At Exit 13 off Interstate 459, 8 miles south of downtown, The Wynfrey is a concrete and glass anchor to one of the largest malls in the South. Guests can enter the 15-story building from the mall or the main entrance, where revolving brass doors lead to the expansive lobby. Italian marble, shining brass, showy fabrics and sparkling chandeliers stun the unsuspecting. Even the elevators are elegant, with lacquered woods and handsome triptychs.
The lobby lounge is inviting with a grand piano, fine art and plush sofas. Separated by frosted glass is the fine-dining restaurant, Shula's, a well-regarded steak house with warm-hued woods, crystal and intimate lighting. Southern cooking New Orleans-style is offered a la carte and buffet-style in the casual grill.
The health club stays open round-the-clock, but the rooftop pool and whirlpool are only open seasonally, and guests are sometimes excluded when the pool patio area is being used for an event. A day spa is nearby in the mall.
Banquets and conventions for up to 1,200 are held in 18 meeting rooms and three ballrooms with state-of-the-art equipment. The full-service 24-hour business center has computers, Internet access, and fax and copy machines. Parking is free in the mall's main lot, but guests can park in the hotel garage for a fee. Valets are on hand, and airport transfers are free on the shuttle bus (which runs on a schedule). A stretch limo is also available for a hefty fee.
Guest rooms are showing their age, although the king or dual queen beds topped with down comforters and feather pillows are still comfortable. Floral patterns complement the Chippendale- and Regency-inspired furniture, but everything needs to be updated and replaced to bring things back up to the level that previously earned the hotel top rankings. All the expected amenities are in place, from TVs and data ports to coffeemakers and irons. Daily fees are charged for Internet access and, surprisingly, the telephones. Tile and marble baths feature deep tubs and massaging showerheads along with a forlorn look.
Premium rooms have tone-on-tone wallpaper and elegant cherry furniture, and their baths add extra marble and brass fixtures and generous amenities (but no robes). Bi-level suites are especially nice, with sitting areas downstairs and bedrooms upstairs. The enormous two-level club lounge is appointed with deep sofas and a big-screen TV and offers limited workspace. Most rooms are smoke-free, and some are designed for disabled guests. Morning newspapers and shoeshine are perks, and 24-hour room service offers both restaurants' complete menus until midnight, with lighter fare offered until 6 am.
Staff attitudes range from pleasant to belligerent, and for now, this property is resting on past laurels. Unless the mall access or a conference is the draw, the Redmont and Tutweile are better options.
