This is a post that is finally making it out of the drafts folders onto the blog. It’s been a long time coming! With that, I welcome to The Laurel Hotel & Spa, an marvelous destination where hospitality, education, and elevated service come together in flawless fashion. From the moment you set foot in the lobby, you can look forward to a premium hotel experience in every facet of your stay. With a location just steps from Auburn University and the city’s charming downtown, The Laurel is perfect for visiting parents, Auburn athletics fans, or anyone exploring one of the American South’s most beloved small cities. In fact, it ranks on my personal short list of top three hotels ever! What makes The Laurel so unique is that it’s also a teaching hotel for Auburn’s School of Hospitality Management, blending impeccable service with an educational mission.
When you book with me, a $100 resort credit is automatically applied to your account. On top of that, I just truly appreciate you! I love sharing one of my favorite spots with you. ✨ Plus, enjoy early check-in and late check-out, based on availability.
Arrival & Check-In
From the moment you arrive at the porte cochere, you’re greeted with a warm, Southern hospitality. Guests wait in the arrival lobby until a concierge escorts them upstairs to the library, where check-in is completed over a glass of bubbles. This exclusive concierge level experience replaces the traditional counter with a personal interaction, including a guided room tour, a full review of hotel amenities, valet parking, and baggage service.
Discover The Laurel Hotel & Spa, Auburn, Alabama’s premier luxury hotel that seamlessly blends Southern charm, elevated service, and immersive learning. Just steps from Auburn University and the city’s vibrant downtown, The Laurel offers sumptuous rooms, world-class dining, rooftop views, and a full array of amenities- from a rooftop pool to a holistic spa. Whether you’re visiting for a game day, a campus tour, or a relaxing getaway, The Laurel provides an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind experience.
Rooms & Suites
The Laurel’s 26 spacious accommodations – 16 luxurious rooms and 10 suites – combine comfort with thoughtful, modern design. Rooms feature smart technology like automatic lighting, curtains, and sound systems. Want to wake up to filtered light through your sheer curtain? No problem! Lying in bed and wish to dim the lights? Just the touch of the ipad is needed.
Bathrooms offer double sink vanities, soaking tubs, rain showers, and Bulgari amenities.
Guests will appreciate thoughtful touches such as refillable water bottles, house-made bath salts and pillow sprays, an in room honor bar, and even honey from Auburn Bees, part of the university’s College of Agriculture. Simply put, these are some of the most sumptuous, well-appointed rooms you’ll ever enjoy.
Dining Experiences
The Library Lounge serves as the living room of The Laurel. Located on the sixth floor, this understated yet elegant space offers stunning views of Samford Hall and inclusive meals. Complimentary breakfasts in the morning, light lunches in the afternoon, and aperitivo hours allow guests to relax and soak in the atmosphere. After-dinner chocolates and other house made sweets make the perfect before bed treat. Room service is available 24 hours a day.
Walt’s On The Roof is the most elevated rooftop experience in Auburn. This lush urban garden and lounge space offers breathtaking sunset views of Samford Hall and the Auburn campus. Guests can enjoy cocktails and snacks while experiencing firsthand the herbs, flowers, and garnishes grown by culinary and hospitality students – ingredients that appear in dishes across Walt’s, the Library, and 1856. If you’re anything like me, you won’t be able to resist having your pup printed on your margarita!
1856 Culinary Residence is the crown jewel of The Laurel dining experience. Often described as the world’s finest teaching restaurant, it offers a unique and elevated dining experience where education meets experiential cuisine. Here, students craft innovative, seasonal dishes under the guidance of professional chefs, providing a culinary journey that’s both educational and indulgent. Honey and I absolutely love this treat and look forward to a date night here for weeks in advance!
For more casual bites or local flavor, guests can also explore Hey Day Market for food hall delights, New Realm Brewing for craft beers, or Thrive Farmers Coffee Roastery & Café for fresh, artisanal coffee. These offerings provide a true taste of Auburn’s local culinary scene. You will be wowed by all that these students are accomplishing!
Resort Amenities
Featuring a rooftop swimming pool, premium cabanas, and over 4,000 square feet of edible gardens supplying ingredients for 1856 Culinary Residence and other on-site dining, The Laurel Hotel & Spa is designed for relaxation. The rooftop pool offers panoramic views of Auburn University, while the adjacent spa and fitness center provide spaces for indulgent self care. Guests can enjoy vigorous workouts, steam rooms, massages, or quiet reflection in the salt room.
Off-site, the city offers experiences that complement your stay:
- Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center – Attend a show or concert at this stunning nearby theater.
- Auburn University Athletics – Join 100,000 fellow fans for a football game or other athletic events.
- Downtown Auburn – Explore restaurants, shops, pubs, and more, just a short stroll from the hotel.
The Spa
The Laurel Spa is a little slice of Southern heaven. I’ve visited on both of our stays and each time was relaxing and restorative.
The Laurel Hotel & Spa is more than just a hotel. It’s an immersive experience in comfort, learning, and Southern charm. Whether you’re staying for a weekend, a move in, or a longer visit to Auburn, this teaching hotel delivers thoughtful luxury, elevated dining, and personalized service that make every moment memorable. I simply cannot wait to be back!
Let’s Travel and My Services
As a Premier Level Advisor with Glass Slipper Concierge, I’m proud to be recognized for delivering the highest level of service, expertise, and personalized care in the industry. I leverage my personal connections and firsthand knowledge to design bespoke vacations for the most discerning travelers. Travel is an investment, and I’m here to ensure you receive the very best value for your time and money. Whether you’re celebrating a major milestone or simply seeking a well-deserved escape, it’s an honor to be part of the memories you’re making.
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