If you happen to visit the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa these days, you’d be hard pressed to find any sign Hurricane Katrina pounded the hotel with winds and damaging waves less than two years ago. In fact, according to hotel officials, longtime guests have returned in abundance, and the hotel’s associates are making new friends every day.

Nonetheless, it couldn’t hurt that one of the most prestigious financial Web sites, MarketWatch.com (a Dow Jones brand), recently featured the resort at the top of a list of “five memorable vacations that don’t cost a fortune.”

Financial writer Jennifer Openshaw penned, “Not wild about big Florida resorts? I say skip them and go for a dose of Southern charm on Mobile Bay along the Alabama Gulf Coast. Recently reopened after a $50 million post-Katrina restoration, the one-time rehab facility for wounded Confederate soldiers is a great place for summer activities — or to relax.

“Fish from the pier with already-baited bamboo poles, whack a croquet ball around on the large croquet field or borrow a bicycle and check out the Civil War cemetery. Or check out the Robert Trent Jones golf course across the street.

“The Grand is especially suited for families with children. Kids will love the pool and large waterslide, and there's plenty of beach area. Now operated by Marriott Hotels, summertime rates at The Grand Hotel start at about $250/night.”

Kent Blackinton, Grand resident manager, said he and others at the resort are thrilled she feels that way.

“It’s outstanding for the Grand,” he said. “We’ve always felt internally that we’re one of the greatest destinations out there, and it’s always nice to be recognized publicly.”

The hotel officially reopened Nov. 1 after the extensive renovation was complete, although a portion of the hotel not as badly damaged had already opened earlier last year. Since then, it’s been business as usual, attending to the needs of guests.

Blackinton said, “We’ve had many of the returning families, especially this summer. Our older associates are back, welcoming familiar faces.”

Longtime associate Chester Hunt is gone now as is Bucky Miller, however, but others such as Hilbert Locke and Al Agee are continuing the Grand tradition in their absence. Blackinton said with them in place, it still feels like home.

Subtle changes have been made, according to Blackinton. He said, “The most notable change is that we have upgraded the grounds and facilities. There are more flowers everywhere. Other changes are less notable. We’ve upgrades a lot of things, but as you come through the front gate, you won’t notice them all. That’s the beauty of the thing.”

Blackinton said travel writers and other journalists visit the hotel from time to time, and most have good things to say about their experience.

Openshaw is the author of The Millionaire Zone and CEO of Openshaw’s Family Financial Network. She also hosts ABC Radio’s “Winning Advice” and serves as an adviser to some of America’s top corporations.

The MarketWatch.com piece is one of many feathers in the Grand’s cap. The story was also posted on FoxNews.com and other sites that subscribe to MarketWatch content.

Blackinton said Grand associates are currently busy preparing for the upcoming Independence Day celebration.

“Our holidays at the Grand are always special events. There are six holidays each year we observe with special attractions and games as well as music.”

He said July 4th will be marked this year with special entertainment and fireworks for hotel guests and Lakewood Golf Club members.

And, in case you’re wondering, the remaining four destinations noted in Openshaw’s Web piece (in order) were: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, California; The Empress Hotel, Victoria, British Columbia ; Great Basin National Park, Nevada; and Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo, Mexico.