Hotel in Florence, Alabama Attracts Golfers With Access to Award-Winning Courses

FLORENCE, AL--(Marketwired - Dec 17, 2013) - There's something to be said about word of mouth, especially when that word is circulating among the mouths of industry experts. Case in point is the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, which has lately been garnering copious attention and accolades. From magazines to television shows, it seems everyone is talking about this 26-course trail throughout Alabama. And the Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa is ideally poised to get golfers in on the action.

The Golf Channel's travel expert Matt Ginella is among those enamored by the RTJ Trail. He recently named it the No. 2 Best Budget Buddy Trip in the country, just behind Northern Michigan. Yet, the RTJ Trail offers year-round playability, unlike the seasonally snowy Michigan, and that gives travelers an extra incentive to head south.

GOLF Magazine was of a similar opinion. Its January 2014 issue will reveal that the RTJ Trail is a great value as it highlights four Best Trips. And in its January 2014 issue, Golf Digest will also name 10 RTJ Trail sites in its Readers' Top 36 Buddies Destinations. Among these, the Northern Trail locations, which showcase Muscle Shoals, came in at No. 23.

Whether they're exploring weekend getaways from Memphis or week-long retreats from across the country, golfers are increasingly turning their attention to Alabama. Among the available Robert Trent Jones golf packages, the Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa will offer a savings of $105 on golf packages in January.

Another way golfers can enjoy wintertime savings is with the RTJ Trail Card. Available for just $35 through www.rtjgolf.com, it provides discounts on golf for the rest of 2013 and throughout 2014.

Travelers who are as eager to relax as to compete on their golfing trips may also consider the Spa Trail Card, which retails for $50 and extends discounts and extra amenities at all five Alabama spas within the RTJ Resort Collection. Foremost among these properties is the Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa whose 6,000-square-foot European spa offers in-suite and couple's massages, along with a full range of spa services, to recharge guests for another round on the links.

But its location and spa aren't the only ways this property stands out from other hotels near Wilson Lake. In November 2013, ConventionSouth readers identified the Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa as one of the 18 Top Golf Resorts. After all, with modern guest rooms, 19 gracious meeting rooms, a breathtaking location in the Tennessee River Valley and, of course, access to some of the best golf in the country, it's no wonder people can't stop talking about this dynamic hotel.

About the Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa
From live music to unparalleled golf experiences, the Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa is uniquely devoted to creating memorable experiences. Guests encounter the best of Southern hospitality in the 199 guest rooms and suites with private balconies that overlook the Tennessee River, down comforters, deep tubs and a range of upgraded amenities. These individual sanctuaries, along with a 6,000-square-foot European spa, are ideal for recharging so that guests can engage in the hotel's abundant recreational opportunities. Two Robert Trent Jones championship golf courses are just minutes away, while a fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, splash pad and waterslide appeal to adults and families alike. Meals are unforgettable both at 360 Grille, a revolving fine-dining venue that affords 360-degree views, and at Swampers Bar and Grille where local musicians share the spotlight with the Southern fare. With so much excitement, and with 30,000 square feet of flexible indoor event space (not to mention the acres of outdoor space), business guests are just as likely to have an amazing time as those on vacation at this one-of-a-kind destination.