Residence Inn by Marriott Birmingham Downtown at UAB
821 20th St S, Birmingham, AL 35205, Birmingham, United States
3-star hotel
Guest rating: 4.3 / 5
Overview
Residence Inn by Marriott Birmingham Downtown at UAB is a 3-star extended-stay hotel set in the Five Points South Dining and Entertainment District, close to the UAB campus. The modern property caters to guests seeking longer stays with residential-style suites and full kitchens, blending hotel service with apartment-style comfort. It sits within walking distance of Birmingham's dining and entertainment scene while remaining a short drive from the city's major cultural attractions.
Rooms & Suites
Studio rooms include pull-out sofas, free Wi-Fi, kitchens, coffeemakers and flat-screen TVs, making them practical for both short and extended stays. One-bedroom suites step up with separate living areas and fireplaces, while two-bedroom suites add a second bathroom, suiting families or groups needing more space and privacy.
Dining & Free Perks
A complimentary hot breakfast buffet is served daily, and guests can also enjoy free weekday evening socials featuring snacks, a nice touch for meeting other guests or unwinding after a day of sightseeing. A 24/7 convenience store on-site covers late-night or early-morning needs without leaving the property.
Amenities & Recreation
The hotel offers a seasonal outdoor pool and a fitness room for guests wanting to stay active during their stay. For business needs, there are meeting rooms and a business center on-site, rounding out the property's mix of leisure and work-friendly facilities.
Location & Nearby Attractions
The hotel is centrally positioned near several of Birmingham's top attractions, including Railroad Park (about 1.3 km), Vulcan Park and Museum (about 1.4 km), the McWane Science Center (about 1.5 km), Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark (about 2 km), the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument, Kelly Ingram Park, and 16th Street Baptist Church (all roughly 2 km), plus the Birmingham Museum of Art, Birmingham Zoo, and Birmingham Botanical Gardens (roughly 2.3-2.6 km away). It is also about a 7.2-mile drive from Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, and farther attractions like Red Mountain Park, the Southern Museum of Flight, Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, and Oak Mountain State Park are reachable by car.
Best for
This hotel suits extended-stay travelers, relocating professionals, and families needing extra space, thanks to full kitchens, multi-bedroom suites, and free daily breakfast that reduce dining costs over longer visits. It's also well suited to travelers visiting UAB or exploring Birmingham's civil rights and cultural sites, given its central Five Points South location within a couple kilometers of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Sloss Furnaces, Vulcan Park, and Railroad Park. Business travelers benefit from the on-site meeting rooms and business center combined with proximity to downtown.
Travel tips
The hotel's Five Points South location puts many dining, entertainment, and museum destinations within a 1-3 km walk or short drive, including Railroad Park, Vulcan Park, and the McWane Science Center. Some guests have found on-site parking costs around $20 and have opted to park on the street instead when spots are available, so plan ahead if traveling by car. The airport is roughly 7.2 miles away, making a rental car or rideshare a practical option for arrival and for reaching farther sites like Red Mountain Park or Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum.
What guests say
Guests frequently praise the free hot breakfast, citing specific favorites like waffles, bacon, and eggs, and single out friendly, helpful staff, including a standout breakfast attendant. Many reviewers highlight the convenient Five Points South location, close to numerous restaurants and attractions, and describe the hotel and rooms as clean and comfortable. A recurring complaint involves parking, which can cost around $20 and sometimes runs out, leading some guests to park on the street, though staff have been noted to waive parking fees when this happens. A few guests also mentioned inconsistent room or kitchen cleanliness relative to the price paid.
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