Visitng Birmingham-- where to stay, where to avoid, (no car hopefully) (Homewood: hotels, safest area)

[kindafedup]

hey,

I have a friend who wants to meet up in Birmingham, AL. We've never been there and we don't know where to stay. What is the safest area for a tourist?

Since I want to stay a little longer than my friend, I would like to know a safe spot for a single woman to be. I might just want to be in a decent hotel to relax in and write all day with a few good eats around the way. Don't need big entertainment.

1.) What area do you suggest?

2.) Would I need a car in Birmingham or are things in walking distance?

3.) What areas should I avoid?

[Southlander]

Originally Posted by kindafedup

hey,

I have a friend who wants to meet up in Birmingham, AL. We've never been there and we don't know where to stay. What is the safest area for a tourist?

Since I want to stay a little longer than my friend, I would like to know a safe spot for a single woman to be. I might just want to be in a decent hotel to relax in and write all day with a few good eats around the way. Don't need big entertainment.

1.) What area do you suggest?

2.) Would I need a car in Birmingham or are things in walking distance?

3.) What areas should I avoid?

There's a Courtyard by Marriott in Homewood that I like and feel safe at. There are also a few hotels in the Hwy 280/I-459 area, near the Summit. B'ham REALLY need some more hotels.
You will need a car to get around.
Avoid north Birmingham. Downtown north of the railroad tracks is OK during daylight hours. Use your head and you'll be fine!

[cpg35223]

Highlands Hotel in the middle of Five Points is great. Really great. You're in the middle of the restaurant and club district. The Highland Hotel - Birmingham, AL

[EnvGraph]

I agree with Hotel Highland. Great location and recently renovated with awesome atmosphere. It's hard to get around Birmingham without a car.

[gustygulas]

Hotel Highland would be your spot. Its in the middle of 5 points which is a mix of nightlife, entertainment, restaurants, and etc...Try Sunday brunch at 5 points grill

[kindafedup]

Thanks . What is the 5 points? And where is Hotel HIghland? Also I really like that Courtyard Idea. Where's it? Central Bham, Homewood? anywhere near Inverness?

[Southlander]

Originally Posted by kindafedup

Thanks . What is the 5 points? And where is Hotel HIghland? Also I really like that Courtyard Idea. Where's it? Central Bham, Homewood? anywhere near Inverness?

5 Points is in what's called Southside. It's an area with nightclubs, restaurants, and it's close to UAB and just south of downtown. It's fairly safe...use your head after dark. There is a park across the street that my son says is know for the homeless people who hang out there, especially after dark (son lives in Southside).
Courtyard - the one I'm thinking of is in Homewood, across the street from Brookwood Mall. The hotel is surrounded by trees, but very convenient to restaurants. I've stayed there twice and have been pleased with it. The rooms are set up for business, too, so that might help with your writing. It is a bit pricey, and the breakfast is not included.
Inverness is way down Hwy. 280. It's a bit noisier, but plenty of places around for eating and shopping and it's fairly safe.

[Bravo35223]

Stay at the Hotel Highland and don't look back. You'll have a blast.

[ulver]

I have a brother in law enforcement (I was too) Birmingham way. He lives in Homewood, and loves the area. It has a nice downtown. Would be my choice to live, if I was moving that way.

5 Points South is a blast, and I agree with the suggestion of the Hotel Highland. Very colorful area. At night, just stay on the main streets, and use your head.

Go see "Vulcan"! It has a great view at night, but best to watch the sun set and then get moving. Area is so-so. The statue is "open-air" now, and if you have a prob with heights like I do, view the city from the ground. It used to have an enclosed viewing area up top, which was far nicer to me. Though the park itself is nicely than the late 90's.

Have fun! Be safe...

[san phlegmatico]

Very colorful area

That's a relative term. kindafedup appears to be from San Francisco. I bet he finds Birmingham and the 5 Points South to be vanilla, underwhelming, and listless comparatively.

The best we can hope for is that kindafedup is charmed by the hospitality.