We arrived prior to the scheduled check-in time of 3:00pm; however, the staff was able to accommodate us. The room was one of the few which had been upgraded. Although the aesthetics were pleasing to the eye, the bathroom upgrades were sloppy. The tubs definitely had not been upgraded and showed signs of many years of usage, including scratched tub liners and the shower heads were below par, allowing water to spray on the ceiling. There were signs of dripped paint, sloppy countertop seams and finishes, and dried adhesives on the surfaces of the floor and counter tops. The lights used in the bed room and bathroom emitted so much heat, we had to turn them off in order to stay cool. The air conditioning output could have been balanced more so that the air in the front of the living room balance with the bedroom. The best part of the stay was the complimentary breakfast, which included grits, sausage, bacon, frencht toast, pancakes, potatoes, cereal, a great selection of several coffees and juices. The manager's complimentary evening reception could have included more than chips and trail mix; however, since the drinks were complimentary, I couldn't complain much. My daughters really enjoyed the Shirley Temples and the bartender was very kind.

Birmingham is not rich in great hotels, therefore staying here was a choice based on necessity not preference. However, I was not uncomfortable during my stay in Feb 2007. Perhaps I came on a good weekend but noise was not an issue in my room. I was able to sleep as late as I needed and was not disturbed by either outside noise or housekeeping.

The bed was comfortable. Bathroom was dark and bathtub was very shallow but water pressure was strong. My biggest complaint with the room was that the TV was very small and hard to see from across the room in the bed.

I ordered room service from Ruth's Chris and it was prepared well and served in a timely manner. Didn't get breakfast downstairs, although it was included. Lobby and room were very clean.

This is one of those hotels where you wonder how Hilton lets them get away with the ongoing problems and stay in the chain. I can only echo the other reviews, especially as regards the housekeeping and general upkeep of the facility. The building is old, and has been updated only sporadically in 10 years and then on the cheap obviously. The furniture is worn out mostly and very uncomfortable.

At one time it was the premier property in Birmingham, and the location is great. But other options are around now, including a great Hilton, formerly Sheraton, which is top notch. There is also a new Marriott down the road, as well as the Ross Bridge Resort, so I wonder how long this place can hang on and still charge the rates they do.

The on-premises restaurant is a mediocre Ruths Chris Steak house, which sounds great but it leaves you with no reasonably priced dining option either in in the restaurant or for room service.

Weekends seem to draw crowds of families and/or groups who are only there to party and take advantage of the free drinks and breakfast buffet.

Good front desk though, capable and helpful the last 2 times I was forced to stay there.

We stayed on the night of super bowl Sunday with the intention of having a little "in town vacation " with our kids. The pool was out of order which was fine by me because mold covered the wall around the hot tub. The elevators were dirty with broken tiles and had an unpleasant smell. Once we got to our floor there were piles of dirty laundry and old room service trays that were out in the hall. Our key card didn't work to get us into the room and when a staff member came up to help us she( To her credit ) commented that the laundry should not have been picked up. The bathroom looked old and broken down. yellow stains around the base of the toilet, yuk!
We saw a lot of people coming into the hotel with lots of beer etc.. I got the impression they were also locals but had come to party hard. We felt uneasy spending the night there with our kids so we watched the game ( and of course did not swim) and went home to sleep. I took my sons back the next day for breakfast and we were all let down that they didn't have Krispy Kreme's out like they did a few years ago . They did have great coffee, grits, made to order eggs, bacon etc.
The hotel is in a great location but I can't recommend staying there. It did not feel safe to me and was broken down and dirty. I hope the owners read this review and the many others like it and decide to take action to give this hotel the renovation it needs.