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3-star hotel Check-in 15:00 · Check-out 12:00

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tuscaloosa-University, an IHG Hotel

Contemporary hotel in Tuscaloosa with free breakfast, outdoor pool, 24/7 business center, and LGBTQ+ friendly amenities. Close to University of Alabama and local attractions.

1120 Veterans Memorial Pkwy, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404, United States View on map
9/10
Exceptional Based on 485 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free breakfast Free parking Accessible Outdoor pool
What recent guests emphasize

Comfort, Cleanliness, and Friendly Service

Recent visitors highlight the hotel’s spotless rooms, accommodating staff, and convenient location close to the University of Alabama. While cleanliness and comfort receive strong praise, some note minor issues with room upkeep. The property offers attractive extras like a hot breakfast, coffee station, and evening treats, making it a well-rounded choice for a variety of travelers.

Guests often praise

  • Exceptionally clean and well-maintained rooms, creating a comfortable stay environment.
  • Friendly, welcoming, and helpful staff, with several team members specifically named for excellent service.
  • Convenient location near the University of Alabama and local shopping and dining options.
  • Complimentary hot breakfast with a good variety, plus 24-hour coffee and evening snacks like hot chocolate and cookies.
  • Spacious suite options featuring amenities like separate living areas and multiple TVs valued by families and groups.

Worth knowing

  • Some guests reported minor cleanliness issues in certain rooms, mostly related to sinks or minimal grime, though not widespread.
  • The hotel maintains a quiet and comfortable atmosphere, suitable for relaxation after busy days or events.
  • Staff often go above and beyond during high-occupancy periods, including after large events or game days.
  • Free parking and accessible outdoor pool add to the convenience for travelers with children or extended stays.
  • Helpful local area guides prepared by staff enhance guests’ exploration experience beyond standard sources.

Best for

  • Visitors attending family reunions, university-related events, or football games due to central location and accommodating service.
  • LGBTQ+ travelers seeking an inclusive and friendly environment.
  • Business travelers needing 24/7 business center access and quiet workspaces within suites.
  • Families looking for spacious rooms with amenities such as sofa sleepers and close supervision areas like the outdoor pool.
  • Guests who appreciate added touches like fresh coffee throughout the day, hot breakfasts, and friendly personalized service.
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About this property

Welcome to Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tuscaloosa-University, an IHG Hotel

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tuscaloosa-University, an IHG Hotel, offers a contemporary setting just off Veterans Memorial Parkway, making it a convenient choice for visitors to the University of Alabama and surrounding institutions. Located about 3 miles from the university and 8 miles from Tuscaloosa Regional Airport, the hotel serves as a practical base for travelers attending conferences, university events, or nearby cultural attractions like the Alabama Museum of Natural History and the Kentuck Art Center & Festival.

The property features practical amenities such as an outdoor pool, a 24/7 business center, and free WiFi, which caters well to both business and leisure travelers. Guests consistently highlight the hotel’s cleanliness and the friendly, accommodating staff. The availability of a free hot breakfast and a nighttime hot chocolate bar with cookies adds value for those starting an early day or returning from local activities. Some guests noted minor cleanliness issues in certain rooms, but overall, the hotel maintains a solid reputation for tidiness and comfort.

This Holiday Inn Express & Suites also welcomes LGBTQ+ travelers, emphasizing an inclusive environment. Spacious suites with living areas, comfortable beds, and practical furnishings like refrigerators and sofa sleepers are appreciated by families and groups attending reunions or university-related gatherings. Its role as a conference center and wedding venue broadens its appeal to visitors seeking versatile event spaces alongside accommodation.

Nearby amenities, including a variety of restaurants and shopping centers, add to the convenience of staying at the hotel. With several other moderately rated hotels within just a few miles, this property stands out through guest testimonials emphasizing its updated interiors, pleasant staff, and convenient location. Check-in and check-out times are standard, offering flexibility for most travel schedules.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
Free parking
Accessible
Outdoor pool
Air-conditioned
Business center
Kid-friendly
Fitness center
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Pet-friendly
Airport shuttle
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

DGS
David Gearring, Sr. Apr 10, 2026
10

Our choice to stay at the Holiday Inn Express in Tuscaloosa was a straightforward one, as the family reunion organizers had secured a fantastic, discounted rate for us. The hotel's location proved to be a major plus, as it was very easy to find right on Veteran's Memorial Parkway. The central location was perfect for our reunion events, especially for the final get-together at Bolero, which was just around the corner. The surrounding area was also convenient, with an older, mostly empty shopping mall across the street and a newer shopping center nearby that offered multiple stores and restaurants. After a long drive from Cincinnati, we were warmly welcomed by an extremely pleasant staff member who made our check-in process effortless. We were lucky to get a room with a view of the outdoor swimming pool, which was perfect for keeping an eye on our grandkids as they played. The room itself was exceptionally clean—so much so that I felt comfortable walking around barefoot, a rarity in my experience. We were upgraded to a larger than normal suite that came with two big-screen TVs, a refrigerator, and a sink, plus a sofa sleeper in the living area that was perfect for the kids. The bed was very comfortable, and once we figured out the thermostat controls, it was easy to get the temperature just right for a good night's sleep. Fortunately, we never encountered the unpleasant smell of marijuana during our entire weekend stay. The free breakfasts were satisfying, and the 24-hour availability of coffee was a much-appreciated bonus. All in all, this Holiday Inn Express turned out to be a great value. Its cleanliness and central location made it the ideal base for our family reunion events. I would definitely consider staying here again if I ever have the occasion to return to Tuscaloosa.

PD
Pamela Davis Mar 31, 2026
10

Great experience at Holiday Inn Express Tuscaloosa on Veterans Memorial Pkwy. Very nice friendly staff. Efficient check-in and check-out. Good breakfast selection for hot or cold breakfast. Very nice King suite...extremely spacious...with a separate living area plus a chaise lounge and work desk. Nice bathroom and everything everywhere...clean, clean, clean!

TJ
Thomas Jennings Mar 26, 2026
8.0

Great property, amaxing staff that accomodated any needs we had, and overall just a great time! One of the rooms had a sink that wasnt cleaned, and the second room we got wasn't the cleanest either, but it was very minimal dirt and grime. Overall the hotel was great and I would definitely stay here again. They even have a hot chocolate bar and cookies at night! Breakfast was amazing :)

L
Leela Mar 24, 2026
10

This hotel is the cleanest one that I believe I’ve ever stayed in. It’s totally immaculate on the inside. The staff especially Karess was very welcoming and accommodating from the time I walked into the hotel. Everything that I asked her she was very knowledgeable and not for one moment acted as if I was bothering her. I asked her many questions about this facility as I had driven by it numerous times and never had been inside or stayed there. There was a positive attitude that exuded from Karess from the very beginning. If I ever come to Tuscaloosa again I’ll most definitely stay at this IHG location. It’s people like her that make a difference.

BS
Betsy Sheets Feb 26, 2026
10

wonderfully renovated Holiday Inn express. The staff could not be nicer. Breakfast is good ...fresh brewed coffee never misses. Love the happy hour Friday nights before football games. The staff is extraordinary. Also free parking.

V
Veronica Feb 10, 2026
10

This place was one of the nicest hotels I have stayed in. The staff were all friendly, and the hotel was very clean. My family and I enjoyed the hot breakfast they provided. Along with the coffee machine that freshly brewed my coffee with the fresh coffee beans. And if your looking to keep up your fitness journey while on vacation. This place has all the equipment you need for a full body workout.

MG
Monica Gunderson Jan 12, 2026
10

I had some snags in my travels and booked this hotel last minute. I called ahead and the receptionist was friendly and welcoming. Then I arrived, and Victoria at the front desk delivered above and beyond service. Here a day after a home football game, 90 people checking out, and they haven’t missed a beat in service delivery including housekeeping being incredibly professional and courteous.

LL
LM LeSure Dec 28, 2025
10

I had a really nice stay! Quinn and Veronica were helpful and friendly. I appreciated the fresh baked cookies and someone created an extremely useful guide to the local area. I've never seen that any of the other locations so I think someone in the staff took the initiative to do that. This is something that should be implemented at all of the hotels as I found it very useful and less stressful than solely relying on something like Grub Hub or Google reviews. The hotel was clean and in addition to the complimentary breakfast, there was a hot cocoa station. Very comfortable, quiet, and accommodating.

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tuscaloosa-University, an IHG Hotel

Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA

This modern hotel is 3 miles from the University of Alabama, 4 miles from Stillman College and 8 miles from the Tuscaloosa Regional Airport.

  • Tuscaloosa 1 hr 2 Walk
  • Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport 1 hr Car
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Alabama. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Alabama Museum of Natural History 294 reviews

Alabama Museum of Natural History

427 6th Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, United States

4.4 · Natural History Museum
Kentuck Art Center & Festival 139 reviews

Kentuck Art Center & Festival

503 Main Ave, Northport, AL 35476, United States

4.6 · Art Center
Gorgas House 29 reviews

Gorgas House

Gorgas House, 810 Capstone Dr, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, United States

4.8 · Research Institute
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