Residence Inn By Marriott Birmingham Grandview

It’s a beautiful hotel, and I’m pleased with everything. Breakfast was really good too. I don’t understand the first few reviews. The complaint about finding two ladybugs in a room seems petty. They could have come in on someone’s clothes. That shouldn’t ruin a person’s stay, though maybe some people are hard to please.

The room was spacious, with a modern design and amenities that worked for both business and leisure. Housekeeping was also great. They came by every day with fresh towels and kept the room tidy, which was nice to come back to after being out. The hotel had only been open for a couple of weeks, and my experience was mixed. There were several ladybugs, mostly on the curtains, which I didn’t expect to find in my room. Breakfast is scheduled for 6:30-9 AM but was rarely ready before 7, which was frustrating when getting up early. The roomy layout and attentive housekeeping were good points, but pest control and breakfast timing need attention.

The lack of an extra bed is a major drawback. There are no pull-out beds or rollaway cots, and a queen room listed for three only works if the third guest is willing to sleep on a small, very firm couch. I hope they address this, since it’s a big problem for groups of more than two. We booked the huge handicap suite, which exceeded expectations: there were two desks, a large living area and a kitchenette with a fridge, stovetop, microwave, full refrigerator/freezer, dishwasher, plates, bowls and utensils. It also had a butcher knife and paring knife, so be aware if you have kids. The bedroom was roomier than we needed, the bathroom cavernous, and the shower a bit small. It had accessible bars and a fold-up shower chair, making it ideal for a guest with limited mobility. This was a brand new hotel, open about a month when I wrote this on 4/17/26, so some hiccups are to be expected while staff are still learning their roles. They were responsive and helpful. It’s a beautiful building with a modern, spacious feel, and the hotel was clean with the amenities I expected. There’s a small grab-and-go area with the usual items, plus a full-service bar and a bistro with quick snack-like meals that cost $$$. A large outdoor deck has two gas firepits and a decent view of the surrounding woods, and there’s an attractive pool. The lobby has lots of seating, along with a couple of conference rooms I didn’t explore. The location is quiet, with no traffic noise from nearby 280. Parking is free, close and easy right beside the hotel. A nearby place charges, inexplicably, $10 a day for the same kind of self-parking. I expected a lot from this location and it delivered. This isn’t a one- or two-star hotel. I suspect some reviewers are upset beyond reason about a couple of minor quirks in a brand new place. If you use a credit card for hotel stays, any billing errors can be fixed afterward. Overall, it’s beautiful, spacious and clean. Recommended, as long as you know there aren’t extra beds.

Getting the toilet sorted out took more than four hours and three calls from me. It had been left in a bad state by the previous guest, so I had to plunge it myself first. The service really should have been better.