The Best Hotels to Book in Alabama, USA

In the heart of downtown Mobile, this historic hotel has a star-studded list of former guests, including sports stars, a king and President Woodrow Wilson. The elegant arches and domed ceiling of the lobby paired with red, white and blue tones paint a sense of patriotic grandeur. The rejuvenating spa, rooftop pool, golf cage range and on-site tennis court complete this Southern gem.

Home to the former Empire Building on the famed Heaviest Corner on Earth and one of the best hotels in Alabama, the Elyton Hotel offers a glimpse into the storied past of Birmingham, with bronze furnishings and a grand marble staircase, while paying tribute to the contemporary future of the city, with bold yellow-and-gray rooms replete with modern artwork. Snag a sunset sip and a slice of wood-fired pizza at the on-site restaurant, Moon Shine, for a full view of the Southern city.

With Victorian-style rooms, a lantern-lit veranda, a French country-style carriage house and a traditional homey front parlor, Fort Conde Inn is a step back in time moments from downtown Mobile. Daily breakfast delights, such as bananas foster french toast and quiche, are served in the historic dining room and courtyard, accompanied by soft classical music. For an intimate experience, the Southern manor has three cottages.

With award-winning golf courses and a grandiose spa, the Grand Hotel offers a choose-your-own-adventure travel experience amid the refreshing Gulf Coast air. For the history buff, the on-site historian offers daily tours showcasing the former uses of the property as a Civil War hospital and a World War II training ground, while foodies can enjoy the monthly culinary and beverage academies, which often use ingredients from the hotel garden.

Natural wonders collide with eccentric and vibrant decor reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland at this hotel, just minutes from downtown Birmingham. The rooftop restaurant and bar, Habitat Feed & Social, showcases stunning views alongside farm-to-table eats and botanical cocktails, in addition to hosting cooking classes. Indulge your inner art critic and visit the hotel gallery and scenic sculpture garden, featuring a curated collection of both global and local artists.

Overlooking the Tennessee River, this luxe hotel in Alabama pays homage to the musical heritage of Muscle Shoals with daily live music at Swampers Bar and Grill. For a relaxing experience, the Spa at the Shoals offers a premium list of song-themed services, such as the Old Time Rock and Roll massage, which comes with Himalayan salt stones. Families can enjoy splashing around in the indoor and outdoor pools after exploring Florence.

Modern European minimalism meets the South at the AC by Marriott in Huntsville. Natural tones and sleek wooden floors mimic the neighboring Big Spring Park for a seamless experience between hotel and habitat. Choices are challenging, with more than 90 whiskeys and 60 tequilas on the BarVista menu, but catching a rooftop sunset across the downtown Huntsville skyline with a cocktail in hand is an easy decision. BarVista menu items also showcase produce from local farmers and purveyors from the region.

Quirky Southern charm is the name of the game at the GunRunner in Florence. The former car dealership showroom has been transformed into an industrial, brick-surrounded lobby adorned with plush velvet furniture and ornate chandeliers, all centered around a wooden and onyx bar. Sleek rooms are dedicated to celebrities in the Shoals area, including designer Billy Reid, Sun Records founder Sam Phillips and architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The hands-off GunRunner hospitality, with a lack of on-site staff and formal checkin, grants guests a sense of freedom.

In the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Anniston, this head-turning Queen Anne Victorian-style mansion elevates country charm into modern luxury, evident through the neighborhood-style architecture, sliding barn-style doors in the rooms, luxe chandeliers, rocking chair-laden patio and intricately carved wood fixtures. Indulge in the daily complimentary Southern grits bar for a true taste of Alabama cuisine.