Hotels and Restaurants in Birmingham near the BJCC?

[keypooh90]

We are planning on going to Birmingham in September to see Les Miserables at the BJCC.

Being that we are from out of town/out of state, we will need a hotel for the night. We know the Sheraton is attached to the BJCC, but would like to see if anyone has reviews/input on it or suggestions for other close by hotels. Also, what are some suggestions for restaurants/food near by? We'd like to be able to park our car once and not move it until we head back home, if possible.

TIA!

 

[keypooh90]

Bump.

 

[kymmyk13]

I have stayed in that Sheraton when we went to a concert at the BJCC. it is a nice place to stay when you have an event at the BJCC. I am not really sure about the food places around. I know they have a restaurant in the hotel and also there is a subway somewhat attached to the hotel.

 

[keypooh90]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I appreciate it!

 

[famousmockingbird]

We have stayed at that hotel before, but it is a little pricier than I usually like to spend, so we typically (if going to a concert at the BJCC) stay at a hotel a little further out and take a cab over. I know there are a couple of restaurants inside of the Sheraton, but I'm not sure what is still there (as it's been a couple of years since we've stayed there). We usually stay closer to the Five Points area, where there are a lot of restaurant options, and then drive or cab over to the BJCC from there.

That being said, I have enjoyed the Sheraton when I have stayed there because you can just walk over the little walkway to the BJCC. You don't have to fight traffic or try to get a cab afterwards.

 

[keypooh90]

We have stayed at that hotel before, but it is a little pricier than I usually like to spend, so we typically (if going to a concert at the BJCC) stay at a hotel a little further out and take a cab over. I know there are a couple of restaurants inside of the Sheraton, but I'm not sure what is still there (as it's been a couple of years since we've stayed there). We usually stay closer to the Five Points area, where there are a lot of restaurant options, and then drive or cab over to the BJCC from there.

That being said, I have enjoyed the Sheraton when I have stayed there because you can just walk over the little walkway to the BJCC. You don't have to fight traffic or try to get a cab afterwards.

Thanks for the suggestions!

What hotels are available that are a little further out?

 

[darlak]

The 5 Points South area is a good suggestion as there are many restaurants within walking distance. You would have to take a cab to and from the BJCC though. The restaurants inside of the Sheraton aren't all that good, in my opinion (I last ate at one of them this past April). The hotel rooms are nice tand worth the money, again, in my opinion.

My choice would probably be to stay someplace either in Hoover, possibly on Highway 150 where there are many nice restaurants near the Galleria mall. Or someplace on Highway 280, near the Summit shopping center. Then drive to the BJCC. It isn't an inconvenient drive from either of those locations as Birmingham has only 2 major interstates (I-59 and I-65), plus Highway 280. If you really want to just park your car until you're ready to leave, the Sheraton is probably your best option.

Wish I could have been more help.

 

[darlak]

Another option would be the Wynfrey Hotel connected to the Galleria mall. Covered parking deck and lots of dining options within walking distance. There's a Shula's Steakhouse inside of the Wynfrey and a Ruby Tuesday inside of the mall, plus the food court of course, which might be convenient for breakfast. Then you would only need to take a cab to and from the BJCC. Surrounding the mall are numerous restaurants that would be an easy walk.

I actually like this idea best since I love staying at the Wynfrey and it meets most of the things you mentioned except not being connected to the BJCC. I also think it would make for more of a nice getaway. In your down time you might want to do a little shopping too!

 

[keypooh90]

Another option would be the Wynfrey Hotel connected to the Galleria mall. Covered parking deck and lots of dining options within walking distance. There's a Shula's Steakhouse inside of the Wynfrey and a Ruby Tuesday inside of the mall, plus the food court of course, which might be convenient for breakfast. Then you would only need to take a cab to and from the BJCC. Surrounding the mall are numerous restaurants that would be an easy walk.

I actually like this idea best since I love staying at the Wynfrey and it meets most of the things you mentioned except not being connected to the BJCC. I also think it would make for more of a nice getaway. In your down time you might want to do a little shopping too!

Thanks for sharing! Those sound great! I appreciate it!

 

[laurie31]

I actually love the Wynfrey myself, but the Sheraton is nice, and if you really don't want to drive, that's the way to go.

It's not HARD to get from the Wynfrey to the BJCC, and of course if you take a cab then it's no worries, but they are doing construction on that section of I-65 and it can be gnarly. (unless you're from someplace like Atlanta or Boston, then you'll think it's just normal traffic. )

Parking at the BJCC is also, well, lacking. There is a deck, but it can fill up and you're left driving around searching for something on the street, or in one of the surface lots where you have to pay cash in advance. If you're at the Sheraton, you can just walk over. Or the cab would take care of that problem if you stayed further away.

Now, back to restaurants. There is not a ton of choice around the BJCC, but I think Cafe Dupont is not far (8 blocks - walkable for lunch, but I wouldn't do it at night) if you want something higher end. http://www.cafedupont.net/

If you don't mind driving just a little ways, it's not far, straight up 20th street to 5 Points South, and many excellent restaurants are there, including those of Frank Stitt, a nationally-known chef.

http://www.southernliving.com/travel/south-central/chef-frank-stitt-birmingham-00400000005861/

Highlands is his flagship restaurant, but it's only open for dinner. There is also an Italian restaurant, Bottega, and a French one, Chex Fonfon. All three are EXCELLENT. Check out the menus and see if one is to your liking.

http://www.highlandsbarandgrill.com/

http://www.bottegarestaurant.com/

http://www.fonfonbham.com/

Other higher-end type places nearly are Ocean, and Hot & Hot Fish Club.

http://oceanbirmingham.com/ocean/

http://www.hotandhotfishclub.com/

I haven't personally eaten at these, but they are highly regarded, and someday I'd love to try them both, but somehow we always end up at one of Frank Stitt's restaurants when we have that kind of meal budget - lol.

Birmingham hasn't quite figured out public transportation, but during the day, there is a DART bus (downtown area rapid transit) that could take you from the Sheraton to 5 Points.

http://www.bjcta.org/

Also, if you like art, the Birmingham Museum of Art, is very very close, and it's free. See the stunning "Looking Down Yosemite Valley" by Bierstadt, and there's even a Monet! http://www.artsbma.org/

 

[keypooh90]

I actually love the Wynfrey myself, but the Sheraton is nice, and if you really don't want to drive, that's the way to go.

It's not HARD to get from the Wynfrey to the BJCC, and of course if you take a cab then it's no worries, but they are doing construction on that section of I-65 and it can be gnarly. (unless you're from someplace like Atlanta or Boston, then you'll think it's just normal traffic. )

Parking at the BJCC is also, well, lacking. There is a deck, but it can fill up and you're left driving around searching for something on the street, or in one of the surface lots where you have to pay cash in advance. If you're at the Sheraton, you can just walk over. Or the cab would take care of that problem if you stayed further away.

Now, back to restaurants. There is not a ton of choice around the BJCC, but I think Cafe Dupont is not far (8 blocks - walkable for lunch, but I wouldn't do it at night) if you want something higher end. http://www.cafedupont.net/

If you don't mind driving just a little ways, it's not far, straight up 20th street to 5 Points South, and many excellent restaurants are there, including those of Frank Stitt, a nationally-known chef.

http://www.southernliving.com/travel/south-central/chef-frank-stitt-birmingham-00400000005861/

Highlands is his flagship restaurant, but it's only open for dinner. There is also an Italian restaurant, Bottega, and a French one, Chex Fonfon. All three are EXCELLENT. Check out the menus and see if one is to your liking.

http://www.highlandsbarandgrill.com/

http://www.bottegarestaurant.com/

http://www.fonfonbham.com/

Other higher-end type places nearly are Ocean, and Hot & Hot Fish Club.

http://oceanbirmingham.com/ocean/

http://www.hotandhotfishclub.com/

I haven't personally eaten at these, but they are highly regarded, and someday I'd love to try them both, but somehow we always end up at one of Frank Stitt's restaurants when we have that kind of meal budget - lol.

Birmingham hasn't quite figured out public transportation, but during the day, there is a DART bus (downtown area rapid transit) that could take you from the Sheraton to 5 Points.

http://www.bjcta.org/

Also, if you like art, the Birmingham Museum of Art, is very very close, and it's free. See the stunning "Looking Down Yosemite Valley" by Bierstadt, and there's even a Monet! http://www.artsbma.org/

Thanks so much!

Those links are very helpful!