The Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa (marriott.com) is in Hoover, a southern suburb less than 20 minutes from Birmingham. This resort has been a AAA four-diamond destination since 2006. Renaissance's one-bedroom suite has bathrooms with granite-top counters and whirlpool tubs. Separate living rooms and private balconies are also in this 1,233-square-foot suite. Honeymooners have access to the resort's on-site spa, the Spa at Ross Bridge; this spa offers body scrubs, facial treatments, waxing and massages. Other resort amenities are the outdoor swimming pool and Brock's, an upscale restaurant with Mediterranean dishes.
Located in southern Birmingham, the Best Western Plus Carlton Suites (bestwestern.com) is right off Interstate 65. Honeymooners may choose from 100 suites at this Best Western. Some of the suites have whirlpool tubs; honeymooners must ask for these suites during check-in. Sleeper sofas and living rooms are other in-room amenities. The Best Western also has an indoor swimming pool and hosts a manager's reception during the evening Mondays through Thursdays; beverages and hors d-oeuvres are available at the reception.
Birmingham Marriott (marriott.com) is near the Cahaba Heights district of Birmingham, right off the Interstate 459 bypass. This hotel offers honeymooners a two-room suite on its concierge level. The suite has a whirlpool tub and separate living room. Honeymooners who stay in these suites have access to the concierge lounge, which serves a complementary continental breakfast each morning. The hotel's restaurant, River City Grille, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Honeymooners may take advantage of the Marriott's Romance Package; this package includes chilled champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries upon the couple's arrival.
The Birmingham area has two gardens -- Birmingham Botanical Gardens (bbgardens.org) and Aldridge Botanical Gardens (aldridgegardens.com) -- where couples may stroll in the midst of lavish flowers and forested areas. These gardens have tranquil atmospheres, allowing couples to get away from the noise of the city. For a romantic dinner, Birmingham is home to Highlands Bar and Grill (highlandsbarandgrill.com), which serves a mix of French and Southern cuisine. Highlands features local artwork and allows couples to dine by candlelight. The restaurant is only open for dinner Tuesdays through Saturdays.
