Hotels near Birmingham, AL: UPDATED with Question, Last Post

[keypooh90]

Updated with Questions!

My family is going to see Les Miserables on September 20th (opening night!) in Birmingham, AL. We were originally going to stay at the Sheraton but the rate per night is extremely expensive. We will be traveling out of Birmingham on I-20 toward Atlanta. Are there any nice areas/hotels so we could stop on the way in freshen up and change clothes before heading to the show and then come back afterwards and stay for the night? We are looking for something clean and safe but not too expensive, as we know nearly nothing about the area.

Thanks!

 

[Gr8dan2]

Try the Trussville exit off of I-20.
there is a Holiday Inn Express, a Comfort Inn & Suites, a Jameson Inn and a Wingate by Wyndham there. the Leeds exit has a few things as well.
You could also try priceline for those areas, just check the 3 or up stars box to make sure you don't get a dump. If you're just looking for overnight and don't care about having a pool etc then priceline can work great-- my husband and I use it all the time when we're not towing pool-demanding kids and we usually get better hotels than we would pay for, for much cheaper. We usually check the 3 or 3 1/2 star box (make sure you choose the right area in that city though!) We've stayed at Hilton Garden Inn for $41/night, at Hampton Inn for $40/night, and at a Sheraton (or Hyatt?) for $50/night.

 

[Kion10]

There are some nice hotels at the Leeds/Moody exit right off I-20 and just outside of Birmingham. I live in this area and it's a very safe and nice area.

 

[cheerforchelsea]

I would recommend the Leeds/Moody area off of I-20 or the Inverness area at the intersection of I-459 and US Hwy 280 (about 10 miles from the Civic Center area). I live right off of US Hwy 280 so I know the area well. There is a new outlet mall in Leeds and a large upscale shopping are (The Summit) in the I-459 US Hwy 280 area.

 

[mrssmith06]

Another vote for the Leeds area!

 

[keypooh90]

We appreciate the advice!

We are looking at either the Springhill Suites or the Hampton Inn in the Colonnade area.

How easy is it to get from this area to the BJCC?

Are there any restaurants you all would recommend in this area? What about Mexican restaurants?