Marriott Shoals - The Perfect Local “Staycation”
If you have not discovered the gem that is the Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa, you are truly missing out on a North Alabama treasure! Recently voted #1 best hotel in Alabama, we now know why. We recently enjoyed a wonderful “staycation” traveling only a little over an hour from home to enjoy drinks and eats by the pool, a cozy room, dinner at Swampers, fun at the splash pad, and a wonderful time at the park! We were not brave enough to take our kiddos to the 360 Grille, but I would definitely choose this for dinner one night if you don’t have a three and five year old in tow. Maybe next year?
The Pool
Let’s be honest, the pool was the main reason for our visit! I had visions of yummy cocktails and fun dips into the water…and those visions came to life for sure! We absolutely love the little shallow “beach” area in the pool for kids. Owen and Hazel were able to run and play while we watched them close by. There’s also a waterfall you can swim under and a water slide. You have to be at-least 4 feet tall to go down the slide, so that wasn’t in the cards for our littles. You can enjoy also enjoy the hot tub and visit the heated indoor pool as well! They provide towels, which is an added plus.
To our surprise, just off of our room (we could walk straight off our patio onto the lawn) there were lots of yard games: corn hole, tic tac toe, and more! I was not super excited about being on the ground floor at first. I had imagined a room with a view of the gorgeous Tennessee River, but quickly decided we got the best room in the house. Being on the ground floor, we could walk straight out to the yard games and picnic tables and cruise easily in and out of the pool gate. This lead to easy bathroom breaks and quick trips inside to grab forgotten items. We could stop by and change out of swim suits for a visit to the park without walking inside the hotel or taking an elevator…..YES PLEASE. We will definitely be asking for a similar ground floor room in the future.
We brought a few pool toys with us and I am so glad we did, They were busy playing for hours:
Pool hours are 8 AM -10 PM and we stayed from about 10 AM (after breakfast) to 3:30. Our time at the pool was made even better with live music that was set up for a few hours. They host games like bingo and trivia occasionally in the afternoons as well.
The pool area includes a bar where you can order drinks and food. More on food and drinks in a sec!
Food & Drink
I am not going to lie to you. I am a tad picky when it comes to hotel stays. The problem?-I never like to be too far from a good coffee and a snack. I was delighted to find that The Marriott Shoals has an in house coffee bar where I ordered a coffee each morning and I was not disappointed with the food options either.
Food and drinks at the pool? Absolutely! Outside food and drinks are not permitted, although I do believe toddler snacks are okay. We enjoyed ordering from the pool bar. After ordering, you stay and wait for your drinks to be made (it’s not quick, but definitely worth it), but they will send you with a numbered flag to attach to your pool chair and will find you when your food is ready. Genius. Just a note - it’s not cheap. I will be more prepared with snacks and lunches at our next visit. Throw some uncrustables and chips in the room and take a break from the sun- definitely a more affordable option!
We chose to eat dinner at Swampers (twice) which is teaming with hotel guests and locals often times enjoying live music. I would describe the food as upscale bar food. My favorite was the swampers burger and fries…they’ve got the good ranch if you were wondering.
The breakfast buffet was not included with our hotel stay, but the kids ate free. In addition to the buffet options, they will also make omelets and waffles to order.
Located on the Marriott property, you will find The 360 Grille. Atop the “tower,” take the elevator to the top for a A wonderful choice for lunch or dinner, enjoy a 360 view where the floor rotates a full rotation as you eat. A unique experience that we love to take advantage of for date nights and special occasions.
If you are up for an adventure away from the hotel, there are several options for dining around town:
The Park
Swinging benches for parents, tables for snacks/lunch, slides, rock wall, and more-the park was absolutely perfect! We enjoyed several hours here during our stay, drying off from the splash pad or running off some energy before bedtime.
The Splash Pad
Not your average splash pad! My kids were SHOCKED at how amazing this splash pad was. You do NOT have to be staying ta The Marriott to enjoy it either. 100% free, these jets are the biggest and baddest around. Enjoy music playing from the surrounding speakers, a pavilion for lunch, snack, or even parties, and dry off at the park mentioned above, only steps away.
Make it stand out
Whether you are going to entertain toddlers or planning a getaway with your significant other, The Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa is such a great option. Enjoy a romantic dinner atop the 360 Grille and book one of their amazing spa packages at the amazing spa!
Services,Treatments and Amenities
Body Scrub
Couples Massages
Eye Treatment
Facials
In-Suite Massages
Makeup Services
Manicures/Pedicures
Massages
Men's Services
Paraffin Hand Treatment
Scalp & Hair Treatment
Separate Men & Women's Lounges
Steam Room
Waxing
We cannot WAIT to go back!
