Office of Professional & Continuing Education

Road Scholar Site Information: Grand National (Auburn/Opelika Area)

We are delighted that you have chosen to participate in an Auburn University sponsored Road Scholar program at the Robert Trent Jones Grand National Golf Course in Auburn/Opelika, Alabama!

Lodging Information

Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel & Conference Center at Grand National
3700 Robert Trent Jones Trail
Opelika, Alabama 36801 USA

›Phone: 1-334-741-9292
›Fax: 1-334-741-9733
›Sales: 1-334-737-2232
›Sales fax: 1-334-741-9733
›Toll-free: 1-800-593-6456

PROGRAM ON-SITE REGISTRATION AND CHECK-OUT

Hotel Check-in/Check-out:

Hotel check-in time is at 4:00 p.m. If a vacant room is available, however, you may be able to check in at an earlier time.
Hotel check-out time is 12:00 p.m. (Most programs conclude after breakfast and a short class/activity on the last day).
To arrange to stay the night before the program, or to stay an extra night at the Road Scholar rate, please call: Reservations @ 1-800-593-6456. Identify yourself as being part of the Road Scholar program. If there are rooms available, they should honor your request. Call well in advance since during special events (eg: varsity sport competitions, etc.) rooms may be in great demand.

ABOUT THE AU HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTER AND PARKING

Hotel and Room Amenities:

Hotel provides: Daily linen service, internet access (pay for service), remote controlled television, in-room coffee, iron/board, hair dryer, fitness room, and a lovely lounge where we can gather in the evenings.
The hotel is located on the main street of a quaint college town, directly across from the university library.
University performances or sports competitions are often available for Road Scholar participants to enjoy.

Parking at hotel and on campus:

There is no charge to park at the hotel.
There is limited handicapped parking on campus. Participants must have their own handicapped tag, and then Auburn University will issue a temporary guest parking pass that is valid on campus.
Depending on the program, participants should plan for up to a 3-5 block walk to classes and/or meals. AU is a "walking campus."

Meals Information

Meal choices:

Most meals are eaten either in the hotel or at a campus dining hall with a “food court” arrangement. Meal times vary slightly according to the needs of the instructional component. Depending on the program, one or two meals may be eaten at local restaurants.
There is usually a wide selection of foods at all eating places. If we have a pre-selected plated meal, a vegetarian choice can be requested. Indicate that desire on the medical form you return to us.

Travel Information

*Note: Auburn, AL is on CENTRAL time and Atlanta, GA is on EASTERN time.*

TRAVELING BY AIR

We recommend that you to fly to Atlanta Hartsfield Airport in Atlanta, GA.
A commercial shuttle, Express85, provides service between AUHCC and that Atlanta airport. A tentative shuttle schedule is available at the Express85 website, but it is suggested that you call well in-advance to confirm schedule of shuttle and prices.
Phone: (334) 887-8595 or toll-free: 888-238-7738

TRAVELING BY CAR

Participants arriving by car via I-85, from Atlanta or Montgomery, should use Exit 51 (in Alabama) off of I-85. Proceed north (toward town) on U.S. Highway 29/College Street. The hotel is located about 4 miles from the interstate and is on the right side of the street.

Participants traveling south on Highway 280 from Birmingham, AL should take Highway 147 South (North College Street) toward town. The hotel is located about 5 miles from Hwy 280 and is on the left side of the street.

Participants traveling north on Highway 280 from Columbus, GA, should exit to I-85 South (towards Montgomery and Auburn), then take Exit 51 (in Alabama) off of I-85. Proceed north on US Highway 29/College Street. The hotel is located about 4 miles from the interstate and is located on the right side of the street.

Click here for Climate Information

Month	Average High	Average Low	Mean	Average Precipitation
January	55◦ F	34◦ F	45◦ F	5.32 in.
February	60◦ F	37◦ F	49◦ F	4.88 in.
March	67◦ F	44◦ F	56◦ F	6.49 in.
April	74◦ F	51◦ F	63◦ F	4.30 in.
May	81◦ F	60◦ F	71◦ F	3.68 in.
June	88◦ F	67◦ F	77◦ F	3.96 in.
July	90◦ F	70◦ F	80◦ F	5.73 in.
August	89◦ F	69◦ F	79◦ F	3.04 in.
September	85◦ F	65◦ F	75◦ F	3.70 in.
October	75◦ F	54◦ F	64◦ F	2.71 in.
November	66◦ F	45◦ F	56◦ F	4.29 in.
December	58◦ F	37◦ F	47◦ F	4.53 in.

What to Bring

Clothing that can be layered in case the heat or the air-conditioning systems are activated
Depending on the specific season, bringing a coat, rain gear and umbrella can be a good idea
Comfortable walking shoes (for optional morning walks and walking to class)
Work-out clothes if you want to use hotel fitness facility
Hat, visor, sun screen for our Southern sunshine
Notebook or note paper in case you want to take notes
Flashlight (for emergency use)
Camera, memory devices for digital cameras, batteries and/or battery charger
Toiletries and medications
Some participants like to "dress-up" a bit for the final night, but it is not necessary
Any props you might need if you decide to share something with the group (eg: musical instrument, poem, etc.)
Credit card: You will be asked to provide a credit card when registering at the hotel to cover any incidental expenses you may have, such as telephone calls, room service, etc.

General Information

Classes and Activities:

Most classes will be conducted in university buildings that are in close proximity to the dining facilities.
Typically, there will be either a morning or an afternoon block of time which will remain unscheduled in order for you to have the chance to see a bit of the area on your own or as part of an optional group outing.
Most programs conclude after breakfast and a short class/activity on the final day. This allows participants to get a relatively early start on travel.

Last Updated: Feb. 10, 2011