TL;DR

Location: Downtown Birmingham, Alabama, in a historic 1912 skyscraper
Exclusivity: Only six suites under the John Hand Club
Vibe: Business-casual, posh, and very selective atmosphere
Guest type: Best for those who enjoy formal, refined surroundings
Luxury: Exclusive, lush experience for those who fit the style
Check prices here

This Downtown Birmingham boutique hotel is hidden away on a few floors of a locally very famous building.

It’s easy to miss its six suites just underneath the indubitably posh John Hand Club, which takes up the top floor of the stunning 1912 skyscraper.

We’ll be honest, it’s definitely a vibe that you’ll want to buy into. The club requires all guests stay business-casual on the upper floor; there’s no way you’ll be enjoying the hotel amenities in your comforts.

If you like the idea of hobnobbing in your pumps and most crisp linen button-ups in your free time, you’ll have everything you need.

For individual travelers, it might take a certain type to really enjoy. There are restrictions on the space that aren’t exactly out of line, but not along the lines of most other hotels.

If that type is you, however, it’s a place to spend an exclusive, lush vacation.

What are the rooms like?

Number of rooms: 6 suites
Design: WASPy grays and whites with orchids, cushy armchairs, and dark metal accents
Themes: Each suite represents a notable Birmingham locale
Amenities: King Suites, marble bathrooms, separate living areas, TVs, and high-quality furnishings
See each room in detail here

Rooms are six suites, decked out in the finest of slightly-WASPy grays and whites.

There are orchids, cushy armchairs, dark metal and very little color.

We’d say this hotel really gets the fancy side of things, but not a lot of the fun.

If you like that, and know how to bring the fun yourself, or just aren’t that fussed about fun being in your hotel room, you’ll be fine.

If you like a little whimsy, this ain’t it.

Each suite is themed after a notable Birmingham locale, which is nice, though the decor doesn’t change significantly.

The furnishing quality is unsurprisingly excellent.

They’re all King Suites, with gorgeous marble bathrooms, separate living areas, TVs, and most everything you’d expect from a hotel room.

It’s no apart-hotel, but we feel it checks all the boxes and gets you right to the top of one of the city’s loveliest buildings.

What are prices like?

Check prices here

And what’s the food like? Any facilities we should know about?

Dining: John Hand Club on top floor with iconic space and views
Access: Hotel guests can attend private cocktail hour but respect club privacy otherwise
Vibe: Elegant, airy space with soft natural colors and delicate seating

The main draw is presumably the John Hand Club, which takes up the top floor of the building.

It is an iconic space, decorated to the nines, and with views to die for.

The decor here has a bit more zhuzh than the hotel rooms, the seating more delicate, and there’s a bit more color to give it some personality.

It’s an airy space with plenty of windows, a soft palette of natural colors that are unobtrusive yet charming.

Hotel guests have access to the club for the private cocktail hour, starting in the afternoon.

They’re asked to respect the space and privacy of club members at all other times.

There are not really any special privileges for hotel guests.

For us, it doesn’t sound like the relaxed vacation vibes we’d prefer. But, we think a certain section of tourists would enjoy a little look-see into such an exclusive space.

How is the neighborhood? Anything interesting nearby?

Transport: Train station nearby, easy walking access to downtown attractions
Culture: Museum of Art, Linn Park, Boutwell Auditorium, Civil Rights Institute, Kelly Ingram Park
University: UAB campus within 15-minute walk
Nature: Vulcan Trail 10 minutes, Oak Mountain 20 minutes by car

You’re right next to the train station here with easy access to transportation. Many of the Birmingham’s top attractions are walking distance.

For the cultured folk, you’ll find the Museum of Art a 15-minute walk away, near Linn Park and the Boutwell Auditorium.

History buffs can head to the Civil Rights Institute in just 20 minutes, near Kelly Ingram Park and its many civil rights monuments.

On the way there, you’ll hit a few other event spaces and the Science Center.

The University Campus is also going to be walking distance, for anyone on UAB business.

It’ll take around 15 minutes to get to the edge of campus.

Outdoorsy types will probably want wheels, but there are plenty of natural places nearby.

Vulcan Trail is a 10-minute drive from the hotel.

Oak Mountain takes more like 20 minutes, but has a nice area around with horse barns, farms, campgrounds and a golf club.

And what about the reviews? What did other guests think?

Some things guests liked:

“Great stay so close to dinner and the concert we were attending. Would highly recommend if you are going to a show at the Alabama Theatre or the Lyric….”

“Our suite was comfortable in every way (bed, shower, living room, common area). My wife and I loved our stay and wished every hotel was so nice. Also, the staff was uniformly helpful and gracious….”

Read all the reviews right here