Special to The Times
Hilton Birmingham at UAB, The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s flagship hotel on campus, has completed its multi-million dollar renovation, officially converting from a DoubleTree by Hilton property to a Hilton Hotels & Resorts hotel.
The grand opening is scheduled for the first quarter of 2019.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Birmingham was purchased by the UAB Education Foundation in November of 2016. The hotel’s renovations began in March 2018, with a comprehensive design and refurbishment plan culminating in a top-to-bottom transformation of the hotel.
“The transformation has been extraordinary,” said Lisa Castagna, general manager, Hilton Birmingham at UAB. “It’s been a strategic, collaborative effort between Hilton and UAB to create this flagship Hilton property in the heart of the college campus. From the lighting fixtures above to the flooring below—and everything in between, this renovation has been marked by acute attention to detail.”
Key highlights of the newly-renovated hotel, include:
Upgraded Common Areas
The hotel’s lobby features new, original artwork, updated seating, tables, lighting and a sundries shop. A new Connectivity Station was also added, consisting of convenient, complimentary workstations equipped with Wi-Fi enabled computers, printers and ergonomic seating. Guest corridors and public areas were also upgraded with new wall coverings, detailed crown moulding and refinished guest room entry doors.
New Guest Rooms
The renovation has been conducted with subtle details that invite guests to enjoy the history of Birmingham and UAB while enjoying the latest in technology and comfort. Special attention was paid to work areas in the guest rooms and suites to include multiple USB charging ports and custom stone desks. All guest bathroom areas also underwent renovations to feature a new, modern design. The new look also pays tribute to the hotel’s environmental programs by offering entirely LED-lit rooms and suites. Custom guest room carpets and public areas carpets finish out the upscale look and feel.
Executive Lounge
The Executive Lounge on the lobby level has also been refurbished with floor to ceiling windows that offer a stunning and an expansive view of the redesigned pool terrace and cityscape, creating a cozy area for both leisure and business guests to relax when staying on the Executive floors and in suites.
New Dining
Two dining options have been introduced with the hotel’s conversion. The Lab Bar and Kitchen, now open on the hotel’s ground floor, is a Southern-inspired, locally sourced bar and kitchen that complements Birmingham’s thriving culinary scenes. Accessed via an entrance at the corner of University and 20th Street South, as well as directly through the hotel, The Lab Bar and Kitchen is purpose-built to serve the community and UAB’s campus as well as hotel guests.
For hotel reservations, visit http://birminghamatuab.hilton.com/ or call 205-933-9000.
