Hampton Inn & Suites Birmingham Downtown – The Tutwiler

A historic landmark hotel that dates back to 1914, this mid-range hotel from the Hampton Inn chain occupies an elegant brown brick building studded with white paned windows. Many guests are charmed by the historic nature of the place. Interiors are polished, with classic decor and some original details like marble floors and decorative ceiling moldings. Grandiose touches, like the lobby's chandelier and grand piano, are a step above typical chain fare. All of the property's public spaces are tastefully decorated -- some in a refined, traditional style that recalls another era. Elegant sitting rooms with fireplaces and chandeliers are furnished with velvet seating, antique pieces, and gilt-framed paintings and mirrors on the walls. The hotel's restaurant takes a more modern turn with exposed brick walls and orange chairs flanking sleek wooden tables. The downtown location means it's suitable for business travelers and leisure guests alike.

The hotel is situated in downtown Birmingham, a convenient area close that's filled with dining options and shops. The property sits across the street from Linn Park, while the Birmingham Museum of Art is a block away. Other area attractions include the BJCC Concert Hall (seven-minute walk), the McWane Science Center (10-minute walk), and the Alabama Theatre (11-minute walk). The Birmingham Zoo and the Vulcan Park and Museum can both be reached in about 10 minutes by car. The University of Alabama at Birmingham is about a five-minute drive from the hotel and Samford University is 16 minutes away. Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is around a 10-minute drive from the hotel.

Rooms are fairly spacious and tastefully furnished in a traditional style, that though chainlike, is pleasant. Olive green accent walls are a nice touch in a sea of beige and brown hues, as are the white paned windows that let in plenty of natural light as well as framed black-and-white photos adorning the walls. Dark wood furniture includes nightstands, desks, and dressers, plus all rooms have armchairs. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi, but rooms lack mini-fridges and safes. Suites have separate living rooms with sofas as well as extras like mini-fridges and microwaves, plus some have lovely balconies. Bathrooms are a bit small and could use some updates. For instance, walk-in showers have older fixtures. Neutrogena toiletries and wall-mounted hairdryers are provided. 

A handful of features add value to a stay here. A free hot breakfast buffet is served in a pleasant dining room, plus to-go breakfast bags are available. Free tea and coffee is available in the lobby 24/7, and there's a small shop on-site that sells snacks, drinks, and sundries. The hotel has a full restaurant and bar that serves lunch and dinner in a pleasant, contemporary setting.

The on-site fitness room, though not very big, offers a handful of Precor cardio machines as well as free weights and medicine balls. Business travelers are catered to with 8000-square-feet (743-square-meters) of meeting and event space, plus there's a business center with computers and a printer. Wi-Fi is free throughout. Valet parking is available for a fee, and the hotel offers free area and airport shuttle service.