If you are looking for a Five Star hotel experience and Michelin Star dining, you won't find it located in any of Alabama's major cities, but you will find it on The Plains. With a hospitality program that supports the hotel and culinary labs based in the building, The Laurel Hotel and Spa is redefining what Southern hospitality means.
The Laurel is the first of its kind, anywhere in the world, luxury teaching hotel for the Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management at Auburn University. This luxury teaching environment provides unique opportunities for guests, students and team to make memories in every aspect of hospitality. When choosing The Laurel, you are supporting the next generation of hoteliers, restaurateurs, and chefs in gaining real-world experience in unmatched surroundings.
In the most basic application, laurel is an aromatic herb used in cooking. In the tradition of ancient scholars, the laurel is also used in the academic world to show stature and importance. Together, these concepts were the inspiration for The Laurel, where high end hospitality meets scholastic achievement.
The moment you pull up to The Laurel you are greeted with smiles and attention. And then you enter the lobby. The attention to detail is not missed in any aspect of the design, from the spacious well designed hallways to the guest rooms with fine linens, marble bathrooms, and bar cart where you can make your own cocktails or mocktails. A state of the art sound system in the room and alarm system that turn on the lights and draw the drapes, are touches that make this hotel all the more opulent.
The perfect spot for dining al fresco or simply enjoying a drink before dinner is Walt’s On The Roof. Overlooking the Auburn skyline amid gorgeous herb and produce gardens, Walt’s offers creative cocktails, small bites, and poolside relaxation. The pool is designed like something you would find in LA or New York, but instead of city lights on the horizon you see college halls and buildings. Cabanas line the pool creating the perfect hideaway above the town.
The hotel's restaurant 1856 is white tablecloth dining comparable to what you would find in the South of France, New York or Los Angeles. The 1856 Culinary Residence features an al a carte lunch menu with a tasting menu at dinner, all executed by the Chef in Residence Joel Antunes, a Michelin star chef originally from France. Dinner is offered with a wine pairing or cocktail or mocktail pairing. Serving dishes like Hawaiian Ono with pickled striped baby beets, Diver Scallop with English pea risotto, and Duck Breast with gnocchi, seven courses in, it is hard to remember you are in a college town in rural Alabama.
Before you retire for the night, enjoy tea, a night cap or just a stroll on the rooftop overlooking Samford Hall and the Auburn nighttime sky.
In the morning a lush breakfast buffet at The Library is a must, or stop by Thrive Here for a cup of freshly brewed coffee and bites. Thrive Here offers students an immersive experience in coffee making from bean to cup.
Another stop is Hey Day Market, named after one of the school’s traditions. Choose from a tasty variety of food from around the world at this multi-concept food hall that is full of energy. From Malaysian street noodles and a burger bar to rustic pizzas and fresh salads, Hey Day Market offers something for everyone to enjoy.
Make sure to book an appointment prior to your visit at The Laurel Spa. From natural skincare and opulent massage treatments to fitness and meditation, there are many reasons this should be part of your experience at The Laurel. Step into this holistic spa experience with treatment rooms and spaces, like the Eucalyptus Steam Room, designed for your wellbeing. The Live Oak massage is a deeply restorative service rooted in Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Air Bathing), this Japanese tradition promotes the health benefits of focused, contemplative time in forest, increasing immune function, reducing stress, and lowering blood pressure. Perhaps a must before Game Day.
While you are at The Laurel make sure to take a peek into the culinary labs on first floor, these state of the art educational rooms are bringing epicurean innovation to Alabama and are a must see.
After one trip you will be planning your next visit so that you can relive this 5 star level experience again and again. And when you depart this exceptional hotel and culinary destination, you will be so proud of the work that is going into the hospitality industry in our state.