This eight-story, Beaux-Arts beauty first opened in 1852, on the site of Andrew Jackson’s military headquarters during the war of 1812, which is now the heart of downtown Mobile. The Battle House has long been a favorite haunt of politicians (Stephen A. Douglas was a guest here the night that he lost the presidency to Abraham Lincoln) royalty, entertainment and sports legends and is now a proud member of Historic Hotels of America.
If these walls could talk, the tales they could tell…wait, they actually do whisper! Ask one of the helpful concierges to point out the “Whispering Arch,” a unique acoustical feature of the hotel. If you speak softly into the arch, your whisper can be heard thirty five feet away at the opposite end. Rumor has it that reporters used to station themselves here to overhear stories from unsuspecting politicians.
The Battle House was impeccably restored in 2007, fusing the best of its old-world glam with some modern amenities including a large rooftop swimming pool, tennis courts, and a 10,000-square-foot spa which boasts eight treatment rooms, a full-service salon, gift boutique, a soothing fire pit in the aptly named relaxation room, and complimentary champagne or wine.
Upon entering the hotel, look up to view the Grand Lobby’s showstopper—a domed ceiling of art glass dating back to 1908. Another spectacular Tiffany glass skylight can be found in the main restaurant, The Trellis Room, a AAA Four Diamond restaurant which features impeccable Gulf seafood and local seasonal produce as well as an award-winning wine list.
For another amazing culinary experience (this one is off-premise) head to True Midtown Kitchen for an imaginative take on Southern cooking by Mobile’s first James Beard semi finalist “best chef in the south” Chef Wesley True. Everything rings true at this eatery, from the homey ambiance (it began life as an early century bakery) to the local, fresh ingredients carefully prepared to let their authentic flavors shine, to the fact that running this restaurant is a True family affair.
Read more: Just Luxe
