OT...anyone familiar with Birmingham, AL

[Snoopymom]

I got the center city Sheraton for $39 on priceline. It was on Expedia for $140, so I think I got a good deal?

Is it a nice hotel? It looks like a huge convention center type place?

Also, are there any "got to try/famous" restaurants close by?

Thanks for any info!

 

[kbkids]

I've never heard the "center city" phrase, but is it the one on Richard Arrington Blvd? If so, it's very nice, and yes, huge, convention type hotel. We've been to several conventions here, and they've done a great job.

Couldn't tell you about any surrounding restaurants as we never left the hotel since all of our meals were provided during the convention. But it's pretty much right in downtown Birmingham, right next to the Interstate. It's easy to find, and I'm sure the desk staff would be able to give you a few tips on where to eat.

 

[spiceycat]

I am from Birmingham, AL - but I am not familiar with center city - let me check some people here and I will get back with you.

I think this one is located downtown here the convention central - not a great area (my opinion)

Birmingham has a strange government - instead of putting their convention center in a nice part of town - they put in too close to not only the red light center of town - but bad neighborhoods - on the base that the neighborhoods would change and everything would get better. now that opinion is not shared by everyone at all - some people (my boss) thinks this is a wonderful section and feels at all times very safe here.

the famous restuarants are located nearer UAB - mostly in 5 five south - there are several.

the really good ones are in the South part - Mountain brook, hoover, homewood and vestavia area part of town.

what are you coming for?

if it is something at the Convention Center - yes you did GREAT!!!!

 

[kbkids]

If you're into shopping though, you'll be in a great place. We've had to go to Birmingham several times over the past few years, and the Riverchase Galleria Mall is really nice, BUT I love going out to the Summit to go shopping. It's more of an "outdoor" mall, meaning all of the stores have exterior entrances, but it's so nice and a beautiful part of town. There's several pretty nice restaurants there, nothing out of the ordinary though. Here's a link to their website. http://www.thesummitonline.com/storesbham.htm

Mountain Brook is a really nice community there as well. We like to just drive through there and look at the GORGEOUS homes. They've also got some type of "garden" place close to Mountain Brook. I can't remember what the name of it is, but I went with a group of ladies once, and it was really pretty - just sort of a huge garden, greenhouse, ponds, etc. type of place.

 

[Snoopymom]

oops, it's Central Birmingham. The other areas to choose from on Priceline are Hoover, Inverness, Irondale, and Airport.

Dh and I wanted to get away for an evening, so we're actually coming to see Todd Snider play http://www.toddsnider.net
(in case anyone is interested) at a place called Zydeco which is only 2.63 miles from the Sheraton according to Mapquest....bad area, huh?

It's kind of pathetic I know, LOL, but we haven't been out without our son in 2 years and Grandma volunteered to babysit!

I was hoping to find a restaurant there that is what the Rendezvous is to Memphis??? guess not?

Thanks for all the tips!!!

 

[spiceycat]

I have a call in to some friends who live on Southside (what that area in called that is near where you are going)

there are several restuarants in 5 five point south - and along highland avenue.

you are going to be near UAB so except a student crowd. ( of course UAB students average age is 26 to 30 - not 18 to 21) so most of them are a little older.

 

[minnieluvzmickey]

Hi! I'm from Birmingham. It is funny to me that you are coming to Birmingham from GA for a night out. We usually go from Birmingham to Atlanta for a night out....lol

Anyway, the Sheraton is a nice hotel but the area is not very nice. Don't think you can strike out walking or anything to eat or sightsee. Zydeco is not too far from the Sheraton...you should be able to find something to eat around there. Hoover is where I live and it is much nicer...the galleria is also in Hoover. It is not as close to where your concert is though. If you need any directions or anything I'll be glad to try and help.

 

[Snoopymom]

We had a great evening in Birmingham. We were told that every hotel was sold out due to the Mercedes race/ Olympic tryouts, The World of Wheels, and a girls dance competition, so we felt very fortunate to have gotten a room, let alone one on price line for $39

The Shearton was huge and the line to check in was about 50 people deep, but went very fast. Our room was nice with a great view, and there was a skywalk to the parking garage which was only $5 a day.

We waited for 2 cabs that never showed, before the doorman finally told us about the free trolly that runs every 20 minutes until midnight. That was the nicest plublic transportation I have ever seen and everyone we encountered was friendly. We felt very safe. The only meal we ended up having was at a Rolly Polly, which we have here, lol, but never had the opportunity to try.

Thanks so much for all the info.