The Best Hotels to Book Near Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa
Home of the University of Alabama – and the trophy-snatching Crimson Tide football team – Tuscaloosa revolves around the 100,000-seater Bryant-Denny Stadium. Visit during tournament season to tailgate on the Quad and toast victory at the bars lining the Strip in your finest crimson and houndstooth garb. If you’re not here on game day, get in on the action at the Paul W Bryant Museum. Make the most of your stay and book one of these top hotels near Bryant-Denny Stadium with Culture Trip.
1. Hotel Capstone, to be close to the action
Hotel
Hidden in the heart of the historic University of Alabama campus, this Tuscaloosa hotel is so close to Bryant-Denny Stadium you can almost hear the roaring football fans. With a welcoming red-brick façade and sleek suites, Hotel Capstone balances coziness and modernity perfectly. Stretch out on your comfy bed or slump into the armchair and channel-surf on your HDTV. Keen to meet people? Mingle in the bistro, work out on the gym treadmills, or jump into the outdoor pool.
2. Hotel Indigo Tuscaloosa Downtown, an IHG Hotel, for riverside relaxation
Hotel
This hotel by the Black Warrior River is the ideal place for waterside relaxation. Flop on the cushioned rattan couches at the rooftop bar – aptly named the Lookout – as you absorb the view. Feeling active? Grab one of the hotel bikes and cycle along the Riverwalk towards the University of Alabama. Once you’re suitably worn out, rest up on the velvet couch or comfy bed in your light-filled suite.
3. AC Hotel by Marriott Tuscaloosa Downtown, for rooftop drinks
Chain Hotel
Surrounded by the downtown restaurants and a short stroll from the Bama Theatre, Capitol Park, Tuscaloosa Amphitheater and the Riverwalk, this modern hotel is ideal if you want to explore the other side of the city – and it’s still just 1.2mi (1.9km) from the college stadium. It has a gym, restaurant, business center and store, so you might find yourself spending more time in the hotel than you anticipated. Throw in the rooftop bar, where you can enjoy sundowners with city views, and you might never leave.
5. Homewood Suites by Hilton Tuscaloosa Downtown, for spacious suites
Suite Hotel, Apartment
From the crimson frontage to the framed UA flags lining the walls, this aparthotel near Tuscaloosa Amphitheater is made for Bama fans. If the comfy beds coax you to sleep through the free breakfast, you can always whip something up in your suite’s kitchen. Counter the lazy start to your day with a stint in the fitness center and large outdoor pool, before rewarding yourself with a Bama Sandwich – smoked chicken, Alabama white barbecue sauce, pickles, Swiss cheese, bacon and coleslaw – at the rooftop restaurant and bar.
6. Embassy Suites Tuscaloosa Alabama Downtown, for a little luxury
Suite Hotel
Looking for fancy hotels in Tuscaloosa near the Riverwalk? This four-star stay is for you. Chandeliers and arched windows create a luxury feel as soon as you enter – a sense that continues in the suites, some of which feature kitchenettes. Make time for a swim in the indoor pool before heading to the complimentary drinks reception to mingle with fellow guests on the patio. If you’re too energized to sleep, you’ll appreciate the 24-hour gym.
7. Best Western Catalina Inn, for a Southern retreat
Chain Hotel
Escape the university hubbub at this hotel in Northport – a suburb across the river from downtown and 4mi (6km) from Bryant-Denny Stadium. While you’re in this neck of the woods, don’t miss quintessential Alabama cuisine at Mr Bill’s Southern Diner, a six-minute walk from the hotel. Return to nap off your meal on a lounger by the outdoor pool.
8. Holiday Inn Express and Suites Tuscaloosa-University, an IHG Hotel, for escaping the revellers
Budget Hotel, Chain Hotel
Looking for somewhere quiet to conk out after game day? This hotel in Tuscaloosa – 2.5mi (4km) from Bryant-Denny Stadium – is just far enough from the action to drown out the revelers. There’s University Mall and Midtown Village right across the road, so treat yourself to a new houndstooth outfit and a Chipotle before hopping on the mall’s gameday shuttle. Not in town for football? You’ll still love the generous breakfast buffet and inviting outdoor pool.
9. Residence Inn by Marriott Tuscaloosa, for season-long stays
Hotel
Bama fans will feel at home in this Tuscaloosa hotel with crimson-and-white studios and suites – you can even whip up tailgating treats in your private kitchen or on the communal patio grills,. Separated from the university campus by the Black Warrior River, Residence Inn offers a peaceful retreat from the madness. If the game gets you too pumped to sleep, blow off some steam in the indoor pool and outdoor basketball court.
10. Courtyard Tuscaloosa by Marriott, for access to all areas
Chain Hotel
In under 10 minutes’ drive from this modern hotel, you can belt out the Fight Song at Bryant-Denny Stadium or chow down on the best ribs in town at Dreamland BBQ – one of the best restaurants in Tuscaloosa. Don’t feel like driving? Catch a movie at CMX Cinemas Hollywood IMAX 16 – a four-minute stroll away – before taking a relaxing dip in the indoor hotel pool.
Want to see more of Alabama? Book yourself into one of the best hotels in the state with Culture Trip. Fancy a sea view? Try one of the best beach hotels in Alabama.
Angela Symons contributed additional reporting to this article.
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