

• Rent free board games

• Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail

• Nature Trails

• Tennis Courts

• Basketball

• Bike Rentals

• In-Room WiFi

Unfortunately, due to implementing weather there was a lot of outdoor activities we couldn't do, but we still enjoyed our time playing board games, watching Netflix shows in our guest room, resting, hung around in lounge area, soaked in the heated indoor pool and jacuzzi, and enjoyed dining in at the Southern Oak restaurant.

Delicious Dining Experience

Let's talk about the delicious meals we had!  My, ol' my, just thinking about the food served has my mouth watering!


We got to try out their New Year's Eve menu that had a variety of savoring options that were a joy to our taste buds.  The chef did an outstanding job preparing our meals, and the way he displayed it on our plates was like a work of art!

Chopped Greek Olive and Ciliegine Focaccia, Black Pepper Basil Oil Accent

Biscuits with honey butter

Fried Shrimp Twist, Green Apple Salad, Tarragon Beurre Blanc

Chili Butter Rubbed Ribeye, Sweet Potato Rounds, Wilted Swiss Chard, Caramelized Shallot Reduction

Seared Salmon, Heirloom Tomato Caponata, Asparagus & Feta Cheese Risotto

Macerated Berries, Balsamic & Port Wine, Pound Cake

We had breakfast, and lunch at the Southern Oaks restaurant as well and our meals were equally as good as our special New Year's Eve dinner.

Buffet Breakfast

Buffet Breakfast

Margherita Bucatini Pasta

The Grand National Cheeseburger

Sweet Potato Cinnamon Cheesecake with Maple Cream

S'more's Molten Lava Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream

Be Swept Away to a Peaceful Place

The best part of the trip was experiencing the newly opened Spa at Grand National.  It's a 3 story, 20,000 square foot, world-class spa!  When you walk inside, it's so soothing, tranquil that will put you immediately in peaceful zen.

The Spa at Grand National features eight treatment rooms in a nature-inspired setting.  The Spa at Grand National also features private relaxation areas for men and women that include whirlpools, infrared saunas, showers, hideaway lounge and more on the first floor.

The second floor of the spa features manicure and pedicure stations, a full-service salon and elegant lounge that can be reserved for special occasions.

A massive fitness center is on the third floor overlooking the resort grounds with extensive cardio and resistance training equipment by Technogym. The Technogym technology offers the most prestigious equipment with cloud-based wellness profiles. A private spin studio on the third floor features Fitness On Demand, so guests will have their own virtual personal trainer.

For shopping, a luxurious and unique retail boutique is located on the ground floor of the spa.


As many of you know, last year I started getting facials to help combat my troubled facial issues, like discoloration and acne.  So far, I've only had Hydrafacials and wanted to experience a different kind of facial treatment to improve my skin appearance.

This time around, I tried out the Pure Results Plant Stem Cell Facial.  This kind of facial treatment provides dramatic results conditioning skin helping to address inflammation.  At the start of treatment, it begins with an exfoliating scrub to sweep away dead surface cells and impurities, followed by a layer of Plat Stem Cell Booster Serum, which is clinically proven to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  Afterward, I noticed how radiant, smooth and firm my skin was.


The esthetician consulted me on how to take care of my skin between facial services.  She found that my problem is my t-zone area and I need to pay close attention to that.  She recommended me to start using sunblock and making sure I deep clean my skin since I wear makeup.  Also, no more washing my face with soap!  I knew about the damage soap can cause with my skin, it's just that washing my face with soap is so much easier.  However, with me getting older having the proper skin care regimen is vital.


Have you ever felt like you needed a vacation from your vacation? 

The Marriott Grand National had me feeling recharged and ready to start the new year running!  After my trips, I'm always feeling like I have a loss of energy, but this time around I felt refreshed and energetic.


Marriott Grand National is like the best-kept secret that I'll be visiting every time I need an escape since the resort is a short drive away from Atlanta.


From November to March is Marriott Grand National slower months, so experiences lower rates, and fewer guests.  It's like having the resort to yourself!

The service is exceptional, the whole resort is beautiful!  I can't wait to return again!  Also, I would like to visit over the summer to do their outdoor activities, and I was told during the summer months they will have different festivities going on for the whole family.

Make sure to book your next restful getaway trip at Marriott Grand National in Opelika/Auburn, Alabama.



Another excellent weekend escape in Alabama is The Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa.

Are you in need of a restful trip?

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