The change from a Wyndham Historic Hotel to a Hampton Inn comes as a surprise to guests arriving at this eight-story brick building with its freshened Italianate facade and a listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Renovations are virtually complete, and only time will tell whether the facelift and new affiliation will be enough to re-establish this as Birmingham's grande dame.

The quaint reception area and eclectic public rooms still show coffered ceilings, paneled walls and white marble floors, but technology upgrades have added wireless Internet access in all public areas.

Icon is the newest restaurant reincarnation here and serves all meals, but most guests opt for the complimentary full breakfast served in a cheery yellow room. Alternative options for dining are limited, since there isn't much within walking distance.

A fitness room has been added, as has a business center. The emphasis here is on small groups, not conventions. Meeting space has been converted to six small function rooms, with the largest hosting only 160 when set theater-style. Guests are advised to use valet parking (self-parking incurs the same steep charge) or complimentary airport transfers.

The room mix is half suites, and all rooms have been substantially upgraded. Rooms are small but cozy with soft neutral colors contrasting with cherry furnishings. Down duvets cover pillow-top mattresses, and down pillows are plentiful. Suites have separate sitting areas with sofa beds and armchairs, and ergonomic chairs and tables make them a better choice for road warriors. All rooms have free high-speed Internet access, flat-screen TVs sitting on dressers, irons and coffeemakers, with suites adding microwave ovens and small refrigerators. The marble and tile combination baths, though small, are now crisp and clean with new hair dryers and plump towels. A few rooms have been redesigned for disabled guests, and a few remain for smokers. Room service runs 6 am-11 pm.

Everything is fresh and clean, and housekeeping is doing a good job of keeping it that way. The character and charm remain, but it will take time to determine whether the clientele will accept this icon of Birmingham's past with its new midrange chain affiliation.