Residence Inn By Marriott Birmingham Homewood

First things first. They did their best to accommodate me and they met me on the rate that I needed for the months long stay. I was and remain very grateful for that. The property is ok. Not great. Not horrid. It’s at the end of a row of hotels that they themselves had seen better days. It is along the highway and therefore easy to get to. Met some very nice people there. People who like me were there for extended work trips, families, and the just passing through group. It does get a little difficult on the weekends. Lots of loud groups and not a lot of quiet. One time late on a Saturday night I was told by several people that I needed to go to another entrance to get to my room. Not employees mind you. Guests. Or guests of guests. Well, I didn’t go around. I went straight in. While nothing came of it, the incident was disconcerting. The largest sticking point has been billing issues. Like I said at the top the property worked with me not only on the rate but being able to get in a larger suite. That was great. But the billing issues continued after I checked out. I have no idea how or why and neither the hotel nor my credit card company have been able to clear it up. It’s disappointing to be sure but hopefully won’t linger.

Staying at a Residence Inn, you expect certain things to be the same from one hotel to the other - a bed comfortable enough for sleeping, breakfast with enough options to find something to eat before driving off, clean rooms and surroundings, and satisfactory staff. This Residence Inn has all of that, except for the staff. The staff at this Residence Inn is not just satisfactory, no, they are exceptionally pleasant, gracious, helpful and congenial! From the moment I walked in and spoke to the lady at the front desk on the night of our arrival (and how she went above and beyond anything I would have expected when I was asking about something I couldn't find), to the moment we left the next morning, each employee I ran into was smiling, helpful, and made me feel like I was an honored guest staying at someone's home, not just a nameless stranger spending the night at a hotel after long road trip. In my opinion, the staff at this Residence Inn would have been an asset to any high-end hotel I have stayed at, they are that welcoming and cordial. I do have just one negative - our room faced the highway and the highway noise was very loud. If, at some point, the windows are due for an upgrade, a bit of soundproofing would be a great idea. If you have a choice of rooms, I would recommend requesting one that does not face the highway. Otherwise, excellent choice if you need a place to stay south of Birmingham, Alabama. I know we will stay here again if our road trips take us this way!

While the property itself could use a little spruce up, the staff and their focus on customer service is EXCELLENT. From the moment of our arrival to our departure (we were there 4 nights we didn't run into anyone who made us feel like we were in their way or that they were not there to make sure we had a wonderful experience. Examples of this were their willingness to create bag breakfasts when our skaters had practice ice before the breakfast area opened, bringing a microwave into the conference room so we could re-heat some food for the team, ALWAYS asking if there was anything with which they could assist. We arrived much earlier than anticipated. The woman at the front desk took our number to call when a room would be available and offered breakfast at the breakfast bar. Because we don't have Waffle House in our region, we commented that was what were were looking to do. During this time we started a conversation with another guest and before we realized it, the front desk clerk brought us printed directions to 2 Waffle Houses in the immediate area. Talk about going above and beyond! We were there with a skating team. While we were there, they also housed a youth group and various ball teams. Even with all that activity, our room was quiet, clean and very easy to sleep in. We love the format of a residence style hotel and this one lived up to all expectations. We would definitely stay here again if we were in the area!

We selected this hotel for a group of teenagers competing at the National Theatre on Ice competition and boy, did we select right! The staff were all extremely friendly and accommodating. The hotel suites allowed the skaters to stay together with ample room to get ready each morning. The breakfast was great and had a lot of offerings. I can't say enough about the staff -- professional, courteous, and fun.

Stayed in plenty of fancy Hotels in my day. This isn’t the Ritz, but it was perfect for what we needed. The bed was comfortable and to my standard, that means it was really good. The room layout is probably one of the best suites I have ever seen. Two separate bedrooms, each with private bath and a pull out sleeper. Staff was overly kind, engaging and genuine. They have an entertainment courtyard with basketball, pool, outdoor recreation. If we come this way again, I will plan on staying here.

This is not an upscale modern hotel, rather it is comfortable, clean and well laid out with a great courtyard which serves as a hospitable gathering place for guests. The buffet breakfast is included and so too is a wonderful light evening meal, which varies daily. Today is Wednesday and iCantina Food truck is serving up a low cost menu. The hotel supplies the beer, wine and soft drink selections. And now for the staff ... they are very friendly and hospitable. You feel like they have just welcomed you into their home. I have not met the individual responsible for creating this spectacular team but congratulations for pulling together such a great bunch of individuals who provide top rate service for the hotel guests.

Nice size rooms, well laid out, comfy. Check in is easy with the app, however, you cannot choose your room from it. Front desk staff very friendly and helpful. Hall carpet is a little ugly, but that doesn't have anything to do with comfort and doesn't distract. Small fitness center, but adequate size for the hotel. Basketball court and outdoor swimming pool. Breakfast is a plus as well as the evening reception. The bed comfort is just ok, but the pillows are good. Close to restaurants, from fast food to sit down, just a short drive away. Disappointed that there is no luggage rack and that Marriott still hasn't gotten keyless entry. Other than that, nice hotel.

Never have we been so graciously greeted by ALL employees of a Marriott property anywhere in the USA. From the front desk to the landscapers, everyone was willing to help and welcome us to this Birmingham, Alabama Residence in @ Exit 255 en route to Samford University. While the breakfast area was quite crowded on Saturday AM, the food selections were good. ALSO, so grateful to have cranberry juice as an option.

Allow me to preface this review by saying that I travel frequently and have stayed at a variety of hotel brands, including several Residence Inn locations around the country. I have never been more disappointed and turned off than I was upon checking in at this location. Although the staff was friendly and helpful, the lobby had an extremely pungent odor, akin to a public restroom; the hallway where my room was located smelled like old food, and the actual room itself smelled like it had been quickly sprayed with an excess of cleaner, but not actually cleaned. Old, outdated, small TVs, and DISGUSTING carpet. The mirror doors to the closet were dirty and the shower pressure was practically non-existent. The standard cancellation without penalty period had passed so I had no choice but to stay, but it wasn't without apprehension or regret. Each day, my clothing was tainted by the odor of the hotel that was unpleasant, and certainly not a representation of me. Additionally, and just a side note, this location is very old, and although it's been remodeled, the pictures on the internet are inaccurate and deceiving. Overall, a terrible experience, one I don't wish upon anyone else.