Birmingham's BEST Downtown Hotel? (UAB Near) - Residence Inn Review!
Residence Inn Birmingham Downtown at UAB: A Mostly Glorious, Sometimes Flustered, Honest Review
Okay, let's get real about Birmingham hotels, especially when you're aiming for that sweet spot near UAB. You need convenience, comfort, and (let's be honest) maybe a little something extra when you're not feeling so hot. And folks, the Residence Inn Birmingham Downtown at UAB? It's… mostly a win. But, like any human experience, it comes with its quirks. Buckle up, buttercups, because this is going to be a wild ride.
Accessibility: The Good, The Okay, and the "Hmm…"
Right off the bat, they hit the accessibility nail on the head, mostly. I’m talking Wheelchair accessible, which is HUGE. Elevators are easy to find, and navigating the common areas is surprisingly effortless. Facilities for disabled guests, they’ve done a solid job there, really. I saw ramps, wide doorways, all that jazz. It's reassuring, especially if you are needing this aspect, which is awesome because not every downtown hotel has it together.
Now, for the "Hmm" part: While they say everything is accessible, make sure to double-check the specifics of your specific needs when booking. Sometimes "accessible" can be a bit… vague. Call ahead, ask about the room, the bathroom, everything! Prevention is better than wishing you had asked beforehand, right?
Cleanliness and Safety: Breathing (Relatively) Easy
Listen, in this day and age, cleanliness is KING. And the Residence Inn mostly delivers. Shoutout to the Anti-viral cleaning products and the Professional-grade sanitizing services. I saw the staff being diligent. Rooms sanitized between stays felt like a big exhale of relief.
However… and here's a personal anecdote… I arrived on a Friday afternoon, a bit frazzled after a long drive (traffic in Birmingham is a special kind of beast, isn’t it?). I walked into my room, and while it looked clean at first glance, I swear I saw a rogue hair on the bathroom counter. ONE. HAIR. Now, I'm not a germophobe, but for a split second, I flashed back to that episode of "Monk." My brain started buzzing after this (and I'm not saying this is bad, it's just part of the review), I grabbed the Hand sanitizer (which, thankfully, they had readily available everywhere – good job on that!), and did a thorough sweep. It was fine, really, but that little hair… it lingered in my memory.
Other good things: Daily disinfection in common areas, Staff trained in safety protocol – those put my mind at ease. I also appreciated the Room sanitization opt-out available, giving you the power to decide what works best for you. The Cashless payment service was a nice touch, too, avoiding all the fumbling for change.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Buffet of Choices (and Occasional Disappointments)
Okay, let's talk food, because that's important. Especially when you're a weary traveler or a stressed-out student, you're relying on what they've got. The Breakfast [buffet] is the classic Residence Inn move. It’s… adequate. Think your standard scrambled eggs, bacon (sometimes crispy, sometimes… well, not), and the usual suspects. They also have Vegetarian restaurant options, some Asian breakfast choices, and sometimes Western breakfast, a mix.
The real disappointment? My experience with the A la carte in restaurant was not great. They weren't very open. There were Restaurants, but availability often felt limited, depending on the day and time. One night I tried to get a quick bite and was told the kitchen was closed. That's rough when you're stuck downtown and hungry! The Poolside bar looked inviting (more on that later), but if it's not open you're out of luck. Room service [24-hour]? I didn’t use it, but it's nice to know it's there. The Snack bar is only okay. Don’t get your hopes up.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
This is where the Residence Inn shines. The Air conditioning in public area is a lifesaver in the Alabama heat. The Daily housekeeping is a godsend, especially if you're a bit of a slob like me. The Concierge was helpful (though I didn't need them much). The Convenience store is stocked with the essentials.
But here's a really cool thing: the Car park [free of charge]. Seriously? In downtown Birmingham? That’s gold, folks! A major win. Airport transfer is available. The Elevator is fast and efficient, the Luggage storage is convenient.
The Internet situation deserves its own paragraph. Internet access – wireless and Wi-Fi [free] are standard, but there was a noticeable lag at times. I did notice Internet access – LAN as well, but if you're like me, I didn't use it. I'm all about that wireless life, and it was mostly good, just a few hiccups.
For the Kids: A Mixed Bag
I didn’t travel with kids, but I noticed some things. Family/child friendly is true, but not outstanding. There’s a Babysitting service (good to have!), but I would want to look at the details and reviews before committing. The Kids facilities seemed okay but unremarkable.
Things to Do: Relax, Recharge, and Maybe Get a Massage?
Now, to the good stuff. The Swimming pool [outdoor] is fantastic. And it has a Pool with view! It's the perfect spot to unwind after a long day. I spent a couple of hours just floating and letting my worries melt away. Pure bliss.
They also have a Fitness center and a Gym/fitness, though I didn’t venture in (shame on me!).
If you're feeling fancy, they advertise a Spa/sauna. I didn't see that in action. I am not sure if these features were truly available, or just something they are planning.
The Room Itself: Your Personal Fortress (with a Few Quirks)
My room was spacious, clean (mostly!), and comfortable. Non-smoking rooms are a must, and they delivered. The Air conditioning worked like a charm. The Bed was comfy (important!), and the Blackout curtains were a dream for sleeping in. I'm an Ironing facilities person and there was one there! The Mini bar was there, always handy, and there was free Free bottled water. The Refrigerator was also appreciated.
But… and there's always a but… the Soundproofing wasn't perfect. I could hear some noise from the hallway at times. The Bathroom was nice (separate shower/bathtub!), but the water pressure in the shower? Let's just say it could have been stronger.
Quirky Observations and Rambles:
- The lobby had a weird smell one day. Not a bad smell, just… a smell. Couldn't quite place it. Maybe it was the cleaning products?
- The elevator music was delightfully forgettable. It's a talent, really.
- I did not take advantage of the Bottle of water, but it was nice to have it available.
- The Coffee/tea maker in the room saved my life. Seriously.
- I kept looking at the Breakfast in room option, but I never actually did it.
- The Happy hour advertised in the evenings was closed for a bit.
Final Verdict: Mostly Wonderful (and Definitely Worth It)
The Residence Inn Birmingham Downtown at UAB is a solid choice, especially for the price. It's clean, convenient, and offers a lot of amenities. Yes, there are a few quirks, a few imperfections (like the rogue hair), and some areas where they could improve (dining!). But overall, it's a comfortable and enjoyable place to stay.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely! Especially if you need to be near UAB. Just be prepared to double-check the details, bring your own earplugs (just in case!), and maybe pack your own breakfast just in case. And most of all, enjoy that pool! It's a real stress reliever.
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average travel itinerary. This is more of a, "Me, Myself, and I vs. Birmingham, Alabama" survival guide, complete with questionable decisions, spontaneous ramen cravings, and the distinct possibility of me accidentally wandering into a gospel brunch. We're doing this my way. And by "my," I mean, the way I'm sure I'll remember it later, through a hazy mix of caffeine, questionable food choices, and the sheer, unadulterated joy of being alone. (Mostly.)
Hotel: Residence Inn by Marriott Birmingham Downtown at UAB (My temporary prison of comfort!)
Day 1: Arrival and the Quest for Caffeine (and Maybe Not Getting Murdered)
1:00 PM: Land in BHM. Ugh, airports. Always a sensory overload – the screech of rolling suitcases, the desperate sighs of delayed passengers, and the unsettlingly high-pitched hum of fluorescent lights. I swear they’re designed to drain your soul. Anyway, finally out of the airport, into my rental car (pray for me, I haven't driven in a month), and onto the road. Google Maps promises a smooth 20-minute jaunt. Google Maps, how can I love you and hate you at the same time?
1:30 PM: Arrive at the Residence Inn. Check-in. Oh God, the front desk person is so chipper. It's unsettling. I need coffee. Stat. This place smells suspiciously like chlorine and fresh linen. A potent combo. My room: surprisingly spacious. Bonus points for a full kitchen - I shall be cooking absolutely nothing in it, but the fridge is nice.
2:00 PM: Coffee acquisition mission. Seriously, a caffeine crisis. I consult Yelp. "Red Cat Coffee House" seems promising. Armed with a GPS and a prayer, I head out. Birmingham traffic is…well, it's not New York traffic, but it's still a thing.
2:30 PM: Victory? Yes! Red Cat is a godsend. The espresso is perfect, the atmosphere is chill, and I see a dog wearing a tiny bandana. My heart briefly melts. I grab a pastry. Because, you know, balance.
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Wander around the UAB campus. I feel weird doing that. I'm not a student! The building is so cool, the architecture is beautiful. I feel like I'm in a movie! It's oddly comforting, even though I have no clue what's going on. I start to question my life decisions – and whether I packed enough socks. (Spoiler alert: no, I didn’t.)
6:00 PM: Dinner. Okay, this is where things get dicey. I'm starving, but the thought of a fancy, sit-down restaurant fills me with dread. I'm craving something… simple. I end up at a BBQ joint. I knew this was a bad idea, I'm a vegetarian. But the sides looked good, and I'm weak. The mac and cheese? Divine. The rest? Well. Let's just say I may have eaten a rogue piece of chicken. Regret follows.
7:30 PM: Back to the hotel. Collapse onto the giant bed. Watch a cheesy romantic comedy on TV. Fall asleep. Honestly, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little terrified of the dark.
Day 2: Culture Shock and the Sweetest Temptation (and Emotional Breakdown over a Piece of Bread)
8:00 AM: Wake up. The "free breakfast" at the hotel is a real mixed bag. I'm talking questionable scrambled eggs and processed sausage. But there are waffles! Waffles!!! I have three. Don't judge.
9:00 AM: Head to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. I’ll be honest, this is the one thing on my itinerary that I'm dreading and looking forward to equally. I feel the weight of history here. It's powerful, sobering, and absolutely necessary. I'm… overcome. I honestly don't know what to say. My reaction? A quiet, lingering, overwhelming sadness. The stories… they're real, raw, and they hit you in the gut. This part's important, so I'm just going to soak it in.
12:00 PM: Lunch. I'm so emotionally drained from the Civil Rights Institute that I need something easy. I find myself just wandering around. I stumble upon a bakery, the smell of fresh bread is like a siren's call. I buy a baguette. I eat it. I cry. Not because of the bread, per se, but because of everything else. The bread just happens to be a convenient vessel for my tears.
1:00 PM: Attempt at art appreciation at the Birmingham Museum of Art. It’s…fine. Lots of stuff I don’t understand. But then I find a sculpture that speaks to me! It’s a giant, oddly beautiful, abstract thing that makes me feel…something. Relief.
3:00 PM: Driving around - trying to find the real Birmingham. I end up in this neighborhood, and this amazing place! It's like a little secret garden of cute houses, quirky shops, and smiling people. I spend ages just browsing. I buy a ridiculous piece of jewelry that I'll probably never wear. No regrets!
6:00 PM: This evening, I've got a hankering for some local cuisine. I was recommended to try "Automatic Seafood and Oysters" - a highly acclaimed restaurant. I order and I'm in love and out of money by the time I leave.
8:00 PM: Realize I'm completely exhausted and need to go home.
9:00 PM: Back at the hotel. I swear, I'm almost starting to like this place. I start a new book. I fall asleep almost instantly, a very happy person.
Day 3: Farewell, Birmingham (and Praying My Car Doesn't Break Down)
8:00 AM: Waffle time, again! I'm starting to feel… territorial about these waffles.
9:00 AM: Check out of the hotel. Leaving. That’s it. Heading home. I am already sad.
9:30 AM: One last errand: I drive through a local farmer’s market. I buy some fruit and some weird, locally produced honey. I'm attempting to be a sophisticated tourist now.
10:00 AM: Okay, the GPS says the airport is 20 minutes away. Time to gamble with the Birmingham traffic once more. Wish my car luck.
10:45 AM: The airport. Ugh. The endless lines. I swear, half these people are trying to smuggle weapons of mass cuteness (like fluffy puppies or overly adorable babies). Security is a joke.
11:00 AM: Sitting at my gate, waiting to board. Already planning my next solo adventure! The memories I made are the best feeling!
1:00 PM: Take off. Birmingham fades behind. I look back, and think, “okay, I actually did it, I can actually do anything!”
Flight: Write everything down on paper.
Post-Trip Reflections (because I'm sure I'll forget everything else):
- Food: Amazing but also slightly terrifying. Seriously, the mac and cheese, I'll hunt down the recipe!
- People: So friendly! Everyone was incredibly kind and helpful.
- Overall Vibe: Birmingham is a city of grit and resilience. A place that leaves a mark. A place that makes you think…and eat way too many waffles.
- Would I go back? Absolutely. Next time, I'm bringing more socks, a better sense of direction, and maybe… a travel buddy? Nah. Probably not.
Okay, Spill the Tea: Is the Residence Inn Birmingham Downtown Near UAB REALLY THAT Good? (And is it actually near UAB?)
Alright, alright, settle down, future Birmingham dwellers! Let's be real for a sec. "Best" is subjective, like your taste in Netflix shows. But... yeah, the Residence Inn downtown? It's pretty darn solid. And when I say "near UAB," I mean, like, a quick Uber hop, a brisk walk if you're feeling ambitious (and the Alabama humidity hasn't melted your face off), or a cheap ride on the UAB shuttle. So, yes, it's conveniently located for UAB-related shenanigans.
My friend, Sarah, stayed there during her med school interviews. She's ridiculously picky, you know, the type who sends back perfectly good coffee. But even SHE was impressed. Said the free breakfast actually had edible options, and the beds were comfy enough she didn't wake up grumpy (a rarity, believe me!). That's a win in my book.
Let's Talk Rooms: Are They Cluttered Little Shoeboxes or Decent Spaces?
Okay, the rooms. They aren't palatial estates, let's be honest. Expect a functional space, not Versailles. But, they're generally well-designed. The Residence Inn brand tends to focus on space and functionality. You'll have a decent size, especially if you snag a suite. They're usually clean (a HUGE plus, I'm a cleanliness freak), with a little kitchenette situation, a comfy seating area, and a separate sleeping area—which is amazing for when you need to study or just decompress after a long day.
BUT! There's a but! Remember that time my suitcase exploded mid-flight? Things were all over the hotel room, I was struggling, seriously. But honestly, with my suitcase bursting open like a disgruntled piñata, I could barely keep my bearings. Not the hotel's fault, of course, but an example of how you might need to use the space. So consider what you need!
My only beef? Sometimes, the AC can be a bit of a beast. Either freezing you out or not doing anything at all. Pack a sweater, people!
That Free Breakfast Everyone Keeps Talking About... Is It Actually Edible? (Because Let's Be Real, Hotel Breakfasts Can Be a Disaster.)
Oh, the breakfast! The holy grail of hotel stays! This is where the Residence Inn typically shines. It's not going to win any Michelin stars, obviously. But they usually have a decent spread. Eggs, bacon (sometimes, bless them!), waffles, cereal, yogurt, fruit... it's enough to fuel your UAB adventures.
Honestly? I've eaten worse. Much worse. Like, "airport diner at 5 AM" levels of bad. I’m more of a coffee person, so I was happy there was enough caffeine to keep me going! Plus, convenience is key. You're saving money and time by not having to hunt down a breakfast spot.
Just a heads-up: Go early, especially on weekends. The lines can get long, and that waffle machine... it's a hot commodity!
Is the Location Actually Convenient? Like, Besides UAB, Is There Anything Else Cool Around?
Convenience is the name of the game! Yes, UAB is close, but there's more to Birmingham than just the hospital! Downtown's a walkable distance (again, weather permitting!), with restaurants, bars, and a few cultural spots. Railroad Park is beautiful. I always try to walk there when I visit, it's so peaceful.
I will say, you might need to drive or Uber to some of the trendier areas, like Avondale or Pepper Place. But, honestly, the convenience of being near UAB, plus the decent amenities, makes this a solid choice.
Parking: A Hotel's Biggest Downfall? (Tell Me It's Not a Nightmare!)
Okay, parking. Let's address the elephant in the room. Downtown parking in any city can be a pain, right? I'd be lying if I told you it was free and easy. The hotel has its own parking, so you'll be paying a fee. But, it's usually pretty secure and (relatively) easy to access.
Be prepared for some slight added cost and to mentally prepare yourself for the parking situation, but it's manageable. If you plan on UBERing everywhere, you are golden.
Service: Are the Staff Annoyingly Fake, or Actually Helpful?
This is where the Residence Inn usually does a pretty good job! The staff at this hotel is usually helpful, friendly, and, most importantly, NOT annoyingly fake. They work hard to make your stay comfortable, and that is the most important thing.
I once had a minor issue with my room (nothing major, just a wonky lightbulb). They sent someone up immediately to fix it! Seriously, fantastic!
The Pool: Is It a Tranquil Oasis or a Chlorine-Filled Nightmare?
Okay, full disclosure: I'm NOT a pool person! But I've walked past it, and it looked… okay. It's not huge, but decent for a quick dip or some relaxation. It's indoors, which is great for those scorching Birmingham days. I wouldn't book a hotel solely based on the pool, BUT if I am trying to relax I would.
Overall: The Verdict? Would You Recommend It?
Alright, final judgement! Yes, I would recommend the Residence Inn Birmingham Downtown. It's not perfect. The AC might be bipolar, and parking will cost you. But for the combination of location, cleanliness, a decent breakfast, and pretty decent service, it's a solid choice, especially for those visiting UAB.
Just go in with realistic expectations, pack a sweater, and embrace the Birmingham charm. And definitely try the BBQ!
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