The Battle House, A Renaissance Hotel

Elite '08

42

277

Sandy T.

Garden Grove, CA

What a southern charmer this hotel is...

Set aside the fact this is a historical hotel, with a story of its own.  
(Found this on about.com - "Built in 1852, the grand hotel was the backdrop for Mobile's social scene for more than a century. Among its most illustrious guests were Ulysses S. Grant, Woodrow Wilson and Babe Ruth. As downtown Mobile declined through the 1970s, the hotel was closed. With the downtown's recent Renaissance fueled by investments by Retirement Systems of Alabama, the hotel underwent a $200 million renovation. It reopened with much fanfare in May 2007.")

Once I checked the car with the valet, I found myself walking into a grand lobby.  Something you would expect to see women in gowns and men in their tuxs ready to hit the opera.  Little ole me, coming off the plane in jeans and a tshirt.  At least I wasn't in flip flops.  The staff has the typical southern hospitality.

My favorite thing so far, my key holder is also a fold out map of downtown Mobile.  I am telling you of all of the places I have been in the states, I have always said Mobile is one of my faves.  I was put in a king room on the concierge level.  I took pictures and will post later, but they will say it all.  Tall ceilings, big bed, nice furnishings, this hotel makes you feel like you are lost in the luxurious south.  

I found some old reviews on trip advisor saying it was loud, but so far I haven't experienced that with the exception of the infrequent train whistle.  I am on the historic side, so I don't know if that makes a difference.

I have had room service - tried the lettuce wraps (chicken was a bit too salty) and the asparagus salad (YUM).  The little clam necks were all out, so maybe next time I will get to try those.

Great location too.

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