Hotel Indigo, Birmingham’s latest hospitality jewel, opened in April in the city’s original entertainment district, historic Five Points South. Here are five noteworthy things about the boutique establishment.
The history: The Art Deco-style building dates back to the 1930s, originally designed as medical offices across from Birmingham’s first apothecary. In the 1980s, it converted to a hotel recalling the Pickwick Club, a historic dance hall in the 1900s.
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Stately flourishes: Modern amenities include hardwood floors, spa-inspired showers and luxury linens. Traditional touches, like glass paneling and the building’s original medical insignia, remain around the property.
Geographic integrity: Five Points South earned its name for the intersection at its core, forming a five-pointed star by the convergence of 20th Street South, 11th Avenue South, and Magnolia Avenue. Five Points was a hub for streetcar lines, leading to residential and commercial development.
The neighbors: Five Points South has no shortage of nationally acclaimed dining establishments, including Highlands Bar & Grill, Ocean Restaurant, Bottega, Chez Fonfon and Hot and Hot Fish Club.
The refreshments: Hotel Indigo’s RX Lounge is centered on the building’s history as a medical apothecary and provides F&B “prescriptions, ” curated by Chef Niko Romero, with smoked cocktails, beakers and fresh juices at its core.
Dave Helms is copy editor of Business Alabama.
