This hotel is in a business park at interstates 459 and 280, five minutes from the university, museum, zoo and botanical gardens. This classic two-tone, eight-story post-modern edifice is one of Birmingham's best brand hotels. Built in 1999 and well-managed and -maintained since then, the property, and its staff, display a professional sheen that appeals to visiting executives.

Uniformed valets, automated glass doors and a large floral arrangement welcome arrivals into the marble lobby. An efficient reception staff gives little reason for guests to linger, but those who do usually move into the fountain atrium for the overstuffed seating or tables seating four. The sophisticated bar and grill opens off the atrium and dishes up an American menu for all meals and a breakfast buffet for those in a hurry; guests looking for more variety will need a car.

An indoor lap pool and fitness center de-stress the corporate clientele, who can meet in any of 15 function rooms, including eight boardrooms and a ballroom seating 600. A business center, free parking and weekday newspapers, a coin-operated laundry and a gift shop offer ease and convenience for guests.

Guest rooms display pleasant, if predictable, appointments with attractive medium woods, soothing pale walls, framed prints, and well-coordinated drapes and fabrics in neutral colors atop pine-green carpeting. Armoires hide TVs, mirrored closets hold irons and ironing boards, and tiled combination baths with faux-marbre countertops have all the essentials from hair dryers to toiletries. All rooms have signature mattresses topped with down duvets and multiple pillows. King-bedded rooms have either a sofa bed or an easy chair and ottoman. Most rooms are Marriott's signature Rooms that Work, providing large desks with task lighting, easy-access outlets and data ports, and dual-line phones with voice mail. Premium rooms on the two top floors add robes, bottled water, and access to a private lounge with free Continental breakfast, evening beverages and hors d'oeuvres. Corner rooms have foyers and are brighter and slightly larger. All rooms are smoke-free, and some are designed for the disabled.

This is a solid, well-maintained operation with an enthusiastic, helpful staff. For those seeking a little more regional flavor, Redmont and Tutwiler are good alternatives.