With new safety procedures and protocols in place, eight luxury hotels and resorts along Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail are preparing to reopen restaurants and spas in the coming days. Managed by PCH Hotels and Resorts and owned by the Retirement Systems of Alabama, the properties have been open with limited services over the past weeks. They are reopening spa and restaurant services in accordance with Governor Kay Ivey’s orders.
“Over the past weeks, our hospitality experts at PCH Hotels & Resorts have thoroughly planned how to safely welcome guests back,” said Tony Davis, President of PCH Hotels & Resorts. “Our procedures have been updated and associates have been retrained,” said Davis. “We are ready to safely offer guests legendary Southern hospitality.”
“Our procedures have been updated and associates have been retrained. We are ready to safely offer guests legendary Southern hospitality.”—Tony Davis
All pools have reopened, except the Battle House pool which will reopen Friday, May 22. The RTJ golf courses and resort tennis courts are available, where applicable. Spas and restaurants will be opening in the coming days with a major focus on safety and social distancing. Initially, spas will offer hair and nail services. Massages, facials, and access whirlpools and other spa amenities will be added in the future. The reopening timeline and enhanced safety protocols are highlighted below.
Reopening Timelines for Restaurants and Spas (South to North)
Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa Pt. Clear, Alabama: Bayside Grill and Bucky’s Bar will reopen Friday, May 15. Spa at the Grand will reopen on Wednesday, May 20. Massages and facials will begin May 20, as well.
Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel Mobile, Alabama: Fathoms Lounge reopened May 12.
Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa Mobile, Alabama: Joe Cain Cafe reopened May 11. Spa at the Battle House reopened May 12. Massages and facials begin May 27. Pool reopens May 22.
Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa Montgomery, Alabama: House Restaurant reopened on Friday, May 15. Spa at Montgomery will reopen May 22 for massages. Hair, nails, and facials to be added soon.
Marriott Prattville Hotel and Conference Center at Capitol Hill Prattville, Alabama: Oak Tavern reopened May 15.
Auburn/Opelika Marriott Resort & Spa at Grand National Opelika, Alabama: Splash Bar will reopen on Thursday, May 14. Spa at Grand National will reopen Thursday, May 21 for hair, nails, massages, and facials.
Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa Hoover, Alabama: Clubhouse Restaurant reopened May 12. Spa at Ross Bridge reopened on May 15. Massages and facials begin May 21.
Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa Florence, Alabama: Swamper’s Bar and Grille reopened on May 11. Spa at the Shoals reopened on May 14 for hair. Massages, facials, and nails begin May 21.
Several new protocols are now in place to ensure guests have safe and secure experiences. All areas are opening under the PCH Health and Safety Guidelines which align with state and local recommendations:
Updated Resort and Hotel Safety Protocols
•Hand sanitizing stations have been placed throughout the hotels and resorts.
•Public areas are cleaned and sanitized every two hours.
•Some services and hours of operation have been temporarily adjusted.
•Signage encouraging social distancing and other safe practices have been placed throughout the properties.
•When preparing guest rooms and other areas, our associates use professionally sourced cleaning products which are proven to be effective against viruses and bacteria.
•Collateral materials which can’t be properly sanitized have been removed from guest rooms.
•Thorough cleaning and disinfecting occur in each guest room prior to guests arriving. Remote controls, clocks, ice buckets, drawer handles, furniture, bathroom amenities, hairdryers, light switches, pens, doorknobs, and other room items are disinfected.
•To reduce the number of people accessing guest rooms, Housekeeping services are provided only upon request.
•We have expanded the use of PPE (personal protective equipment) with our team members. Masks and gloves will be worn where appropriate.
•Additional restaurants and bars will reopen as business increases.
Updated Spa Protocols
Initially the spas will be offering nail and hair services. Massages, facials, and other spa services will be added at a later date.
•All spa providers’ temperature will be taken before they begin their shift.
•All providers will be wearing masks during your spa visit.
•Gloves will be changed after each guest.
•All tools used during the spa service will be thoroughly sanitized.
•Guests are welcome to wear their own PPE to the spa such as masks/gloves, but not required.
•All manicure stations, pedicure stations, and treatment rooms are thoroughly sanitized before and after each guest.
•All areas of the spa/salon will be practicing 6-feet social distancing.
“We are in this together and ask all guests and associates for their help to abide by the Governor’s “Safer at Home” order,” said Davis. “These certainly are unprecedented times, yet we realize the importance of reconnecting, gathering, playing, and relaxing. Our hospitality team is ready for our guests to arrive.”