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Several years ago, I attended a conference in Alabama. I drove to the conference hotel, attended meetings for two days and then drove home. I didn’t “experience” Alabama. Can I be honest here? Will you drop the “cone of safety” over me for a moment?
When I found out that we would be spending three weeks in half a dozen Alabama cities, I wasn’t very excited. The ugly truth is that I have a lot of unattractive stereotypes in my head about Alabama. I feel like that state really has nowhere to go, but up. That’s a terrible thing to say, I know. I am acknowledging my own biases here.
As I write this, I have been in Prattville (20 minutes outside of Montgomery) for four days. I am happy to report, that I am heading into the next leg of our journey with cautious optimism. So far, my experience here has been downright pleasant.
Another travel writer posted an article reminding visitors to use their manners when in Alabama. He said people here say, “hello” and hold doors. He wasn’t kidding! In the last four days, I have been called, “honey”, “sugar”, and I think I even got a “darlin’” one time. EVERYONE holds the door for the person behind them, even if that person is quite a ways behind. I have lived in the South for a long time, but they do take manners to a whole new level here.
Our first hotel experience in Alabama was six nights at the Marriott Montgomery Prattville at Capitol Hill. This property overlooks the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Capitol Hill. I know nothing about golf, but this course certainly looked impressive. Apparently, Golf Magazine named it one of the top 10 public golf courses in America worthy of hosting the U.S. Open. The views of the golf course from the hotel restaurant are stunning. One night, we ate dinner on the brick terrace outside the restaurant and watched people zip up and down huge hills in tiny carts and dig their little white balls out of the rough. (That’s pretty fun if you’re not the one that has to do it.)
The hotel has a lodge feel rather than the typical ultra-modern look that most hotels go for these days. We all know how Mrs. HomeFree feels about ultra-modern.
Due to some unique touches in the décor, there are moments where one feels as though they have rented a cabin in the mountains, and are not, in fact, staying at a hotel and conference center.
As you approach the main entrance, you’ll pass the Presidential Lodge. What’s it for? This huge and rustic house represents a lodging option that was unique to me. Perhaps some of my readers have heard of this, but I had not. The Presidential Lodge has several guest rooms inside and a common game room & living room & bar area on the first floor. Through the property’s group sales office, groups can arrange to take over the whole house.
There are also two golf villas (called Red Oak and White Oak) which operate on the same concept. Each golf villa has 8 rooms inside with a common hang-out space. What a cool idea for a work retreat or for bridal parties and family get-togethers! Someday soon people will again gather together in groups, after all!
For my meeting planner colleagues, the conference center has two floors of meeting space with a huge ballroom and 23 event rooms of various sizes. They have the ability to provide nine breakout spaces. We are talking a whopping 33,000 square feet of event space! Between conference sessions, you can hang out in front of the fireplace in the lobby.
As you can see, this Marriott is unique in the best way. I am not even allowing bias to creep in because I stayed in a gorgeous suite! Although, I should mention here that their suites are an additional reason to give this place a try. A bathtub big enough in which to sail a party boat? Yes, really! An ice machine in my room? Yes, really! You’re thinking about planning an Alabama trip now, aren’t you?
The view from my bedroom 
The private balcony outside the bedroom.
Stay tuned because in my next post, I’ll tell you about the surprisingly wide array of activities I found to keep busy while in Prattville.
Have you ever travelled somewhere you thought you wouldn’t like and ended up pleasantly surprised? Share your tale in the comments.
April 20, 2021 at 11:36 am
I would like to take the time, to thank you for the positive comments and experiences you had while staying at the Marriott Montgomery Prattville at Capitol Hill, your description of the facility is point on. we are not the largest but we are the heart and soul of Alabama and strive for the Southern Hospitality experience. our employees go out of their way to make all guests feel that they are part of the family, a thank you or a big smile is the greatest reward we can experience. Again thank you. if you find yourself staying with us again please ask for me Executive Chef Al Mills I Would love the opportunity to meet you.
April 20, 2021 at 7:46 pm
How great to virtually meet you! Thank you for being a part of such a positive introduction to the state of Alabama! It was my first visit and I do hope that I will get the chance to stay at your property again and to meet you in real life.