Hotel Highland at Five Points, Birmingham, AL

The Hotel Highland at Five Points is considered one of the most luxurious hotels in Birmingham, Alabama. The hotel is located in the historic Southside. It is a towering structure of white brick, and mixed color bricks on the top. Each of the sixty three rooms has a distinct dycor separating them from each other. Guests will discover handcrafted furniture, Brazilian bed linens and much more. All of the rooms are actually Brazilian in style with a modern or contemporary appearance. Hotel Highland began as Pickwick Hotel and Suites, but the company was bought out and a redecoration took place along with the new name.

There are four styles of accommodations guests can take advantage of. There is the contemporary two doubles with two double beds, LCD television and free DSL. The contemporary King offers one bed with LCD, DSL and hand crafted furniture from Brazil. The Luxury Suites have either a king or two double beds. The suites take the rooms a little further with the Two Sister Luxury Collection linens, two televisions, wet bar, refrigerator, and microwave.

Since the hotel is rife with history, it pays to know a little about the building and its origins. The building was created in the 1920's as a Medical Arts center. Even with the depression with its horrible effects on the economy, Birmingham was able to build an eight story office building. The Freemasons helped in this endeavor to offer a place for doctors and surgeons. The building was designed by Charles H. McCauley. The lower floors had an Apothecary. In the 1930's the building changed hands and was managed as an entertainment place until 1951. Several clubs including the Pickwick Club were found at the location. In 1988 the building was renovated and converted into the Pickwick Hotel. By 2007 the hotel began its new phase as the Hotel Highland with the rooms being redone to create the 28 luxury suites and 35 other guest rooms.

In the lobby of the hotel is the H Martini Bar for cocktails and a cozy setting. This room is very art deco with modern art, dycor, and furniture. The martini bar is seen as a place for wedding parties to toast their nuptials. Dining is also offered at the hotel. They offer a continental breakfast from 7am to 10am. The breakfast includes coffee, pastries, fruit, muffins, and cereals. The location of the hotel places it near several of the top restaurants of Birmingham.

Chez Fonfon, Cosmo's 5 Pts Pizza, Fire and Ice, Highlands Bar and Grill, and Hot and Hot Fish Club are a few of the dining places around the hotel. One can walk to these locations or drive. Many of the restaurants have a French flair to their cuisine, though Italian and American dishes can be found. Museums, the Jazz Hall of Fame, De Soto Caverns Park, and the Museum of Art are some of the area attractions nearby the Hotel Highlands at Five Points. Guests can ask the concierge to set them up with theater tickets or a walk in local parks.