The Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa hosts many weddings and major events — you’ll immediately see why when you pull up to the grand hotel, which resembles a castle. Inside, you’ll be charmed by its convenient amenities and services, including several onsite restaurants, an outdoor pool complex with the ever-important waterslide and, as the name suggests, a spa.

The resort also offers an 18-hole golf course, voted one of the country’s best by Golf Digest.

The Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa is situated in the small community of Ross Bridge, which dubs itself as a “classic American resort town.” The neighborhood consists of similarly-designed family homes and a strip of businesses (a restaurant, nail salon, gym, etc.), with the Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa as the pièce de résistance.

The hotel’s location on the outskirts of Birmingham, Alabama, means it’s removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. It also means it’s a decent distance away — you’ll drive 30 minutes or so to get to most attractions, as well as the airport. We’d rather stay closer to the action, but the choice is yours.

All guestrooms are simple, yet modern in décor and amenities. Each guestroom is equipped with one king or two queen beds. Cribs and rollaway beds are available; fees may apply. All guestrooms feature balconies; the only difference is that some face the pool, while others offer resort views (woods, Ross Bridge neighborhood).

In-room amenities include mini-fridges, coffeemakers, work desks, flat-screen TVs and in the bathrooms, both showers and tubs. Bathrooms are especially spacious -- a perk we love!

Swimming Pool
The hotel offers a beautiful pool complex with a small waterslide. The pools are surrounded by chaise loungers, tables and chairs. It's the ultimate place to relax after a morning spent exploring Birmingham!

The hotel offers five onsite dining options, three of which are kid-friendly.

The Clubhouse Restaurant
The Clubhouse Restaurant is the hotel's casual, full-service dining option for families. Here, you'll find everything from burgers to full entrees, plus a kids' menu. It's open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The Coffee Shop
Visit the coffee shop for your morning (or afternoon) pick-me-up, along with pastries, parfaits, sandwiches and salads to go.

Room Service
Don't feel like leaving the room for your next meal? Order room service via The Clubhouse Restaurant. It's available for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

All About the Extras
Wi-Fi
Basic Wi-Fi is available for $9.95 per day; it works well, though it's spotty at times. You can upgrade to faster service at a higher rate. Cellphone reception can also be spotty; we had to leave our guestroom to make phone calls during our visit.

Parking
Both valet and self-parking are available.

Fitness Center
The resort offers a small fitness center with cardio machines, strength-training equipment and free weights. Water and towels are available. The gym is open 24 hours.

The Art of Smart Timing
The hotel is busy year-round, playing host to weddings, corporate events and the community members of Ross Bridge, who frequent the restaurants, spa and golf course. Visit in the early spring or late fall for the best weather and rates.

Getting There
The hotel is about 30 minutes from Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport. It's located on the outskirts of Birmingham; some even consider the resort to be located in Hoover, Alabama, instead of Birmingham (though it has a Birmingham address).

Getting Around
While this hotel's location is quiet, it's also 20 to 30 minutes from most attractions, meaning there could be a lot of driving and back and forth during your visit. Our best advice is to pick one or two attractions to visit in a day and then head back to the hotel.

For Mom and Dad
The Spa at Ross Bridge
Treat yourselves to a relaxing couples' massage, or select individual treatments; options include body scrubs, body wraps, traditional massages, manicures and pedicures, waxing and more. Appointments are required; call 205-949-3041.

Golf
Voted one of the top golf courses in America by Golf Digest, the resort's golf course offers 18 holes. Golf lessons and programs are available for everyone, kids included.

Dining
Want to grab a nightcap and bite to eat? Head to JT's Lounge. If you're looking to enjoy a romantic dinner onsite, head to Brock's Restaurant for delicious Mediterranean fare.