Marriott Spa and Hotel in Muscle Shoals

Muscle Shoals is a small town located in North Alabama and has been made famous by the likes of Lynyrd Skynrd, Aretha Franklin, the Rolling Stones, George Michael, Willie Nelson, and many, many more musicians. You can visit these historic recording studios still today. My favorite place to visit in the #shoals is the Marriott Spa and Hotel. Here is my recent romantic weekend away at the best spa I’ve ever been to IN THE WORLD!

We were celebrating our 27th wedding anniversary and my husband surprised me with a familiar yet favorite trip. Because my love language is travel, he knew he would score BIG with a getaway and adding a spa, well that’s a super score!

Jon and I have been bringing our family to the Marriott in Muscle Shoals since 2003 and apparently, I have been to this spa six times. At least, that is what they have on file. HA! From Huntsville, the “Shoals” is only about an hour and a half drive. This is a perfect weekend getaway that makes you feel like you are miles and miles away.

Here are a few amenities that keep us coming back to the Marriott Hotel and Spa in Muscle Shoals

Table of Contents

Pools!

This Marriott has a really incredible outdoor pool that has a zero entrance portion, a waterfall, and a slide as well as a hot tub. This makes it great for families too. While we were there and to keep COVID safe, guests were asked to wear wristbands and check-in for beach towels at the pool as well. The wristbands matched the color of your check-out date. There are plenty of lounge chairs around the pool deck AND you can order food from Swampers to enjoy there as well.

SPA

O.k. let’s start talking about my favorite place, the SPA! Here are a few things you will want to know to book your spa weekend with your partner or your girlfriends!

Book EARLY (they book up quickly) especially on holiday weekends
I wear open-toed shoes as to not mess up my pedicure
Drink lots of water, before and after for great hydration
There are over a half dozen massage treatments, I usually choose the Signature, but there is also CBD, Mommy to Be, Duet, and Stone to name of a few! They of course have lots of other services too, like facials, waxing, etc.

I can hardly remember any visit I’ve had to the Shoals Marriott Hotel when I haven’t gone to the spa and my Masseuse Layla even remembered me despite our time away in Germany. I must have left an impression.

The entire staff at the Spa is amazing from the reception with Tammy to your toes with Rachel you will love the warm fuzzies that you literally get from your visit. Every single time I have a spa day here I feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and relaxed. Exactly my thoughts of how a spa day should go! While I was there this weekend, I met a mom and her daughters still celebrating Mother’s day, a bridal party, and a girl’s group on a trip.

Restaurants

Another reason we love this hotel is their restaurants. Swampers is located on the lobby floor and just plain fun. It is also the location of the breakfast buffet, lunch on the patio, and the lounge. They have live music on the weekends and it’s usually hopping with locals and tourists alike. I love it. The memorabilia and decor are fun and pay homage to the music city of the Shoals.

Swampers

Swampers Menu is American fare that is fun bar food and family-friendly. After my lovely spa we decided to grab lunch on the patio. Here’s a look at their menu and restaurant.

360 Grille

A super cool restaurant at the Marriott Shoals is the 360 Grille. This local popular “MUST-VISIT” restaurant is a complete dining experience.

It is called the 360 because, well, that’s what you do for about an hour you travel in a circle with aerial views of the Tennessee River and the Shoals.

We have only dined at night during sunset or dark and it is a magical experience. Not to mention the food is wonderful.

There is a bit of a price tag, so be prepared to spend a little bit. $$$ It is still worth the experience.

Also: RESERVATIONS Book up QUICKLY, the further out you book, the better!

We enjoyed the Wedge Salad with Lardons, Crab Cake Appetizer, Strip Steak with Asparagus and Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Pappardelle pasta with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella

It was a wonderful night!

Exceptional Service

I have worked in and around the hospitality industry for over 20 years and one of the tell-tale signs that a place does things well is keeping its staff. The cool thing about this Marriott is many of the employees have been here for a really long time. If you work in this industry, you know that is not always the case. So that tells me they must be doing things pretty right, to keep their employees so long.

Romance Package

If you are visiting the Hotel and Spa for a romantic weekend, you might consider the Romance Package, which included chocolate-covered strawberries and a bottle of Champagne. We were pleasantly surprised that this was being offered. Sweet and tasty!

COVID CLEAN

Along with the exceptional service at this Hotel and Spa you will notice how clean everything is, post-COVID this definitely gave us peace of mind. In common spaces, they are encouraging mask-wearing, (although in the State of Alabama it is not required at this time, they are leaving it to the businesses) most people were considerate of this practice, especially in the elevators.

We had the most amazing weekend in North Alabama in the Shoals. After the COVID year we have all had, if you need a weekend away, I hope you consider it. If you need inspiration for a break locally or traveling through Alabama, well, here you go AND I haven’t even written about the golf yet, that will have to wait for another blog!

Americas