Staycation Guide: Boutique hotels in Birmingham + itineraries for each

From a global pandemic to important social movements, we could all use a break and change of scenery. Odds are most summer vacation plans have been altered. Luckily, Birmingham’s a great place to be for a staycation. Check out these boutique and other local hotels for some inspiration. I’ve even included a little itinerary for each location just for you.

Elyton Hotel

Description: 4-star hotel in the city center at 1928 1st Ave North

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Great for: Travelers who want a taste of luxury and the opportunity to explore all that downtown Birmingham has to offer.

What to do: Start the day with breakfast at The Yard, Elyton’s in-house restaurant. Take a stroll through Birmingham’s Theatre District, Loft District and down Morris Avenue. Bring a camera because there are a ton of murals that’ll catch your eye. End the night with a few drinks and killer views of the city at Elyton’s rooftop bar.

Room rates: $199+ per night

Grand Bohemian Hotel

Description: A 4-star hotel in Mountain Brook at 2655 Lane Park Road

Great for: Those looking for a whimsical getaway to get your mind off the fact that you should’ve been in Europe right now.

What to do: Take some time to sleep in and order room service. No one’s rushing you on your staycation. Across the street is the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and the Birmingham Zoo. The hardest decision of the day is which one you’ll do first.

Later in the afternoon, treat yo’ self with some shopping at the boutiques in Lane Parke. End the night with dinner at the hotel’s rooftop farm-to-table restaurant, Habitat Feed & Social.

Room rates: $249+ per night

Redmont Hotel

Description: 3-star hotel in downtown Birmingham at 2101 5th Ave North and oldest-running hotel in the city

Great for: Kicking back, relaxing and living the “suite” life for a quick, low-key escape

What to do: Start the day off with some breakfast in bed. Once you gain the will to get moving, head over to the Birmingham Civil Rights District for a self-guided history lesson. We could all use right about now.

Catch the sunset at The Roof, the highest rooftop bar in the state. Nothing beats the city’s skyline alongside signature cocktails.

Room rates: $126+ per night

Tutwiler Hotel

Description: 3-star hotel in downtown Birmingham located at 2021 Park Place

Great for: A luxurious, romantic getaway in the city

What to do: Enjoy a free hot breakfast downstairs to kick off the day. I would suggest visiting the Birmingham Museum of Art but they’re temporarily closed due to COVID-19. But no worries. You can still get your art fix online from the comfort of your freshly-laundered cotton sheets.

Room rates: $126+ per night

The Ross Bridge Gold Resort & Spa

Description: 4-star hotel outside of the city center located at 4000 Grand Avenue

Great for: A relaxing getaway where the entire family can let loose, chill and pretend that the canceled trip to Disney World never happened.

What to do: Play a round of golf on the world-renowned Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail and let’s not forget to book that spa treatment. The kids will probably want to spend their time at the resort’s awesome pool.

Room rates: $143+ per night

Hotel Indigo

Description: 3-star hotel located in the heart of the historic Five Points South neighborhood at 1023 20th Street South

Great for: Travelers looking for a little adventure and entertainment at every turn

What to do: Explore the hotel’s Art Deco-style architecture and rich history. Did you know it was originally built for medical offices and across the street from Birmingham’s first apothecary?

Take a stroll through the Historic Five Points South Entertainment District, home to some of Birmingham’s best restaurants and most iconic landmarks. Seeing the Storyteller fountain and dinner at Highlands Bar & Grill is bucket list-worthy.

Room rates: $99+ per night

Aloft

Description: 3-star hotel in Homewood located at 1903 29th Ave South

Great for: A chic getaway in a cozy, urban oasis

What to do: The Aloft tech-infused, loft-inspired rooms make it easy to stay in all day. You don’t want to miss out on what Homewood has to offer though.

Walk over to the charming, bustling 18th Street. You’re going to want to bring your wallet because this street is lined with local boutiques and restaurants.

Catch the sun setting over Birmingham at the city’s top attraction, The Vulcan. Hope you aren’t afraid of heights.

Room rates: $165+ per night

The Westin

Description: 4-star hotel located in Uptown at  2221 Richard Arrington Junior Blvd North

Great for: The go-getter and trend-setter that’s looking for entertainment and the next big thing

What to do: Depending on your room, you’ll have a bird’s eye view of the new Protective Stadium. Since you’re located in the heart of Uptown, you’ll be staying in a foodie’s paradise. So when that food coma hits, relax on the hotel’s rooftop pool. Just make sure to set an alarm if you tend to doze easily.

Room rates: $193+ per night

Sheraton

Description: 3-star hotel in the Uptown district at 2101 Richard Arrington Junior Blvd North

Great for: A casual change of scenery and those who love visiting big cities

What to do: Start your day off with a quick bite from the hotel’s cafe in a stunning indoor garden setting.

For those interested in a little adventure, take a drive through the Norwood neighborhood. It’s home to some historic, beautifully built houses. Although many of the houses could use some TLC, their grandeur remains. While you’re there, stop by LeNell’s Beverage Boutique (if you’re 21 and up).

End the day with an exciting trip to Topgolf a few blocks away.

Room rates: $189+ per night

Have any staycation plans? Let us know about them on social @BhamNow.