let us do the work

Effortlessly plan your next adventure with AI
StaysHotels & Resorts

This Famous Hotel In Alabama Is Also One Of The Most Historic Places You’ll Ever Sleep

The St. James Hotel in Selma, Alabama, offers a unique historical experience with beautifully decorated rooms, a restaurant, and a courtyard known for paranormal activity.

Published Feb 11, 2022

Written by 

Jennifer Young

Alabama is home to many hotels, some of which are small, large, waterfront, etc. One of the state's most famous hotels is the St. James Hotel, which reopened a short while ago after it was renovated. To learn all about the St. James Hotel, take a look below.

The St. James Hotel, which was originally known as the Brantley Hotel, is located in the historic downtown area of Selma, Alabama. It's also one of the Southeast's few remaining antebellum river hotels.

Historic St. James Hotel with a porch, red awning, and nearby historical marker on a sunny day.
tripadvisor/Management

This historic hotel, which was built in 1837, is one of Alabama's oldest operational facilities. In 1865, following the Battle of Selma, the Union Army used the hotel to set up its headquarters.

Bright interior of a room with wooden floors, elegant furniture, and large windows, featuring a painting on the wall.
tripadvisor/Management

The St. James Hotel offers 42 guestrooms and suites, each of which are beautifully decorated and include fresh and cozy linens.

Cozy bedroom featuring a large bed, bedside tables with lamps, and a patterned carpet.
tripadvisor/Management

Each room and suite also has a bathroom, which includes all of the basic toiletry items such as toilet paper, soap, towels, and more.

Elegant bathroom with a large ornate mirror, neatly arranged towels, and toiletries on a marble countertop.
tripadvisor/Management

The St. James Hotel also has a restaurant, which serves everything from sandwiches and salads, to pastas and wings. So, the moment hunger strikes, there's no reason to leave when you can get delicious food right here at the hotel.

A plate of pasta with sauce and herbs on a marble table, accompanied by a glass of white wine.
tripadvisor/Management

One of the hotel's main features is its courtyard area. Interestingly, several people have experienced paranormal activity in this outdoor area. In fact, several of them believe they saw the famous outlaw Jesse James and his ghost dog.

A courtyard with a fountain, surrounded by balconies and palm trees, featuring seating areas and brick pathways.
tripadvisor/Harperfa4764

And finally, guests will also get to experience an incredible view of the Alabama River and the Edmund Pettus Bridge. There's no doubt a stay at the famous St. James Hotel will give you an experience like no other, especially if you love history.

A bridge spans a calm river, framed by trees and a clear sky during sunset.
tripadvisor/Jenny Smith

For more information about the historic St. James Hotel, you can view its webpage here and its Facebook page here.

Have you ever visited Selma, Alabama? If so, did you stay the night at the historic St. James Hotel? Let us know in the comments!

To learn more about Selma's historic Edmund Pettus Bridge, be sure to take a look at the following article: The Remarkable Bridge In Alabama Everyone Should Visit At Least Once.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Trips & Routes

The Instagrammable Roadside Attraction Is Worth the Drive From Dallas

Forget Paris; just a short drive from Dallas, Texas, is a whimsical Eiffel Tower worthy of your Instagram. Here’s what makes it worth the trip.

by Melanie Johnson
on Jul 21
Views of a replica of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Texas, with a large red cowboy hat on top.
Stays
Vacation Rentals

This Historic Brick Brownstone Is One of the Most Successful Airbnbs in Massachusetts

Step inside a historic Victorian brownstone overlooking Union Park in Boston’s sought-after South End. With three floors of living space and some of the city’s best restaurants, shops, and landmarks within walking distance, this Airbnb offers a memorable way to experience Boston.

by Megan Todaro
on Jul 21
The exterior of a brick building in Boston Massachusetts, where one of the most historic Airbnbs is.
Trips & Routes
Unique Trips

The 11 Most Spectacular Tree Tunnel Drives in America

Some roads exist just to get you somewhere else. These eleven don't, and that's exactly the point.

by Marisa Roman
on Jul 21
Cypress tree tunnel at Point Reyes, California, USA
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The 17 Most Charming Hidden Towns You’ve Never Heard Of Across the U.S.

Every state hides at least one town this good, and locals would rather keep it that way. We found 17 of them, from quiet river towns to desert outposts, so you can get there before everyone else does.

by Marisa Roman
on Jul 21
Dahlonega, Georgia aerial view, one of the most charming hidden towns in the U.S.
Trips & Routes
Travel Preparation & Advice

The Regional Airports Across America With the Most and Least Expensive Airfare (2026 Rankings)

Only In Your State used government data to compare average airfare costs for departing flights at more than 100 of America’s regional airports to find where travelers get the most bang for their buck.

by Josh Koebert
on Jul 21
ATI cargo Boeing 767 aircraft and air traffic control tower, SeaTac Seattle, USA