From its Civil Rights legacy and industrial roots to its vibrant cultural scene and buzzing nightlife, there is so much to love about Birmingham. As the largest city in Alabama, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to things to eat, see, and do in this truly unique Southern city!

Playing a pivotal role in the fight for Civil Rights, no trip to Birmingham is complete without stopping off at the city’s most important Civil Rights landmarks. If you want to delve deeper, you’ll want to spend some time exploring the Civil Rights District and Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. 

From world-class art and science museums to bustling university campuses to nature-filled green spaces, Birmingham has something for everyone. Once you work up an appetite, you can fill up on some of the country’s best barbecue, pulled pork, and fried chicken, or you can opt for one of downtown’s many trendy farm-to-table eateries, which serve up innovative takes on classic Southern fare. And, once the sun sets, you’ll have a range of boozy breweries, chic rooftop lounges, and swanky cocktail bars to choose from!

After a long day, you’ll want a nice hotel to come home to. You’ll find all sorts of revamped historic hotels, luxurious boutique hotels, and family-friendly all-suite retreats scattered around town. So many, in fact, that you might have a hard time choosing the perfect one. So we’ve created a list of the 12 best hotels in Birmingham to help you plan your perfect getaway!

Don’t forget to check out our web story: The 12 Best Boutique Hotels in Birmingham, Alabama

Where to Stay in Birmingham, Alabama

If this is your first trip to Birmingham, you can’t go wrong by choosing a hotel in the heart of downtown. You’ll find a range of renovated historic hotels and newly-built modern hotels in this part of town. Plus, you’ll be able to walk to the city’s best bars, restaurants, galleries, and attractions. 

Located a mile from the city center, the Five Points South neighborhood is another popular place to stay. With its proximity to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, this is a no-brainer if you’re planning to visit campus. 

If you’d prefer to be away from the hustle and bustle of the city center, the residential neighborhood of Homewood is a great alternative. Not only are there tons of upscale hotels in this part of town, but it’s home to all of the hiking and biking trails of Red Mountain Park. The Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Birmingham Zoo are both just a short drive from this affluent part of town. 

Another nature-filled alternative is the Mountain Brook neighborhood. If you choose a hotel in this part of Birmingham, you’ll have easy access to the Botanical Gardens, and downtown is an easy 20-minute drive away. From shopping to dining, there’s plenty to do in this beautiful part of Birmingham!

The 12 Best Boutique Hotels in Birmingham

1. Valley Hotel Homewood

Located in the heart of downtown Homewood, Valley Hotel is set right across the way from the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and the Birmingham Zoo. Plus, downtown Birmingham is an easy 10-minute drive away.

You can fuel up for the day with breakfast at the on-site Bistro Cafe or end the evening by dining on elevated comfort food at the hotel’s Ironwood restaurant. This upscale hotel also boasts a fully outfitted gym and a business center in case you need to keep up with your routine during your stay. 

The contemporary rooms feature ultra-plush Serenity Beds with pillow-top mattress pads and down comforters, 55-inch flat-screen TVs, comfy chaise lounges, and designated workstations. The complimentary high-speed internet, luxe toiletries, and mini-fridges are nice added touches. 

If you want more space, the 750-square-foot Cumberland Suite is well worth the splurge for its separate living room and bedroom, luxurious ensuite, and furnished terrace. Plus, you’ll love the stylish mid-century modern look!

2. Elyton Hotel

If you’re looking for a luxurious hotel right in the heart of the financial and entertainment district, Elyton Hotel is one of the best hotels in Birmingham. Step outside, and all of Birmingham’s best bars, restaurants, and galleries are just a short stroll away!

Housed in a stunning 1909 building, this Four Diamond hotel is the epitome of luxury and style. Plus, they offer a pampering Pet Program in case you plan to travel with your furry friend. 

One of the coolest things about the Elyton Hotel is its rooftop lounge, Moon Shine. Perched on the 16th story, this is the place to go if you want to mingle over craft cocktails and small plates while taking in sweeping city views. 

A hotel for foodies, Elyton is also home to The Yard, which serves outstanding global cuisine. Explore the hotel, and you’ll also find a fully outfitted fitness center and business center.

Each of the 111 boutique rooms is outfitted with plush pillow-top beds, modern artwork, and retro decor. Plus, you’ll love the free Malin+Goetz bath products, the smart mini-refrigerators, and the in-room coffee makers.

3. The Redmont Hotel

Redmont Hotel opened its doors in 1925 and still stands proud as the oldest-running hotel in Birmingham! This is the perfect pick if you want to be able to walk to the Theater District and major attractions, including the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, the Birmingham Museum of Art, and the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.

The contemporary rooms are the perfect place to rest up after a long day of sightseeing in Birmingham. You’ll love the comfy beds, ergonomic workstations, and 40-inch HDTVs. You can also brew your morning coffee with the in-room coffee maker or get refreshed with the designer toiletries. 

If you’re in town for a special occasion, the stylish suites feature 500 square feet of space, separate living rooms, and handy kitchenettes.

One of the standout features of Redmont Hotel is that it’s home to The Roof, the highest rooftop bar in all of Alabama! For more substantial meals, you can also dine at the hotel’s excellent restaurant, Harvest.

4. Hotel Indigo

Located in the Five Points South District – just a stone’s throw from the University of Alabama – Hotel Indigo is easily one of the coolest hotels in Birmingham. The 1930s building was originally designed to house medical offices and is set across from what was once the first apothecary in Birmingham!

Expect to find all sorts of cool throwbacks to the building’s history throughout the hotel. But rest assured, the rooms and amenities are all refreshingly modern and up-to-date.

You’ll love the impeccably decorated rooms, which boast eclectic decor and artwork, 49-inch flat-screen TVs, and modern ensuites with rainfall showers. Upgrade to a one-bedroom suite, and you’ll get a lavish living room and a beautiful bedroom, as well as extras like Keurig coffee makers.  

If you’re hungry, Rx Lounge features an excellent menu of Southern favorites. Think crab cake sandwiches, Gulf shrimp and locally sourced grits, and artisanal Alabama cheese plates. Don’t worry if you overindulge – there’s a hotel gym where you can work off all those extra calories!

5. Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook

Whether you’re in town for work or play, the Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook is the perfect pick. With so many excellent amenities, you’ll have everything you need for a relaxing stay. Plus, this luxury boutique hotel is set right on the edge of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

You can spend your days getting pampered in the hotel’s Poseidon Spa, swimming laps in the outdoor pool, or getting some work done in the business center. Once you work up an appetite, head up to the rooftop restaurant and bar, Habitat Feed & Social, which serves up refined farm-to-table cuisine and handcrafted cocktails. Time your visit right and you can even take cooking classes with the restaurant’s talented chefs! 

At the end of an action-packed day, you’ll love unwinding in the whimsically decorated rooms. All rooms are outfitted with colorful decor, pillow-top beds with down pillows, and marble bathrooms with walk-in showers. If you’re feeling lazy in the morning, you can even order room service and enjoy a leisurely breakfast in bed!

6. Aloft Birmingham Soho Square

If you’re looking to stay in a cool Birmingham hotel, look no further than Aloft. Nestled in the Homewood neighborhood, downtown Birmingham is a quick 10-minute drive from this hip boutique hotel and just a stone’s throw from the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Birmingham Zoo. 

When you’re not out on the town, you can spend your time taking a dip in the indoor pool, working up a sweat in the 24-hour fitness center, or sipping craft drinks and listening to live music at W XYZ Bar. There is also a trendy snack bar, where you can pick up healthy goodies, gourmet grab-and-go meals, and make-your-own cappuccinos 24 hours a day.

The pet-friendly rooms boast plush platform beds, bright and breezy decor, and designated workstations. If you don’t mind spending a little bit more, it’s well worth upgrading to one of the corner rooms, which feature private balconies overlooking the Soho Square area and a bunch of much-appreciated extra space. 

7. The Westin Birmingham

If you’re in town on business and are looking for a modern hotel in the heart of the city, you can’t go wrong with The Westin. Plus, it’s connected to the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Center, which makes it the perfect pick if you’re attending an event or conference during your stay.

The Westin offers every amenity you could possibly need. You can spend your time swimming laps in the heated rooftop pool, keeping up with your workout routine in the fully outfitted gym, and catching up on your emails in the business center. 

When hunger strikes, be sure to pay a visit to the hotel’s restaurant, Todd English P.U.B., for creative takes on classic pub fare. The Westin also boasts an on-site convenience store, so you can pick up snacks and drinks and bring them back to your room.

You’ll love relaxing in your contemporary room after a long day on the town. All rooms feature signature Heavenly Beds, ergonomic workstations, and large smart TVs. Plus, the iPod docking stations, in-room coffee makers, and complimentary high-speed internet are thoughtful additions. 

8. Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Birmingham

Hilton Garden Inn is yet another modern hotel set in the heart of downtown. Plus, you’ll be just across the way from the Railroad Park Foundation green space, one block from minor league baseball at Regions Field, and five blocks from the University of Alabama campus. 

With so much to see and do in the area, you probably won’t spend much time at the hotel. But you’ll find plenty of cool hotel amenities if you do end up spending a lazy day at Hilton Garden. 

Explore the property, and you’ll find an outdoor pool, a fitness center, a 24-hour convenience store, a business center, and coin-operated laundry facilities. Plus, the hotel’s restaurant, Garden Grille & Bar, is a great place to grab breakfast or dinner if you don’t feel like going out.

With plush Suite Dreams Serta beds, ergonomic workstations, and 42-inch flat-screens, you’ll have everything you need for a comfortable and relaxing stay. If you want more space or are planning on an extended stay, it’s well worth upgrading to one of the suites, which boasts a separate bedroom and living room, as well as a kitchenette.

9. Homewood Suites 

Tucked away in the Five Points South District, this all-suite hotel is an excellent option if you’re looking for your home away from home in Birmingham. Plus, the rooms are pet-friendly in case you plan on bringing your furry friend with you!

You’ll love all of the freebies, including the area shuttle, evening socials (Monday through Thursday), and daily hot breakfasts. Explore the hotel, and you’ll also find an indoor pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and coin-operated laundry facilities.

Perfect for solo travelers and families, the standard Studio Suites are outfitted with comfy beds, queen-size sofa sleepers, and designated workstations. Plus, you’ll have a fully equipped kitchen, complete with a full-size refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, twin burner stove, and all the utensils you could possibly need. If you want more space or privacy, you can always opt for the ultra-spacious One-Bedroom Suite.

10. Courtyard by Marriott Birmingham Homewood

Located in Homewood, Courtyard by Marriott is a newly renovated hotel, so you can expect everything to be new, modern, and top-of-the-line. Plus, you’ll have access to all the amenities you could possibly need to have a relaxing and productive trip to Birmingham.

You’ll love working out in the 24-hour fitness center, which is outfitted with cardio machines, free weights, and yoga mats. You can also get some exercise or simply lounge around the outdoor pool. 

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head over to The Bistro for farm fresh breakfasts and dinners. The hotel also boasts an on-site Starbucks for your daily caffeine fix!

Once you’re ready to unwind, you’ll love the bright and airy guest rooms. Each room is thoughtfully outfitted with stylish mid-century decor, comfy beds and sofas, and 40-inch flat-screens with premium movie channels. Plus, you’ll love the coffee makers, mini-fridges, and Paul Mitchell bath products. 

11. Hyatt Place Birmingham Inverness

Located in the residential Inverness neighborhood, Hyatt Place Birmingham is an easy 20-minute drive to the heart of downtown. Plus, you’ll have easy access to local attractions like the Barber Motorsports Park, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Talladega Superspeedway, and the Birmingham Zoo.

You can fuel up for the day with the hotel’s complimentary breakfast, which includes healthy grab-and-go options or a buffet spread at the Breakfast Bar. If you want to enjoy a light dinner at the hotel in the evening, The Bar serves up regionally inspired sharable plates and premium cocktails. Among other amenities, the hotel also boasts a fully outfitted gym, an outdoor pool, and a business center.

Once you’re ready to retire to your room, you’ll appreciate the plush Hyatt Grand Bed, designated workstation, and deluxe ensuite with KenetMD bath products. Plus, the single-serve coffee makers and mini-fridges are handy extra features. 

12. Hampton Inn & Suites Birmingham

Hampton Inn & Suites is one of the best hotels in Birmingham if you want to be able to walk to downtown’s best attractions. The Birmingham Museum of Art, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, and McWane Science Center are all just blocks away. If that’s not enough, you’ll be surrounded by some of the city’s best bars, restaurants, and nightlife venues. 

The elegant and traditionally decorated rooms are the perfect reprieve after a long day spent sightseeing. You’ll love the custom-designed Hampton beds, mahogany writing desks, cozy sitting areas, and 40-inch HDTVs. Rooms also boast free Wi-Fi, in-room coffee makers, and luxe ensuites with WaterPik showerheads. 

After a good night’s sleep, you can wake up and enjoy the hotel’s free hot breakfast. Or, if you’re in a rush, you can grab a breakfast bag (on weekdays). Explore the hotel, and you’ll also find a fitness center, convenience store, an upscale restaurant and bar, a barbershop, and a business center.

That completes our list of the 12 best Birmingham hotels! Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in Birmingham? Comment below so we can add them to the list!

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