A&R Group Opens The Tutwiler Hotel as a DoubleTree by Hilton

A&R Group has completed the conversion of Birmingham’s historic Tutwiler Hotel into a DoubleTree by Hilton, bringing a refreshed full-service brand to the downtown landmark. The reopening blends restored historic details with upgraded rooms, meeting space and Hilton loyalty perks for guests.

Why it matters: - The conversion gives downtown Birmingham a refreshed full-service hotel while preserving one of the city’s best-known historic buildings. - The move ties a National Register-listed property to Hilton’s global DoubleTree brand, which can broaden its appeal for travelers, meetings and local events. - The hotel’s reopening adds new hospitality inventory in a central location near Birmingham’s business, dining, entertainment and cultural districts.

What happened: - A&R Group completed the conversion of The Tutwiler Hotel to The Tutwiler Hotel, a DoubleTree by Hilton, and the property is now open and welcoming guests. - The hotel is located at 2021 Park Place in downtown Birmingham, Alabama. - The property now offers refreshed guestrooms and suites, enhanced meeting and event space, and the DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Cookie welcome.

The details: - The renovation preserved original marble, ornamental ceilings and other historic architectural elements. - Guestrooms, bathrooms, furnishings, lighting and finishes were renewed across the hotel. - The Tutwiler includes 149 guestrooms with 13 different layouts per floor. - The room mix includes six balcony suites, six fireplace suites and a Presidential Suite with two king bedrooms, private bathrooms and a large entertaining area. - The building’s layout reflects its origins as the Ridgely Apartments. - Meeting and event spaces include the Ridgely Ballroom, The Jefferson, The Continental Room and executive meeting rooms. - The hotel can host corporate meetings, celebrations, receptions, social events, business meetings, leadership retreats, private dining, weddings and special events. - The building was originally developed in 1913 by the same individuals who developed the original Tutwiler Hotel. - After the original Tutwiler was demolished in 1974, the historic Ridgely was restored and reopened as The Tutwiler in 1986. - The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Between the lines: - The project is designed to balance preservation with a more modern guest experience, which is a common strategy for historic hotel conversions. - The DoubleTree flag adds a recognizable brand standard and loyalty-program reach through Hilton Honors. - A&R Group is using the project to reinforce its role as an owner-operator with development, design, construction, management and asset-management capabilities. - Robert Avila, president of hospitality at A&R Group, said the goal was to preserve the property’s character while meeting the expectations of today’s traveler.

What's next: - The Tutwiler is now operating under the DoubleTree by Hilton flag and will serve both overnight guests and event customers. - A&R Group says the conversion is part of its broader push to invest in distinctive hospitality assets across its portfolio. - Hilton Honors guests can access member rates, Digital Key, digital check-in, room selection and point-earning opportunities across Hilton’s portfolio.

The bottom line: - Birmingham’s Tutwiler has reopened as a brand-backed historic hotel, blending preserved architecture with updated amenities and a wider commercial reach.