Birmingham's BEST Airport Hotel? Red Roof PLUS+ Irondale Review!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into the… (deep breath) …Red Roof PLUS+ Irondale in Birmingham, Alabama! And I'm gonna tell you, it's not just a hotel, it's… well, it’s a hotel. But listen, as someone who's circled the airport more times than a lost pigeon, finding a decent place to crash near the airport is LIFE. So, let's get messy, shall we?
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Red Roof PLUS+ Irondale Review: Birmingham Airport Hotels - Accessibility, Cleanliness, Safety, Dining, Amenities, Value for Money, Best Hotel Near BHM, Comfortable Stay, Convenient Location, WIFI Review, Pet-Friendly Hotels, Family-Friendly Hotels, Business Hotels, Irondale Alabama Hotels
First off, the basics. This place is convenient. Seriously, after a red-eye, the last thing you want is a 45-minute slog through traffic. It's close to Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM). Huge win. Now, let’s rip into it…
Arrival and First Impressions: Is it Really the Best?
Okay, let’s be honest. Red Roof isn't going to win any design awards. Think…functional. The exterior corridor is practical, but it’s not winning any beauty contests. I’m not gonna lie, first glance, I thought, "Alright, here we go." But, and this is important, things started looking up from there. (More on that, later.)
Accessibility: Does it Actually Cater to Everyone?
Good news, folks! They've got, you know, the basics covered for accessibility. Facilities for disabled guests seem to be present, and there's an elevator. I didn't personally test the full wheelchair accessibility because… well, I walked. But the presence of these things is a good sign. Air conditioning in public areas is a non-negotiable in Alabama, and they definitely had it going strong. (Especially appreciated after that humid airport walk!)
The Room: The Good, the Bad, and the…Smokey?
My room… Honestly? It was clean. And after a long flight, that's all I really wanted. Cleanliness and safety - Check! They claimed to be using anti-viral cleaning products, and had rooms sanitized between stays. I can’t vouch for lab results, but it felt clean.
Available in all rooms: Okay, let's list this out…
- Air conditioning: Phew!
- Alarm clock: Check!
- Bathrobes: Nope. (But honestly, I wasn't expecting them).
- Bathroom phone: Doubtful.
- Bathtub: Yes! Which can be a godsend after a flight, especially if you want to actually relax.
- Blackout curtains: HUGE yes. Thank the travel gods.
- Carpeting: Ah, unfortunately, yes. Carpeting in a hotel…always a gamble in terms of cleanliness. This seemed okay though.
- Closet: Yep!
- Coffee/tea maker: There was one. Which, again, after a red-eye is a lifesaver!
- Daily housekeeping: Yes. And they were efficient.
- Desk: Yup. Helpful for catching up on emails.
- Extra long bed: I'm tall, so this was actually fantastic.
- Free bottled water: Yes!
- Hair dryer: Found one.
- High floor: My room, and maybe a few others, were up the stairs.
- In-room safe box: I didn't see one.
- Internet access – LAN: Maybe? I only used Wi-Fi.
- Internet access – wireless (Wi-Fi [free]): YES. And it worked!
- Ironing facilities: They had an iron and board. Bless.
- Laptop workspace: Yes! The desk did its job.
- Linens: Fine. They were clean.
- Mini bar: Nope.
- Mirror: Yes. Good lighting.
- Non-smoking: Yay! (I think it was. I don't think I smelled smoke. Thank god.)
- On-demand movies: Don't know. Didn't check.
- Private bathroom: Obviously.
- Reading light: YES.
- Refrigerator: Yes! Another plus.
- Safety/security feature: Yes.
- Satellite/cable channels: Yes. The usual suspects.
- Scale: No. Not complaining.
- Seating area: There was a chair.
- Separate shower/bathtub: The bathtub was big enough to actually relax in.
- Shower: Yes. Decent water pressure.
- Slippers: No.
- Smoke detector: Yes. (Important!)
- Socket near the bed: Yes, and thankfully, plenty.
- Sofa: No sofa.
- Soundproofing: It was okay. I didn't hear a jet engine, which is always a bonus.
- Telephone: Yes, there was one.
- Toiletries: The basics.
- Towels: Clean!
- Umbrella: Nope.
- Visual alarm: Don't know.
- Wake-up service: Yes!
- Window that opens: Not sure.
The Internet Saga: Wi-Fi Woes & Wins
This is where the whole thing gets a bit…real. Internet access is crucial these days, right? Thankfully, they have Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!. I was a little worried when I saw the "Internet [LAN]" (remember those days?). But the Wi-Fi worked. Pretty darn good. You could actually stream a movie, which is a win. But it wasn't blazing fast. So, if you're planning on uploading HUGE files…maybe not. Still, it was reliable enough for emails and general browsing. And hey, at least they have Wi-Fi in public areas!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (or, "Feed Me After That Flight!")
Here's the rub: the Dining, drinking, and snacking options within the hotel were seriously slim. I’m not kidding. You’re basically on your own. There is a Coffee shop, so you can head down to the front and get a coffee. There is a Snack bar that you can buy snacks and drinks from. But it's not a fine-dining situation. No restaurants, really. No Poolside bar. No 24-hour room service. So if you’re a foodie, plan ahead. However, let's be real, a quick coffee is more than enough to get you through. It is also important to note, that there are a plethora of restaurants in the area. I grabbed a quick bite at a nearby place, but it wasn’t the hotel itself.
Cleanliness and Safety: Did I Get a Virus? (Just Kidding…Mostly)
This category, especially post-pandemic, is HUGE. And, again, Red Roof seemed to take it seriously. Hand sanitizer was readily available. They had Staff trained in safety protocol, and Daily disinfection in common areas. They did claim to use professional-grade sanitizing services and make individually-wrapped food options available. It all felt clean. I didn't get sick. So, score!
Things To Do (AKA, Ways to Relax…Kinda)
Okay, so, this isn’t a resort. There are some things to do, but don’t expect a spa day. They have a Fitness center. So if you want to work out, you'll find it in the building. But for all your pampering needs, there’s not much. This place is more about crashing.
For the Kids (Or, Can I Bring the Brat?!)
This place is Family/child friendly. I didn’t see any specific Kids facilities, but I don’t think they’ll object if your child is with you.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
They offer your basics: Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Dry cleaning. The front desk [24-hour] is a MUST. Also, they had a Convenience store. Useful for snacks, drinks, and the forgotten toothbrush. Elevator = good. Car park [free of charge] is fantastic. Also, Airport transfer (I was so tired from the flight that I had to use the shuttle).
Getting Around: Driving, Parking, Planes and Automobiles
Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site]. HUGE. They also offer airport transport, so there is that to lean on.
The Quirks (Because Every Hotel Has ‘Em!)
This is where things get interesting. The staff? They were nice. Nothing over the top, but
Escape to Erie: Your Perfect Hilton Garden Inn Getaway!
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because we're about to embark on a trip to Birmingham, Alabama… Red Roof PLUS+ edition. And believe me, this ain't gonna be some perfectly curated Instagram feed. This is… real life. Let's see how this disaster, I mean trip, unfolds.
Day 1: Arrival and the Mystery of the Missing Remote
- 14:00 (ish): Arrive at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM). Ugh. Airports, am I right? The smells of stale coffee and stressed-out travelers… a true sensory experience. Grab my rental car, a barely-holding-together Corolla named "Betsy." Praying Betsy makes it through this alive.
- 15:00: Check into the Red Roof PLUS+ Birmingham East - Irondale/Airport. Okay, so the online pictures? Definitely a little misleading. The "PLUS+" seems to mean "slightly more comfortable, but still definitely a Red Roof." The air conditioning is blasting, which is frankly a godsend after wrestling with the Alabama humidity at the airport. Start unpacking, and immediately misplace the remote. This is a bad omen.
- 15:30: Deep breath. Okay. Let's embrace the imperfections. Head down to the lobby and ask for assistance. Turns out there's a second remote. Success. But not for long.
- 16:00: Explore! Drive around Irondale, trying to find a decent taco shop. I'm craving some authentic, and greasy, taco. I end up circling a few times. I also encounter a rather aggressive squirrel. He was after my chips! I swear. Ended up at a chain restaurant. The margaritas, however, were surprisingly passable.
- 18:00: Back to the Red Roof. Okay, Time to relax. The TV remote is, again, M.I.A.. Sigh. This is a sign from the universe, isn't it?
- 18:30: Give up on the TV. Decide to read a book. Struggle to focus. The flickering neon sign outside is a distraction. This hotel, the AC, the book… it's all just a bit much.
- 19:00: I decide to head out looking for a late-night snack. The options are slim. I grab a bag of chips from a local store and return, defeated.
- 20:00: Call it a night. The bed – let's be honest – is not the Ritz, but it will do. Pray for a peaceful night's sleep. Pray for Betsy. And pray for the remote to re-materialize.
Day 2: Birmingham's Blues and BBQ Dreams
- 08:00: Okay, against all odds, I'm up! The alarm clock, bless its plastic soul, actually did its job. First things first. The coffee machine situation is… dire. But hey, at least there's coffee, right?
- 09:00: Head to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. Wow. Just… wow. The emotional weight of the place is palpable. The stories, the struggle… it's powerful, and sobering. I found myself getting choked up more than once. It's a must-see, but be prepared to feel it.
- 12:00: After the institute, I'm emotionally exhausted and ravenous. BBQ is the mission. My online research led me to a place called "Saw's BBQ." It didn't disappoint. The pulled pork was divine, the mac and cheese, a revelation. I'm going to need a nap.
- 14:00: Attempt to visit the Birmingham Museum of Art. Get hopelessly lost in the parking lot. Give up and decide to walk around a bit.
- 15:00: After a short walk, I bump into a local church fair! It's a slice of pure, unadulterated Americana. I buy a slice of blueberry pie that's practically dripping with goodness and feel like I've truly stumbled upon something amazing. Chat with some friendly locals. Feel my heart begin to soften.
- 17:00: Back at the hotel… and, surprise! No remote. Okay, I'm officially convinced it's a gremlin. Decide to embrace the silence and take a nap.
- 19:00: Dinner at a local dive. It's loud. It's crowded. The food is… okay. I'm starting to feel that Birmingham magic. I'm not sure what it is, but it's there.
- 21:00: Back in the hotel room, still no sign of the remote. Give up on the TV, again. Stare out the window at the blinking neon sign, and realize… maybe this is exactly what I needed. A little chaos. A little imperfection. A little… Birmingham.
Day 3: Farewells and Florida Bound
- 08:00: Woke up with the sun. The missing remote? Still a mystery. But, you know what? I'm starting to enjoy the quiet.
- 09:00: Quick breakfast. It's a stale muffin and some instant coffee… But at this point, who cares?
- 10:00: Check out of the Red Roof. Say goodbye to the perpetually malfunctioning AC and the mysterious remote thief.
- 11:00: Stop at a local coffee shop. Chat with the barista, a kid with a messy haircut and a genuine smile. Birmingham is growing on me.
- 12:00: On the way back to the airport, I run into a traffic jam. I swear, I am sure that I will always remember the little trip. It was something to cherish.
- 13:00: Goodbye, Birmingham. Thanks for the BBQ, the history, and the reminder that life isn't always perfect… and sometimes, that's the best part.
- 14:00: Boarding the plane. Florida here I come! But I'll be back, Birmingham. I’ll be back.
Post-Trip Reflections:
- The Red Roof PLUS+? Not luxurious. But it was clean (mostly).
- The food? Mostly good!
- The remote? Still a missing person.
- The people? Kind, welcoming, and full of stories.
- Birmingham? Unexpectedly wonderful.
- Me? Changed. A little bit, anyway. And that’s what the journey is about, right? Even the messy, imperfect ones.
Red Roof PLUS+ Irondale: The Unfiltered Truth (and Maybe a Few Regrets)
Okay, spill the beans: Is Red Roof PLUS+ Irondale ACTUALLY the "Best" Airport Hotel in Birmingham?
"Best"? Oh, honey, that's a loaded word. Look, it's *close* to the airport, which is a massive plus when you're battling jet lag and the phantom limbs of a long flight. My *BEST* airport hotel? Probably not. But it's certainly in the running when you consider how *convenient* it is. I mean, I’ve stumbled in there looking like a lost scarecrow at 2 AM more than once, and honestly, the proximity alone is worth a gold star. I remember a specific trip, I was so delirious, I almost walked in, tripped on the curb, and face-planted into a bush. Luckily, it was right outside the Red Roof, so... easy access, right? "Best" depends on your definition, really. Are you looking for pristine luxury? Keep scrolling. Are you looking for a clean-ish bed and a warm(ish) shower after a miserable flight? You're in the right postcode.
What's the deal with the breakfast? Is it as depressing as they say?
Breakfast... a culinary adventure, or, let's be honest, a *quest for sustenance*. Okay, look, it's not the Ritz. It's not even your grandma's Sunday morning spread. We are talking about the "continental" variety here, people. Think: lukewarm coffee that tastes vaguely of burnt rubber, bagels that have the texture of a hockey puck, and pre-packaged pastries of questionable origin. Honestly, I'm not sure if some of them are *actually* food. I recall one particularly harrowing experience: the "fruit". Oranges. I tried to peel one to get something, *anything* fresh... and about a gallon of orange juice sprayed *everywhere*. My own fault (the orange’s, no), but point being you're better off either bringing your own snacks or grabbing something from a nearby store. It's just... well, let's face it, breakfast is a tough one.
Are the rooms actually *clean*? I have a fear of... things.
Ah, the cleanliness question. The million-dollar question! Let's just say, "clean" is relative. I've seen worse (been to far worse motels, to be frank). They *try*. The staff are actually quite lovely and do a reasonable job. Do they give you that *sparkling-clean* vibe of, say, a new hotel? Probably not. But mostly, the rooms are *acceptable*. There might be a stray hair here and there (it *is* a budget stay), a slightly questionable stain on the carpet that you *try* not to look at (and fail), but, generally speaking, it's a safe place to lay your weary head. I always travel with extra sanitizing wipes, just in case. Do what you do, it all depends on your particular neuroses!
Okay, but what if something goes wrong? Are the staff helpful?
Okay, yeah, the staff... They are ANGELS. Seriously. The front desk folks at that Red Roof? They are the unsung heroes of Irondale. I've had a bunch of problems over the years, and they’ve always been *incredibly* helpful and understanding. Once, my card was declined and as I was frantically contacting my bank at 2 AM (jet lag, remember?) they didn't even blink. They were patient, kind, and basically saved me from sleeping on the street. Another time, the TV remote was possessed...or broken, whatever, and my roommate (don't ask) got *very* upset. They sent someone up immediately and fixed it. They handle EVERYTHING with grace. It’s genuinely impressive. They’re the reason I keep going back.
Can you hear everything going on in the hallways? Noise levels?
Noise can be a real roller coaster with these things. Thin walls, usually. Sometimes, you can hear everything! The constant hum of the AC, the booming footsteps of the over-eager travelers above you at 3AM, late night phone calls. But you're not at the Four Seasons! Bring earplugs, you absolutely need them. Invest in a decent pair of noise-canceling headphones. Honestly, I just roll with the punches. I'm usually so exhausted after a flight, I'd sleep through a marching band convention. But, yeah, pack the plugs. Better safe than sorry. You have been warned!
What's the deal with the pool/gym? Are they worth bothering with?
Okay, pool/gym... Let's be honest. I haven't used the pool in *years*. It's there, it's chlorinated, and I'm pretty sure I saw some algae growing in it, once. (Dramatic pause). The gym is... the gym. A couple of treadmills, some weights (maybe slightly rusted, I'm not sure), and the faint smell of disinfectant. If you're a fitness fanatic, you'll definitely want to skip it. If you need a quick run to get your blood flowing after a long flight, then it might work, if you don't mind it being *basic*. I remember one time, I *tried* to use the gym. I found one of the treadmills looked sort of… sturdy. I turned it on; it then promptly started making this *horrendous* screeching noise. Apparently, it sounded like the cries of a dying banshee. I gave up and ordered a pizza from a delivery service. Pizza won that round. Seriously, if you just need to stretch your legs, the parking lot is probably more appealing.
Is it safe to walk around outside the hotel at night?
Safety. Always a good question! It’s not exactly Beverly Hills, but it’s not a complete war zone, either. Irondale is... well, Irondale. Use common sense, folks. Don't go wandering around by yourself at 3 AM, flashing your Rolex (if you have one). Stick to well-lit areas. Don't leave valuables visible in your car. The hotel itself is pretty safe, but always be aware of your surroundings, you know? I've never had a problem personally, but I'm also not exactly the type to go looking for trouble. Just be smart, and you'll be fine.
So, bottom line... should I book it?
Alright, the *money* question. Look, here's the deal. If you need a crash pad near the airport, and you're on a budget, then yeah, book it. It's convenient, and the staff are lovely. IfTop Hotel Search
