Hotels in Birmingham, Alabama

Birmingham Introduction

The history of the Civil Rights movement underpins the rich heritage of Birmingham. Martin Luther King, Jr. composed his famous ‘Letter from Birmingham Jail’ while imprisoned for his part in the Birmingham anti-segregation campaign, and his open letter changed the course of history with its impassioned assault on the controversial Jim Crow laws. Today the city revels in the friendly multiculturalism that epitomizes 21st-century Southern hospitality. The capital of Jefferson County has much to offer today’s carefree vacationer, from a diverse art scene to fabulous cuisine, and its fascinating civil rights roots are celebrated in many of the city’s cultural institutions.

Hotels in Birmingham

Hotels in Birmingham reflect the diversity of the city’s visitors, comprising every kind of accommodation from trusted budget chains to historic inns offering bespoke personal service. Start your day with a home-cooked breakfast in a friendly B&B, or opt for the flexibility of a self-catering studio. Modern inns typically provide indoor or outdoor pools, restaurants, and free WiFi, while heritage landmarks offer the chance to surround yourself with antiques and original artworks. If you’re arriving in your own mode of transport, choose one of the Birmingham hotels that provide onsite parking so you can leave your car in total safety while you explore on public transportation or on foot.

Where to stay

Hotels in Birmingham are spread widely through the city, so no matter where you stay you’ll be well placed to make the most of the sights and the cultural life. If your taste veers towards history and heritage, base yourself downtown to absorb the special ambience of this storied neighborhood. For a one-of-a-kind experience, stay in the Hotel Highland Downtown UAB, a favorite Birmingham landmark dating back to the 1930s. Travelers on a budget will find a good choice of cheap Birmingham hotels around the airport, which is conveniently close to the city center. Many hotels offer shuttles to and from the terminal and into downtown.

Things to see

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute charts the city’s pivotal role in the fight against segregation through a series of galleries following the changing fortunes of black and white communities in Alabama from the late 1800s to the present day. The Movement Gallery offers an in-depth analysis of the Civil Rights movement during the late 1950s and 60s, while the inspiring Processional Gallery portrays life-size figures on the ’walk to freedom’ that began in Birmingham Jail. A different side of Birmingham heritage is chronicled in the Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark, a dramatic reminder of the importance of the iron and steel industry to the city’s prosperity. Birmingham’s vibrant cultural life is another good reason to visit, with many prestigious venues. If you only have time for one, make it the Carver Performing Arts Center, housed in a historic theater that is now the home of the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.

How to get to Birmingham

Birmingham is served by Interstate Highways 20, 65, 59, and 22, offering a wide choice of connections with the major cities of the South. The Elton B. Stephens Expressway begins in Birmingham and links the city with Homewood to the south. Busy Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport serves a large number of domestic routes operated by major national carriers, along with a wide variety of onward international connections. Public travel in Birmingham is provided by the Birmingham–Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA), which runs bus, trolley, and paratransit services, as well as shuttles between the airport and downtown.