A&R Group Officially Unveils The Tutwiler Hotel, a DoubleTree by Hilton

The newly branded Tutwiler Hotel, a DoubleTree by Hilton

Historic Birmingham landmark officially begins its next chapter as a full-service DoubleTree by Hilton

BIRMINGHAM, AL, UNITED STATES, August 21, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- A new chapter begins today for one of Birmingham’s most iconic hotels as A&R Group announces the completed conversion of The Tutwiler Hotel to a DoubleTree by Hilton.

Following an extensive transformation, the historic downtown property is now welcoming guests as The Tutwiler Hotel, a DoubleTree by Hilton, pairing more than a century of Birmingham history with refreshed accommodations, full-service amenities and the signature hospitality of the DoubleTree brand.

Located at 2021 Park Place in downtown Birmingham, the hotel introduces refreshed guestrooms and suites, enhanced meeting and event experiences and one of DoubleTree’s most recognizable traditions: a warm DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Cookie welcome for arriving guests.

The transformation represents a careful balance of preservation and progress. Original marble, ornamental ceilings and other historic architectural details remain at the heart of the property, while guestrooms, bathrooms, furnishings, lighting and finishes have been renewed throughout the hotel.

The Tutwiler features 149 guestrooms with 13 different layouts per floor, reflecting the building’s origins as the Ridgely Apartments. Accommodations include six balcony suites, six fireplace suites and a Presidential Suite with two king bedrooms, private bathrooms and a spacious entertaining area.

“The Tutwiler has always held a special place in Birmingham’s story, and we’re incredibly honored to help shape its next chapter,” said Robert Avila, President of Hospitality at A&R Group. “Our vision from the beginning was to preserve the character that makes this property irreplaceable while creating an experience that meets the expectations of today’s traveler. Becoming a DoubleTree by Hilton allows us to pair that history with an internationally recognized full-service brand and introduce an entirely new experience for guests, events and the Birmingham community.”

A Birmingham Gathering Place, Reimagined

The Tutwiler offers flexible meeting, event and private gathering spaces available for corporate meetings, celebrations, receptions and social events.

Among them is the Ridgely Ballroom, named for the building’s original identity as the Ridgely Apartments, constructed in 1913. Additional spaces include The Jefferson, The Continental Room and executive meeting spaces, offering a range of settings for business meetings, leadership retreats, private dining, weddings and special events.

The building’s history is uniquely intertwined with the original Tutwiler Hotel. Both were developed in 1913 by the same individuals: the original Tutwiler became Birmingham’s celebrated hotel, while this building opened as the luxury Ridgely Apartments. After the original hotel was demolished in 1974, the historic Ridgely was restored and reopened as The Tutwiler in 1986, preserving the name and legacy for a new generation. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Perfectly positioned in downtown Birmingham, The Tutwiler provides convenient access to the city's business district, dining, entertainment and cultural attractions, creating a destination for both visitors and local residents.

The conversion marks another milestone for Gulf Shores-based A&R Group, whose portfolio includes 28 hotels. Through its vertically integrated platform encompassing development, design, construction, hospitality management and asset management, A&R Group continues to invest in distinctive hospitality assets while creating long-term value for guests, brand partners, investors and the communities it serves.

The Tutwiler Hotel, a DoubleTree by Hilton, is now officially open and welcoming guests.

About A&R Group

A&R Group is a vertically integrated hospitality platform headquartered in Gulf Shores, Alabama, with 28 properties spanning Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, California, Colorado and Mississippi, with additional developments underway. By aligning development, design, construction, hospitality management and asset management, A&R Group drives consistency, efficiency and long-term performance across its portfolio. The company works with leading global hospitality brands including Hilton, Marriott and IHG Hotels.

About DoubleTree by Hilton

DoubleTree by Hilton is a global full-service hotel brand known for its warm hospitality and signature DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Cookie welcome. Guests can also enjoy Hilton Honors^®, Hilton’s award-winning loyalty program, including exclusive member rates, Digital Key, digital check-in, room selection and opportunities to earn and redeem points across Hilton’s global portfolio.

Sommer Sparrow
A&R Group
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