Hotels by Protective Stadium.

McG194
Posts
4109
Joined
9/7/2017
Location
Palm Coast, FL US

Anyone have any tips for a clean comfortable place in a safe neighborhood? Never been to B-ham and it looks like hotels close by range from $59 to $469

Looks like there is a Hilton Garden Inn less than 2 miles away. Just wondering what the area is like. 

|
shane509
Posts
153
Joined
4/18/2013
Location
Lumberton, MS US
3/10/2026 12:02pm

Not sure if they have any rooms left at the Westin. It was in the mid $400s when I booked in January. Yes it is pricy, but the convenience factor is hard to beat. Can walk out the lobby an across street to stadium, lots of restaurants right there as well. Don’t have to worry about parking either.

5
truck
Posts
3474
Joined
6/10/2015
Location
Louisville, KY US
Fantasy
3/10/2026 12:26pm

The two hotels right across the street are best bet if you can still get a room. Makes for a very easy day. If not staying there, then stay wherever you want, will be easy drive in from anywhere in the city.  Homewood has plenty of restaurants and decent little downtown area. 

2
McG194
Posts
4109
Joined
9/7/2017
Location
Palm Coast, FL US
3/11/2026 10:05am

I don't mind spending money but I'm trying to watch the budget a little bit because I'm working as a flagger and driving from the Daytona area. With gas prices It's already a money losing weekend, I just don't want to end up that far in the hole. lol

 

1
2
3/11/2026 11:17am

Last year was my first year going to bermingham. They have plenty of parking(especially at the time you will need to arrive). I’d get a hotel out of the city and just drive in 30 mins or so if I was on a budget. 

1

The Shop

3/11/2026 11:18am
shane509 wrote:
Not sure if they have any rooms left at the Westin. It was in the mid $400s when I booked in January. Yes it is pricy...

Not sure if they have any rooms left at the Westin. It was in the mid $400s when I booked in January. Yes it is pricy, but the convenience factor is hard to beat. Can walk out the lobby an across street to stadium, lots of restaurants right there as well. Don’t have to worry about parking either.

I’m staying at this hotel this year. Where do I park? Can’t find anything on the website other than a paid parking garage. Does the hotel have a parking lot/garage?

1
SonofThor32
Posts
839
Joined
5/30/2021
Location
Corryton, TN US
3/11/2026 11:29am Edited Date/Time 3/11/2026 11:30am

I am too cheap to stay at the Westin across the street from the stadium, which is where the teams also shack up.  We have stayed at both the Redmont and Hampton which are close enough to the Westin that you could hit them with an arrow, but a little more affordable. About 1/2 mile walk to your seats from these hotels.  It is an enjoyable experience walking to/from your hotel at this race, and as others have said, if you are staying in this area near the stadium, there is plenty of places to eat close by, I highly recommend Pizza Grace down the road, it is a nice microbew restaurant (nice inside too), with off the chart good pizza.

3/11/2026 11:48am Edited Date/Time 3/11/2026 11:48am
shane509 wrote:
Not sure if they have any rooms left at the Westin. It was in the mid $400s when I booked in January. Yes it is pricy...

Not sure if they have any rooms left at the Westin. It was in the mid $400s when I booked in January. Yes it is pricy, but the convenience factor is hard to beat. Can walk out the lobby an across street to stadium, lots of restaurants right there as well. Don’t have to worry about parking either.

I’m staying at this hotel this year. Where do I park? Can’t find anything on the website other than a paid parking garage. Does the hotel...

I’m staying at this hotel this year. Where do I park? Can’t find anything on the website other than a paid parking garage. Does the hotel have a parking lot/garage?

And if parking garage is only option does an f150 fit?

2
McG194
Posts
4109
Joined
9/7/2017
Location
Palm Coast, FL US
3/11/2026 11:56am
I am too cheap to stay at the Westin across the street from the stadium, which is where the teams also shack up.  We have stayed...

I am too cheap to stay at the Westin across the street from the stadium, which is where the teams also shack up.  We have stayed at both the Redmont and Hampton which are close enough to the Westin that you could hit them with an arrow, but a little more affordable. About 1/2 mile walk to your seats from these hotels.  It is an enjoyable experience walking to/from your hotel at this race, and as others have said, if you are staying in this area near the stadium, there is plenty of places to eat close by, I highly recommend Pizza Grace down the road, it is a nice microbew restaurant (nice inside too), with off the chart good pizza.

Off the chart good pizza is a bold statement. I may have to try it if I get in town in time Friday night. 

1
jmo443
Posts
1840
Joined
4/5/2019
Location
NY US
3/11/2026 12:12pm
shane509 wrote:
Not sure if they have any rooms left at the Westin. It was in the mid $400s when I booked in January. Yes it is pricy...

Not sure if they have any rooms left at the Westin. It was in the mid $400s when I booked in January. Yes it is pricy, but the convenience factor is hard to beat. Can walk out the lobby an across street to stadium, lots of restaurants right there as well. Don’t have to worry about parking either.

I’m staying at this hotel this year. Where do I park? Can’t find anything on the website other than a paid parking garage. Does the hotel...

I’m staying at this hotel this year. Where do I park? Can’t find anything on the website other than a paid parking garage. Does the hotel have a parking lot/garage?

And if parking garage is only option does an f150 fit?

Most garages yes. Just double check before going. When I used to show up pitting out of the pickup truck it wouldn’t fit. In that case you pay for valet and they keep it out front with an eye on it. I have noticed a lot of hotels I’ve been paying for valet when no one is even around. And in some instances they only let you park using valet. 

1
truck
Posts
3474
Joined
6/10/2015
Location
Louisville, KY US
Fantasy
3/11/2026 1:04pm
shane509 wrote:
Not sure if they have any rooms left at the Westin. It was in the mid $400s when I booked in January. Yes it is pricy...

Not sure if they have any rooms left at the Westin. It was in the mid $400s when I booked in January. Yes it is pricy, but the convenience factor is hard to beat. Can walk out the lobby an across street to stadium, lots of restaurants right there as well. Don’t have to worry about parking either.

I’m staying at this hotel this year. Where do I park? Can’t find anything on the website other than a paid parking garage. Does the hotel...

I’m staying at this hotel this year. Where do I park? Can’t find anything on the website other than a paid parking garage. Does the hotel have a parking lot/garage?

And if parking garage is only option does an f150 fit?

I had extended length escalade in there last year.

Google street view entrance to the garage and you can usually see the clearance. Have to check this often with my truck so have learned a few tricks. 

3/11/2026 1:27pm Edited Date/Time 3/11/2026 1:28pm
I’m staying at this hotel this year. Where do I park? Can’t find anything on the website other than a paid parking garage. Does the hotel...

I’m staying at this hotel this year. Where do I park? Can’t find anything on the website other than a paid parking garage. Does the hotel have a parking lot/garage?

And if parking garage is only option does an f150 fit?

truck wrote:
I had extended length escalade in there last year.Google street view entrance to the garage and you can usually see the clearance. Have to check this...

I had extended length escalade in there last year.

Google street view entrance to the garage and you can usually see the clearance. Have to check this often with my truck so have learned a few tricks. 

Thanks. That was a good idea. It’s 7 foot 4 inches so my truck should fit fine. Also, on street view I could see some trucks in the garage on ground level. 

shane509
Posts
153
Joined
4/18/2013
Location
Lumberton, MS US
3/12/2026 4:01am
shane509 wrote:
Not sure if they have any rooms left at the Westin. It was in the mid $400s when I booked in January. Yes it is pricy...

Not sure if they have any rooms left at the Westin. It was in the mid $400s when I booked in January. Yes it is pricy, but the convenience factor is hard to beat. Can walk out the lobby an across street to stadium, lots of restaurants right there as well. Don’t have to worry about parking either.

I’m staying at this hotel this year. Where do I park? Can’t find anything on the website other than a paid parking garage. Does the hotel...

I’m staying at this hotel this year. Where do I park? Can’t find anything on the website other than a paid parking garage. Does the hotel have a parking lot/garage?

Think they had us park in the parking garage, I can’t remember 100%. 

If anyone is looking for things to do, they have a k1 speed about 30 mins away in Bessemer. We plan to hit that on the way in Friday night to scratch the itch. 

1
truck
Posts
3474
Joined
6/10/2015
Location
Louisville, KY US
Fantasy
3/12/2026 6:18am

Barber motorcycle museum also worth a visit

2
Dave v3.0
Posts
616
Joined
7/15/2022
Location
Ozark, AL US
3/12/2026 6:42am
shane509 wrote:
Not sure if they have any rooms left at the Westin. It was in the mid $400s when I booked in January. Yes it is pricy...

Not sure if they have any rooms left at the Westin. It was in the mid $400s when I booked in January. Yes it is pricy, but the convenience factor is hard to beat. Can walk out the lobby an across street to stadium, lots of restaurants right there as well. Don’t have to worry about parking either.

I’m staying at this hotel this year. Where do I park? Can’t find anything on the website other than a paid parking garage. Does the hotel...

I’m staying at this hotel this year. Where do I park? Can’t find anything on the website other than a paid parking garage. Does the hotel have a parking lot/garage?

shane509 wrote:
Think they had us park in the parking garage, I can’t remember 100%. If anyone is looking for things to do, they have a k1 speed about...

Think they had us park in the parking garage, I can’t remember 100%. 

If anyone is looking for things to do, they have a k1 speed about 30 mins away in Bessemer. We plan to hit that on the way in Friday night to scratch the itch. 

If you're going to Bessemer or anywhere to the west of Birmingham, here's looking at you, Ensley🤣, you better lock down everything you own and make sure anything inside your vehicle is out of sight.  A kevlar vest isn't a bad investment either.😎

Now you can't say you weren't warned.

1
shane509
Posts
153
Joined
4/18/2013
Location
Lumberton, MS US
3/12/2026 6:49am
truck wrote:

Barber motorcycle museum also worth a visit

Completely forgot about Barbers... definitely worth a visit. I saw where Mr. George Barber passed away a few weeks ago, RIP.

SonofThor32
Posts
839
Joined
5/30/2021
Location
Corryton, TN US
3/12/2026 6:49am
truck wrote:

Barber motorcycle museum also worth a visit

^ X1000.  It is about 30 mins away, and it would be a sin to be in the area and not visit this museum.  It is a work of art just entering the parking lot.  And if you are lucky, people will be racing on the road course.

Barber Motorsports Museum | Largest Motorcycle Collection

2
McG194
Posts
4109
Joined
9/7/2017
Location
Palm Coast, FL US
3/13/2026 5:55am
truck wrote:

Barber motorcycle museum also worth a visit

That has been on my list for a while. I originally planned on leaving my area around noon on Friday which would rule that out but I just took Friday off work and if I can get in the area by 2:00 pm I will definitely go there.  

2
McG194
Posts
4109
Joined
9/7/2017
Location
Palm Coast, FL US
3/24/2026 5:52am
I am too cheap to stay at the Westin across the street from the stadium, which is where the teams also shack up.  We have stayed...

I am too cheap to stay at the Westin across the street from the stadium, which is where the teams also shack up.  We have stayed at both the Redmont and Hampton which are close enough to the Westin that you could hit them with an arrow, but a little more affordable. About 1/2 mile walk to your seats from these hotels.  It is an enjoyable experience walking to/from your hotel at this race, and as others have said, if you are staying in this area near the stadium, there is plenty of places to eat close by, I highly recommend Pizza Grace down the road, it is a nice microbew restaurant (nice inside too), with off the chart good pizza.

I did take your advice and went to Pizza Grace, and it was a solid recommendation. When a pizza joint is Michelin star rated it must be doing something right. Also, I ended up staying at the Hilton Garden Inn, no complaints. Great if tiring weekend overall.

Pizza Grace.jpeg?VersionId=3LJhQXooxk

6
shane509
Posts
153
Joined
4/18/2013
Location
Lumberton, MS US
3/24/2026 6:25pm

I heard some talk this weekend about the three-year contract at the stadium was up, so I’m curious if Birmingham will be back on the schedule next year. Living in South Mississippi, this is the closest round for us, so we always look forward to it. I think the area around the stadium is nice, and I like having the pits inside with it being an open stadium. The red clay dirt looks great, just wish they could eliminate some of the rocks.


 

2
ace402
Posts
282
Joined
9/23/2019
Location
Loxley, AL US
3/24/2026 7:07pm

I’ve been all three years. Hope they keep it on the schedule 

2
truck
Posts
3474
Joined
6/10/2015
Location
Louisville, KY US
Fantasy
3/24/2026 11:18pm

Birmingham gets all kinds of hate and maybe it's just because I'm familiar with all 3 cities so can make the most of it, but I've been to Birmingham, Nashville, and St. Louis in past few years and I'll take Birmingham over the others. Good viewing, indoor pits, less hassle in and out, less all in cost.... I don't really care if media find the nightlife appealing. Do a little more homework on where to stay and what to do and it's fine. 

3
3/25/2026 4:12am
truck wrote:
Birmingham gets all kinds of hate and maybe it's just because I'm familiar with all 3 cities so can make the most of it, but I've...

Birmingham gets all kinds of hate and maybe it's just because I'm familiar with all 3 cities so can make the most of it, but I've been to Birmingham, Nashville, and St. Louis in past few years and I'll take Birmingham over the others. Good viewing, indoor pits, less hassle in and out, less all in cost.... I don't really care if media find the nightlife appealing. Do a little more homework on where to stay and what to do and it's fine. 

I enjoyed it too. I’ve been to many cities for races and this one is more than okay. I actually really like the stadium because you feel close to the race. 

1
SonofThor32
Posts
839
Joined
5/30/2021
Location
Corryton, TN US
3/25/2026 4:37am Edited Date/Time 3/25/2026 4:38am
I am too cheap to stay at the Westin across the street from the stadium, which is where the teams also shack up.  We have stayed...

I am too cheap to stay at the Westin across the street from the stadium, which is where the teams also shack up.  We have stayed at both the Redmont and Hampton which are close enough to the Westin that you could hit them with an arrow, but a little more affordable. About 1/2 mile walk to your seats from these hotels.  It is an enjoyable experience walking to/from your hotel at this race, and as others have said, if you are staying in this area near the stadium, there is plenty of places to eat close by, I highly recommend Pizza Grace down the road, it is a nice microbew restaurant (nice inside too), with off the chart good pizza.

McG194 wrote:
I did take your advice and went to Pizza Grace, and it was a solid recommendation. When a pizza joint is Michelin star rated it must...

I did take your advice and went to Pizza Grace, and it was a solid recommendation. When a pizza joint is Michelin star rated it must be doing something right. Also, I ended up staying at the Hilton Garden Inn, no complaints. Great if tiring weekend overall.

Pizza Grace.jpeg?VersionId=3LJhQXooxk

Good deal man!  Hopefully y'all had a good time, and IMO, Birmingham is awesome from a spectator perspective and the weather was perfect.
 

Bonus points if you made it to Barber Motorsports Museum 🍻

1
3/25/2026 4:40am
I am too cheap to stay at the Westin across the street from the stadium, which is where the teams also shack up.  We have stayed...

I am too cheap to stay at the Westin across the street from the stadium, which is where the teams also shack up.  We have stayed at both the Redmont and Hampton which are close enough to the Westin that you could hit them with an arrow, but a little more affordable. About 1/2 mile walk to your seats from these hotels.  It is an enjoyable experience walking to/from your hotel at this race, and as others have said, if you are staying in this area near the stadium, there is plenty of places to eat close by, I highly recommend Pizza Grace down the road, it is a nice microbew restaurant (nice inside too), with off the chart good pizza.

McG194 wrote:
I did take your advice and went to Pizza Grace, and it was a solid recommendation. When a pizza joint is Michelin star rated it must...

I did take your advice and went to Pizza Grace, and it was a solid recommendation. When a pizza joint is Michelin star rated it must be doing something right. Also, I ended up staying at the Hilton Garden Inn, no complaints. Great if tiring weekend overall.

Pizza Grace.jpeg?VersionId=3LJhQXooxk

Good deal man!  Hopefully y'all had a good time, and IMO, Birmingham is awesome from a spectator perspective and the weather was perfect. Bonus points if you...

Good deal man!  Hopefully y'all had a good time, and IMO, Birmingham is awesome from a spectator perspective and the weather was perfect.
 

Bonus points if you made it to Barber Motorsports Museum 🍻

IMG 0637 6
7
McG194
Posts
4109
Joined
9/7/2017
Location
Palm Coast, FL US
3/25/2026 7:37am
I am too cheap to stay at the Westin across the street from the stadium, which is where the teams also shack up.  We have stayed...

I am too cheap to stay at the Westin across the street from the stadium, which is where the teams also shack up.  We have stayed at both the Redmont and Hampton which are close enough to the Westin that you could hit them with an arrow, but a little more affordable. About 1/2 mile walk to your seats from these hotels.  It is an enjoyable experience walking to/from your hotel at this race, and as others have said, if you are staying in this area near the stadium, there is plenty of places to eat close by, I highly recommend Pizza Grace down the road, it is a nice microbew restaurant (nice inside too), with off the chart good pizza.

McG194 wrote:
I did take your advice and went to Pizza Grace, and it was a solid recommendation. When a pizza joint is Michelin star rated it must...

I did take your advice and went to Pizza Grace, and it was a solid recommendation. When a pizza joint is Michelin star rated it must be doing something right. Also, I ended up staying at the Hilton Garden Inn, no complaints. Great if tiring weekend overall.

Pizza Grace.jpeg?VersionId=3LJhQXooxk

Good deal man!  Hopefully y'all had a good time, and IMO, Birmingham is awesome from a spectator perspective and the weather was perfect. Bonus points if you...

Good deal man!  Hopefully y'all had a good time, and IMO, Birmingham is awesome from a spectator perspective and the weather was perfect.
 

Bonus points if you made it to Barber Motorsports Museum 🍻

I didn't get there in time Friday to get to Barber. It was an over 500 mile drive so Friday was a long day. If they go to Birmingham next year I'll just leave after work Thursday night and drive 5 hours or so. 

McG194
Posts
4109
Joined
9/7/2017
Location
Palm Coast, FL US
3/25/2026 7:38am
shane509 wrote:
I heard some talk this weekend about the three-year contract at the stadium was up, so I’m curious if Birmingham will be back on the schedule...

I heard some talk this weekend about the three-year contract at the stadium was up, so I’m curious if Birmingham will be back on the schedule next year. Living in South Mississippi, this is the closest round for us, so we always look forward to it. I think the area around the stadium is nice, and I like having the pits inside with it being an open stadium. The red clay dirt looks great, just wish they could eliminate some of the rocks.


 

I heard that they used new dirt this year so I would be shocked if it was a one time use for that dirt. 

SEEMEFIRST
Posts
13446
Joined
8/21/2006
Location
Arlington, TX US
3/25/2026 7:49am
shane509 wrote:
I heard some talk this weekend about the three-year contract at the stadium was up, so I’m curious if Birmingham will be back on the schedule...

I heard some talk this weekend about the three-year contract at the stadium was up, so I’m curious if Birmingham will be back on the schedule next year. Living in South Mississippi, this is the closest round for us, so we always look forward to it. I think the area around the stadium is nice, and I like having the pits inside with it being an open stadium. The red clay dirt looks great, just wish they could eliminate some of the rocks.


 

McG194 wrote:

I heard that they used new dirt this year so I would be shocked if it was a one time use for that dirt. 

Maybe they could run it through a classifier and at least get rid of the hamburger sized rocks.

McG194
Posts
4109
Joined
9/7/2017
Location
Palm Coast, FL US
3/25/2026 8:16am
shane509 wrote:
I heard some talk this weekend about the three-year contract at the stadium was up, so I’m curious if Birmingham will be back on the schedule...

I heard some talk this weekend about the three-year contract at the stadium was up, so I’m curious if Birmingham will be back on the schedule next year. Living in South Mississippi, this is the closest round for us, so we always look forward to it. I think the area around the stadium is nice, and I like having the pits inside with it being an open stadium. The red clay dirt looks great, just wish they could eliminate some of the rocks.


 

McG194 wrote:

I heard that they used new dirt this year so I would be shocked if it was a one time use for that dirt. 

SEEMEFIRST wrote:

Maybe they could run it through a classifier and at least get rid of the hamburger sized rocks.

Hamburger sized may be an overexaggeration, maybe slider sized.   lol

 

Rocks
McG194
Posts
4109
Joined
9/7/2017
Location
Palm Coast, FL US
3/25/2026 8:20am

It wasn't all as bad as that corner looked. 

 

More rocks
3/25/2026 8:21am

Went to all 3 Bham SX's so far and loved all of them.

By comparison to some other nearby SX's I've been to:

- Georgia Dome (RIP; sketchy walk to/from stadium always with loonies / black Israelites barking on megaphones; bonkers post-race traffic)

- ATL Mercedes Benz Stadium (same sketchy walk and traffic jam; apparently too expensive for SX to return anyway)

- ATL Motor Speedway (seating way too far from track; no restaurants)

- Nashville (pits can be a bit hot weather-depending; bit of a walk for restaurants but otherwise great!)

1

Post a reply to: Hotels by Protective Stadium.

The Latest