Elena Mallia 
If you are planning your trip to Birmingham, good choice! The so-called “Magic City” or “Pittsburgh of the South”, is the largest city in Alabama and has a lot to offer, even if sometimes overlooked by tourists for some more popular destinations!
Since not many people know about Birmingham, Alabama (not to be confused with Birmingham, England), it’s quite hard to find information online about the best neighborhoods in the city. Picking the best places to stay can really make a difference in your holiday!
For this reason, I decided to help you by writing this guide to the best areas where to stay in Birmingham, including some great hotel options for different budgets, and a bonus with some pet-friendly properties… so everyone will be satisfied.
The best place to stay in Birmingham is Downtown Birmingham If you want to have access to most of the city’s tourist attractions, while Five Points South is perfect for those traveling on a budget, and the area near Birmingham Botanical Gardens is for families.
Well, now it’s time to start discovering them all. But remember to book your favorite Birmingham, Alabama hotel in advance so you can secure a spot, and maybe also take advantage of some good deals! Ready?
Let’s go!
Contents
If you are in a hurry
Do you need to book now? Then check out this quick list of the best hotels to stay in Birmingham, AL, divided by price range:
Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:
Here’s a map to show you where the 3 best areas to stay in Birmingham, Alabama, are located:
- Downtown Birmingham : for first-timers
- Five Points South : for budget travelers
- Zoo & Botanical Gardens area : for families
1. Downtown Birmingham – where to stay for first timers
If it’s your first time in Birmingham and you want to have a real feel of the city, Downtown Birmingham is what you are looking for, being right in the heart of everything!
The area hosts a wide range of restaurants offering delicious international cuisine, bars to enjoy the nightlife, cafes, shopping venues, historic buildings, and hotels, but most importantly, the best touristic attractions of the city (all close to each other)!
From historical attractions like the 16th Street Baptist Church to incredible museums such as the Birmingham museum of art and the Civil Right Institute, or the famous Alabama Jazz Hall Of Fame, in Birmingham city center, there’s something for any taste!
But downtown Birmingham also has a lot to offer in terms of arts and culture with its countless theaters and arenas, offering live shows almost every night… it really has it all!
Other pluses? The area is only 10 minutes drive from the Birmingham Shuttlesworth International Airport and is home to the largest variety of accommodation… Let’s check out the best hotels to stay in Birmingham city center:
Elyton Hotel, Autograph Collection
If you want to splurge a little, check out Elyton Hotel, one of the best luxury hotels to stay in Birmingham! Here you’ll have access to private parking, a delicious restaurant on site, a fitness center, and a bar where you can finish your day with a good cocktail. And just wait until you see the rooms, they all come with room service, a private bathroom, air conditioning, a seating area, and free wifi… so you really have everything you need here!
Other options in Downtown Birmingham
Check out this great mid-range option in Downtown Birmingham, offering free wifi & private parking
If you are on a budget, check out this affordable option to stay in Birmingham, with an outdoor swimming pool
You will love this luxury loft with sweeping views of the city center, within walking distance of good restaurants and nightlife
Things to do in Downtown Birmingham
- Join a civil rights tour to visit the main landmarks in Birmingham
- Discover the dark side of Birmingham on this ghost-walking tour
- Gaze at the paintings and sculptures of the Birmingham museum of art
- Learn about the state at the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame
- Stroll around the Kelly Ingram Park historic landmark
- See 1,200+ motorcycles and cars at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
- Appreciate Jazz music at the Alabama Jazz Hall Of Fame
- Learn about the civil rights battle at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
2. Five Points South – where to stay in Birmingham on a budget
Another neighborhood with a lot to offer but at way lower prices than Downtown Birmingham is Five Points South, the perfect place to stay in Birmingham if you are traveling on a budget!
Located at a 10-minute drive south of Downtown, the area hosts one of the city’s main highlights, the University Of Alabama Birmingham. It not only offers students 140 different study programs but it is one of the largest academic medical centers in the whole US!
So expect to find a very youthful and vibrant vibe in the whole area, with students all around and many restaurants and bars!
But the university is not the only attraction in Five Points South, here you’ll have access to many other cool places like the Alabama Adventure Amusement Park, and Vulcan Park and Museum, offering many cool trails to explore.
Does it sound like the place for you? Then check out the following hotels, and make sure you book them in advance!
This luxury accommodation in Birmingham, Alabama has a convenient location a few steps away from the UAB hospital and the University of Alabama Birmingham. Get ready to start your day with the best breakfast, relax during your free time at the outdoor pool (or get in shape at the fitness center), and end the night with a delicious dinner at the on-site restaurant. Here you’ll also have access to free Wi-Fi, private parking, room service, and even a business center, perfect for business travelers!
Other accommodation options in Five Points South
This amazing hotel to stay in Birmingham offers a seasonal outdoor pool, a fitness center, and free wifi
Check out one of the cheapest hotels to stay in Birmingham, located near the Vulcan Park and Museum
Located in the heart of the Southside, this cozy home is perfect for families, couples or remote business travelers
Things to do in Five Points South
- Discover Birmingham’s historical highlights with a guide
- Check out the trails and museum of the Vulcan Park and Museum
- Get some adrenaline at the Alabama Adventure Amusement Park
- Attend a game of one of the university sports teams!
3. Birmingham Zoo & Botanical Gardens Area – best for families
If you are going to Birmingham for a family vacation, there are no better and safest neighborhoods in Birmingham surrounding the Birmingham Zoo and Botanical Gardens, two attractions that your kids will love (both located south of Five Point South).
The Birmingham Botanical Gardens is home to the various species of exotic plants and colorful types of birds, plus nice benches and swings where you can take a break…. And the best bit? There’s no entrance fee (but they do ask for donations)!
Right next to the botanical gardens, you will find the famous Birmingham Zoo, featuring animals from all over the world and many activities like close encounters and animal feedings!
And if you love nature, you can spend one or more days exploring the incredible Oak Mountain State Park, offering hiking trails, equine facilities, kayak/paddle boards, camping, and even a wildlife center… the perfect place to take a break from the city!
If you like the idea of doing some activities surrounded by nature then I recommend you check out the best places to stay in Breckenridge or Vail, two Colorado getaways for great skiing and hiking!
Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook
This boutique hotel is definitely one of the best places to stay in Birmingham, offering all you need for a holiday full of comforts! The property gives you access to an outdoor pool, a full-service spa where you can enjoy full relaxation, and a cool 2,800-square-foot art gallery. Here you can also join different activities like workouts at the fitness center to cooking classes in the on-site professional kitchen… How cool is that?
Other options in the Zoo and Botanical Gardens area
Another great option to stay in Birmingham, offers family rooms, a restaurant, private parking, and a fitness center
Feel at home in this great guest house to stay in Birmingham, close to the best restaurants and bars
This condo offers amazing views of the city skyline and the perfect combo of comfort and luxury!
Things to do in Zoo and Botanical Gardens area
- See most various exotic plants at Birmingham Botanical Gardens
- Bring the family to the Birmingham Zoo
- Spend a day nestled in nature at Oak Mountain State Park
- Go shopping in the upscale Mountain Brook area
- Have fun with your family visiting 7 family attractions in Birmingham!
| 👑 Luxury price: | $300 |
| 💵 Mid Range: | $200 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | $150 |
| 🏠 Airbnb: | $200 |
| 💰 Hotel prices: | Medium |
| 📍 Best area: | Downtown |
| 👪 Best area for families: | Near the Zoo & Botanical Gardens |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Elyton Hotel |
| 💵 Best mid-range hotel: | The Kelly Birmingham |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Home2 Suites By Hilton |
BONUS: best part of Birmingham to stay with your dog
Are you planning on going to Birmingham, Alabama, with your 4 legged friends and worried that you won’t find any pet-friendly hotels?
Good news! There are actually many accommodation options accepting dogs in the city, so you can definitely bring them on holiday with you!
Here you find a quick list of the best pet-friendly hotels to stay in Birmingham, Alabama. I divided them by price range, so there’s something for any budget… check them out:
- Luxury: Courtyard by Marriott Birmingham Homewood – this luxury hotel is the perfect place to stay in Birmingham with your pet if you are looking for a great location. The property is a short drive from Downtown Birmingham and the city’s best tourist attractions, like the Oak Mountain State Park. The rooms are also great, with floor-to-ceiling windows, a private bathroom, and a work desk.
- Mid Range: Aloft Birmingham Soho Square – Located in Birmingham, Alabama, this hotel not only offers spacious and pet-friendly rooms, but also an outdoor swimming pool and 3 on-site restaurants to choose from! And if that wasn’t all, here you will have access to a fitness center, a business center, a games room, a gift shop, and meeting facilities… What else do you need?
- Budget: Residence Inn by Marriott Birmingham Downtown UAB – Are you traveling on a budget with your four-legged friend? Then check out this motel in Birmingham, located just a few minutes away from the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport. I am sure you will love the delicious hot breakfast served every morning, the outdoor pool, and the fully equipped rooms!
FAQs about hotels in Birmingham, Alabama
📍 Which is the best area to stay in Birmingham, Alabama?
The best area to stay in Birmingham, Alabama, is downtown Birmingham, offering many accommodation options like the luxury Elyton Hotel or Home2 Suites By Hilton if you want to stay on a budget!
🟢 Is it safe to stay in Birmingham Downtown?
Yes, it is safe to stay in Birmingham downtown, which has a lower crime rate than other suburbs of the city like Balsall Heath, Sparkbrook, Moseley, and Hockley.
👍 Is Birmingham, Alabama worth the visit?
Absolutely yes, Birmingham (also called the Magic city) is the largest city in Alabama and offers many attractions for tourists like the Birmingham Civil Right Institute, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, and the Alabama Jazz Hall Of Fame.
🐕 Which is the best place to stay in Birmingham, Alabama, with a dog?
The best places to stay in Birmingham, Alabama, with a dog are the luxury Courtyard by Marriott Birmingham or the affordable Residence Inn by Marriott Birmingham Downtown UAB, located just a few minutes away from Birmingham Shuttlesworth International Airport.
⚠️ What are some areas to avoid in Birmingham, AL?
While you should worry much about your safety when visiting Birmingham, it’s advisable to avoid areas like North Avondale and Ensley.
Conclusion
Here we are at the end of this travel guide about the best places to stay in Birmingham, Alabama, also known as the Magic City.
We saw the three best areas for any taste, each one offering accommodation options for different budgets from luxury to more affordable hotels, and even some pet-friendly properties!
I am sure you will find the perfect option for your travel needs here, but if you are still undecided about where to stay in Birmingham, here are my 2 favorite hotels, with great value for the price and location:
- Elyton Hotel, Autograph Collection – one of the best luxury hotels to stay in Birmingham, offering a delicious restaurant on site, a fitness center, and a bar
- The Kelly Birmingham – a great mid-range hotel conveniently located in Downtown Birmingham, offering free wifi and private parking
See something you like? Then book it right now, so you can secure yourself a spot in Birmingham and maybe find some good deals!
I hope you enjoyed my guide as much as I did writing it for you, and I invite you to share your question or doubts in the comments below… if you have any!
Have a great stay!
Elena
Pin it for later!
Pin it for later!
