In Brief: Spire Hospitality has reopened a historic hotel in Selma, Alabama, operating it under Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio, signaling continued brand investment in adaptive reuse and heritage property conversions.
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The St. James Hotel in Selma, Alabama – Image Credit Spire Hospitality
The St. James Hotel in Selma, Alabama, has reopened its doors and joined the Marriott Bonvoy family under its Series by Marriott hotel collection, a relatively new brand for Marriott with The St. James being only the 9th one in the world. Managed by Spire Hospitality, the restored landmark overlooks the Alabama River and has been part of Selma’s story since 1837, bearing witness to generations of history, culture and community. It stands proudly as the only remaining riverfront antebellum hotel in the country.
“The St. James Hotel adds a truly one-of-a-kind property to Spire’s growing and diverse portfolio,” said Mike Hogan, area general manager for Spire Hospitality. “Spire specializes in operating properties like this one, where disciplined management and genuine respect for a building’s history go hand in hand, and few carry a legacy as rich as a landmark that has stood for nearly two centuries. We’re grateful to have native Alabamians as our owners who are committed to Selma and its rebirth, for entrusting us with its next chapter, and we’re focused on delivering the consistent, high-value experience Series by Marriott guests count on while preserving everything that makes this hotel singular. This reopening also would not have been possible without financing from Sarah Feinberg and the continued investment by the Woodforest CEI-Boulos Opportunity Fund.”
The 55-room boutique property is ideal for travelers drawn to Selma’s arts and culture as well as the landmark Civil War and Civil Rights history that surrounds it. Guests stay just steps from the National Voting Rights Museum, the Edmund Pettus Bridge, the Old Town Historic District and sites along the U.S. Civil Rights Trail
Few hotels are woven into their city’s story the way the St. James is woven into Selma’s. Benjamin Sterling Turner, an enslaved man who managed the hotel, kept it running through the Civil War and later became the first African American U.S. Representative from Alabama. Infamous outlaws, including, by legend, Jesse James, passed through in the decades that followed, and generations later, marchers made history just steps from its front door.
“The St. James has anchored downtown Selma since 1837, and you feel that the moment you walk in,” said Cymethia Rudolph, general manager of the St. James Hotel. “From the Alabama River at our back to the Civil Rights landmarks and architectural gems within walking distance, this hotel belongs to Selma, and it means everything that it’s owned by Alabamians who care about that. What I love is that guests don’t just stay here, they step right into the city, and my team and I get to send them off knowing they’ve experienced something no other hotel can offer.”
Inside, the St. James pairs its historic character with the comforts today’s travelers expect. Guest rooms feature plush bedding, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, HDTVs, workspaces, with many offering river views. On-site, guests will find a restaurant, a fitness center, flexible meeting space, and breakfast and parking, along with the benefits of Marriott Bonvoy.
The reopening marks Spire’s third property in Alabama and its newest addition to a national portfolio spanning branded, soft-branded and independent hotels and resorts.
About Spire Hospitality
Spire Hospitality is a nationally recognize owner-centric hotel management company specializing in creating value for hotel investors while delivering exceptional guest experiences and providing an outstanding place to work. The Irving, TX-based company’s diverse portfolio of properties includes unique independent hotels and highly respected brands, including Marriott and Hilton and manages several independent resorts and lifestyle hotels. Spire is part of the AWH Partners family, which also includes AWH Development, a full-service real estate development company headquartered in New York. With more than 35 years of hotel operating experience, Spire is committed to preserving, protecting and enhancing hotel real estate value. For more information, visit spirehotels.com.
About Series by Marriott
Series by Marriott® is a collection brand that brings together established, regionally recognized hotel brands into one thoughtfully curated portfolio – designed for travelers who want comfort, value, and a sense of place. Each property tells its own local story reflecting the character of the region and the people it serves, while delivering a simple, approachable experience focused on well-executed fundamentals. Designed to offer quality and value in the right locations at the right price, Series by Marriott hotels provide comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, daily coffee or tea, and access to breakfast, fitness centers, and meetings and event spaces at select properties. Wherever travelers find a Series by Marriott hotel, they can count on the basics done well – consistently and with care. Guests can enjoy the local character of Series by Marriott hotels with the benefits of Marriott Bonvoy®, Marriott International’s global travel program offering members an extraordinary portfolio of brands, exclusive experiences through Marriott Bonvoy Moments, and unmatched benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.