Florence, Alabama, sits along the Tennessee River in northwest Alabama and serves as one of the four communities that make up the Shoals area. The U.S. Census Bureau’s 2025 estimate lists 42,581 residents. Florence combines a walkable downtown, the University of North Alabama, riverfront recreation, historic sites, and easy access to the Shoals’ famous music heritage, making it a practical base for both weekend trips and longer stays.
Quick Answer
Some of the best hotels in Florence, AL include Renaissance Shoals Resort & Spa for a full-service riverfront stay, GunRunner and The Stricklin for downtown boutique character, Residence Inn for kitchens and longer stays, Hampton Inn Florence-Midtown for practical amenities, and Holiday Inn Express Florence Northeast for free breakfast and an indoor pool.
Key Takeaways
- Best full-service stay: Renaissance Shoals Resort & Spa combines Tennessee River views with an on-site spa, indoor and outdoor pools, dining, and private balconies.
- Best boutique choices downtown: GunRunner Boutique Hotel and The Stricklin Hotel put you close to Florence restaurants, shops, nightlife, and cultural attractions.
- Best for longer stays: Residence Inn by Marriott Florence offers all-suite accommodations, kitchens, complimentary breakfast, an outdoor pool, and laundry facilities.
- Best straightforward Midtown option: Hampton Inn Florence-Midtown currently includes free hot breakfast, Wi-Fi, parking, a fitness center, and pet-friendly rooms.
- Best for an indoor pool with free breakfast: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Florence Northeast currently offers both, along with complimentary Wi-Fi and guest parking.
Best Hotels in Florence, AL: Quick Comparison
| Hotel | Best For | Useful Features | Area |
| Renaissance Shoals Resort & Spa | Riverfront resort, couples, spa trips | Spa, indoor and outdoor pools, restaurants, private balconies | Tennessee River waterfront |
| GunRunner Boutique Hotel | Boutique stays, couples, downtown nightlife | 10 themed suites, common bar area, rooftop facilities, spa access | Downtown Florence |
| Residence Inn by Marriott Florence | Families, longer stays, travelers who want a kitchen | All suites, kitchens, free breakfast, outdoor pool, laundry | Sweetwater Avenue |
| Hampton Inn Florence-Midtown | UNA visits, business trips, practical stays | Free breakfast, Wi-Fi and parking, fitness center, pet-friendly rooms | Midtown commercial district |
| The Stricklin Hotel | Downtown sightseeing, dining, boutique style | 24 rooms, king beds, keyless entry, Smart TVs, mini fridges | North Court Street downtown |
| Holiday Inn Express & Suites Florence Northeast | Families, road trips, indoor-pool stays | Free breakfast, indoor pool, Wi-Fi, fitness center, free parking | Northeast Florence |
Florence and the Shoals: Know the Geography
Florence is part of the Shoals, a four-city area that also includes Tuscumbia, Muscle Shoals, and Sheffield. The University of North Alabama describes its Florence campus as part of this four-city Tennessee River region.
This distinction matters when planning music-history stops. FAME Recording Studios is in Muscle Shoals, while the historic Muscle Shoals Sound Studio at 3614 Jackson Highway is in Sheffield. Aretha Franklin’s famous Shoals sessions are closely associated with FAME, while the Rolling Stones recorded at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio.
Florence itself has important music history, too. W.C. Handy was born in Florence in 1873, and the city is home to the W.C. Handy Birthplace, Museum & Library. The annual W.C. Handy Music Festival celebrates that musical legacy throughout the Shoals.
Renaissance Shoals Resort & Spa
The property previously identified in this article as Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa is currently listed by Marriott as Renaissance Shoals Resort & Spa. It sits at 10 Hightower Place along the Tennessee River and is the most full-service resort-style option in this group.
Current Marriott information lists an on-site full-service spa, indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, complimentary Wi-Fi, room service, and several dining choices. Those include 360 Grille and Swampers Bar & Grille. Marriott also states that all guest rooms have private balconies, which makes this property especially appealing if river views and time at the hotel are part of the trip rather than simply a place to sleep.
The resort also works well for meetings, weddings, and larger gatherings because Marriott lists multiple event spaces and catering services. Travelers interested in golf can visit the nearby Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at The Shoals. That separate golf complex in Muscle Shoals has two 18-hole championship courses, Fighting Joe and Schoolmaster.
Note: The two RTJ championship courses are nearby attractions, not two golf courses located on the resort property itself.
GunRunner Boutique Hotel
GunRunner Boutique Hotel is a strong option if you want a smaller hotel with a distinct Florence identity. Its official site lists 10 spacious luxury suites, each designed around music, fashion, art, people, or places connected with the Shoals.
The hotel has a 3,200-square-foot common area with seating and a large bar. Seven of its 10 suites have private balconies, and current room information highlights features such as large tiled showers, televisions, wet bars, refrigerators, luxury bedding, private entrances, and keyless access.
Location is one of GunRunner’s biggest advantages. It is in downtown Florence within walking distance of restaurants, bars, locally owned shops, historical attractions, and the University of North Alabama. The property also operates bar and rooftop facilities, and the hotel’s official site provides information for its associated spa.
The original article described GunRunner as especially committed to sustainable operations. Because that broad environmental claim is not supported clearly enough by the hotel’s current official information, the better reason to choose GunRunner is its small scale, individually themed suites, downtown setting, and strong connection to Shoals culture.
Residence Inn by Marriott Florence
| Location | 1000 Sweetwater Avenue, Florence, Alabama 35630 |
| Hotel Type | All-suite extended-stay hotel |
| Kitchen | In-room kitchens are available in the suites |
| Breakfast | Complimentary hot breakfast for hotel guests |
| Recreation | Outdoor pool and fitness center |
| Other Useful Features | On-site laundry, business center, fire pit and grill area, complimentary guest parking |
Residence Inn by Marriott Florence is designed around longer stays and travelers who want more living space than a standard hotel room. The original table incorrectly identified the location as Florence, Italy. The property is in Florence, Alabama, at 1000 Sweetwater Avenue.
The all-suite format is particularly useful for families, work trips, and multi-night visits. In-room kitchens allow guests to store food and prepare meals, while separate living and sleeping arrangements in applicable suite layouts can make an extended stay more comfortable.
Current Marriott information lists a complimentary hot breakfast, outdoor pool, fitness center, on-site laundry, business center, complimentary self-parking, and complimentary Wi-Fi for qualifying Marriott Bonvoy bookings. The current property page does not provide enough support for the previous claim that scheduled evening social events take place several times each week, so that should not be treated as a guaranteed amenity.
If you plan to make simple meals during a longer stay, the kitchen also gives you more flexibility than a standard room. The site’s existing recipe for delicious homemade cottage cheese is one example of the type of simple food preparation that is more practical when you have access to a kitchen.
Hampton Inn Florence-Midtown
Hampton Inn Florence-Midtown is a practical choice for travelers who prioritize breakfast, parking, straightforward hotel amenities, and access to Florence’s commercial areas. It is located at 2281 Florence Boulevard.
Hilton’s current listing includes free hot breakfast, free Wi-Fi, complimentary self-parking, a fitness center, pet-friendly rooms, connecting rooms, digital key access, and on-site EV charging. The hotel’s official imagery and property information also identify an outdoor pool.
The hotel is several miles from the University of North Alabama and works well for campus visits, business trips, sports weekends, and travelers who prefer being near shopping and restaurants rather than staying directly in the downtown entertainment district.
Because breakfast is included, Hampton can also simplify mornings for families or travelers leaving early for a day around the Shoals. Pet owners should still review Hilton’s current fee and weight rules for their dates because pet policies can change.
The Stricklin Hotel
The Stricklin Hotel offers another boutique alternative in downtown Florence. The hotel occupies the upper floors of the historic Stricklin Building at 317 North Court Street, placing guests close to restaurants, shops, Wilson Park, and downtown entertainment.
The hotel’s current information lists 24 guest rooms, each with a king-size bed. Modern amenities include keyless entry, in-room safes, complimentary Wi-Fi, Smart TVs, Keurig coffee makers, and mini fridges. Some rooms retain restored original windows overlooking downtown Florence or Wilson Park.
The building also houses Big Bad Breakfast on the first floor. The hotel’s official site currently lists breakfast service there daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is different from a hotel advertising a complimentary breakfast buffet, so travelers comparing overall cost should account for how they plan to handle meals.
The Stricklin is best suited to travelers who value downtown location and boutique design more than resort amenities. It can be especially convenient for couples or visitors who expect to spend much of their time walking to nearby dining and entertainment.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Florence Northeast
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Florence Northeast combines familiar chain-hotel conveniences with several amenities that are useful for families and road-trip travelers. It is located at 180 Etta Gray Street in northeast Florence.
Note: IHG currently lists free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, complimentary parking and one indoor pool at this property. It does not list an on-site restaurant, and pets are currently not permitted.
Rooms are designed for both leisure and business travelers, while suites provide additional space for families or groups. A fitness center is available for guests who want to maintain their normal exercise routine during the trip.
The hotel’s northeast Florence location provides road access to attractions around the city and the wider Shoals. IHG’s current property information lists the University of North Alabama, W.C. Handy Museum, Rosenbaum House, Wilson Lock and Dam, Florence Mall, McFarland Park, and several other regional attractions within driving distance.
How to Choose the Right Florence Hotel
The best choice depends less on a universal hotel ranking and more on what you plan to do during the trip.
- Choose Renaissance Shoals Resort & Spa if you want river views, resort amenities, spa treatments, on-site dining, pools, and a hotel where spending time on the property is part of the vacation.
- Choose GunRunner Boutique Hotel if you want a small, distinctive hotel in downtown Florence with strong local character and nightlife close by.
- Choose Residence Inn by Marriott Florence if you are staying several nights, traveling with family, or want an in-room kitchen and laundry access.
- Choose Hampton Inn Florence-Midtown if free breakfast, parking, pet-friendly rooms, and easy access to Florence’s commercial district are priorities.
- Choose The Stricklin Hotel if you want a downtown boutique stay with restaurants, shops, and entertainment outside the door.
- Choose Holiday Inn Express & Suites Florence Northeast if an indoor pool, complimentary breakfast, parking, and familiar limited-service amenities fit your trip.
Pro Tip: Decide whether you expect to spend more time downtown, at the riverfront resort, near UNA, or driving around the wider Shoals before comparing room rates. A slightly cheaper room can be less convenient if its location adds repeated driving to your itinerary.
What to Check Before Booking
Hotel prices in Florence vary by date, room type, local events, university weekends, and booking conditions. Instead of relying on a single quoted nightly rate, compare the total stay cost for your exact dates.
Check whether your rate includes breakfast, parking, cancellation flexibility, and any pet charges you may need. If a pool, connecting room, balcony, kitchen, accessible room, crib, or specific bedding setup is essential, confirm that feature for the exact room type before paying.
Travelers planning around UNA events or major Shoals festivals should also consider booking earlier than they would on an ordinary weekend because the most convenient room types can become harder to find.
Warning: Hotel amenities, fees, breakfast hours, pet rules, cancellation terms, and pool availability can change. Verify the final details on the hotel’s official booking page for your travel dates before completing a non-refundable reservation.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Florence, Alabama offers several noticeably different hotel experiences rather than one option that is best for every traveler. Renaissance Shoals Resort & Spa stands out when riverfront scenery, a spa, restaurants, balconies, and resort facilities are important. GunRunner Boutique Hotel and The Stricklin Hotel are better fits for travelers who want to stay in the heart of downtown Florence.
Residence Inn by Marriott Florence is particularly useful for families and extended stays because its suites include kitchens and the property provides breakfast, laundry facilities, and an outdoor pool. Hampton Inn Florence-Midtown offers a practical combination of breakfast, parking, pet-friendly accommodations and commercial-area access, while Holiday Inn Express & Suites Florence Northeast is worth considering if you specifically want an indoor pool and complimentary breakfast.
Florence also works as a base for exploring the wider Shoals. You can combine downtown Florence, the University of North Alabama, W.C. Handy history and the Tennessee River with short drives to FAME Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals, Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Sheffield, and other northwest Alabama attractions. Choose the hotel whose location and verified amenities match the way you expect to spend the trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best hotels in Florence, AL?
Strong choices include Renaissance Shoals Resort & Spa for a full-service riverfront stay, GunRunner Boutique Hotel and The Stricklin Hotel for downtown boutique accommodations, Residence Inn by Marriott Florence for longer stays, Hampton Inn Florence-Midtown for practical amenities, and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Florence Northeast for free breakfast and an indoor pool.
Which Florence, Alabama hotel is best for a luxury or resort-style stay?
Renaissance Shoals Resort & Spa offers the most complete resort-style experience in this group, with Tennessee River views, an on-site spa, indoor and outdoor pools, restaurants, fitness facilities and private balconies.
Which Florence hotel has rooms with kitchens?
Residence Inn by Marriott Florence is the clearest choice for travelers who want a kitchen. Its extended-stay suites are designed for longer visits and the property also offers complimentary breakfast and on-site laundry.
Which hotels are best for staying in downtown Florence?
GunRunner Boutique Hotel and The Stricklin Hotel are both downtown choices. They provide easier walking access to local restaurants, shops, bars and cultural attractions than hotels located farther along Florence Boulevard or in northeast Florence.
Which Florence hotels offer free breakfast?
Current official listings show complimentary breakfast at Residence Inn by Marriott Florence, Hampton Inn Florence-Midtown, and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Florence Northeast. Breakfast offerings and hours can change, so confirm the details for your dates.
Are the best Florence hotels near popular attractions?
Yes. Downtown properties are convenient for central Florence and UNA, while Renaissance Shoals is beside the Tennessee River. Other Shoals attractions, including FAME Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals, Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Sheffield, Helen Keller’s birthplace in Tuscumbia and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, are generally reached by car.
Do Florence hotels offer business and event facilities?
Several do. Renaissance Shoals Resort & Spa has substantial meeting and event facilities, Residence Inn lists meeting space and a business center, and other hotels can accommodate smaller groups or room blocks. Confirm capacity and services directly with the property before planning an event.
Are Florence, AL hotels suitable for families?
Yes. Residence Inn is especially useful for families who want more space and a kitchen, while Renaissance Shoals and Holiday Inn Express offer pool options. Hampton also provides connecting-room options. Occupancy limits, cribs, rollaway beds and specific room layouts vary, so check the selected hotel’s current policy before booking.
Sources
- Renaissance Shoals Resort & Spa — current hotel name, riverfront setting, spa, pools, dining, rooms and amenities.
- GunRunner Boutique Hotel — suite count, downtown location, room features, common areas and hotel facilities.
- Residence Inn by Marriott Florence — Florence, Alabama address, kitchens, breakfast, outdoor pool and extended-stay amenities.
- Hampton Inn Florence-Midtown — breakfast, parking, Wi-Fi, fitness, pet and location information.
- The Stricklin Hotel — downtown address, room count, bedding and current guest-room amenities.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Florence Northeast — breakfast, indoor pool, parking, Wi-Fi, pet policy and nearby attractions.
