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TEXT TRACY LOUTHAIN PHOTOS COURTESY OF VISIT MOBILE

HONORING THE PAST & EMBRACING THE PRESENT

A LOOK AT HISTORIC MOBILE, AL & THE ADMIRAL HOTEL

With its long, oak-lined streets and parks filled with statues of fallen heroes, Mobile,

Alabama, evokes a special charm. It’s a walkable city that honors the past and celebrates the present. Long known for international shipping, Mobile’s thriving downtown is a hotspot that combines time-honored local traditions with a modern touch. An exceptional example of preserving history while infusing the present is The Admiral Hotel.

Originally built in 1940 as the “Admiral Semmes Hotel,” the building represents some of the finest Art Deco architecture of the era. In addition to its progressive design, the hotel was the first in Mobile to provide air conditioning and a telephone in every room. It was a mecca for travelers seeking luxury and opulence, attracting celebrities including Elvis Presley and Bob Hope. After an extensive renovation in 2014, the hotel experienced a rebirth as “The Admiral Hotel.” Under the direction of architect James Flick, the project restored the structure’s grand historic character.

Situated on the corner of Government Street and Joachim Street in downtown Mobile, The Admiral Hotel’s façade visibly embraces the Art Deco style of the post-Depression era. Subtle bronze trim and piano black elements play over granite and brick to transport visitors back in time to the late 40s and early 50s. Entering the main lobby, guests are greeted with marble floors, mirrored walls, gold architectural accents and decidedly retro décor. The grand spiral staircase off the lobby and opulent chandelier overhead provide a luxurious feel. On the ground level sits Corner 251, a fine-dining restaurant that specializes in craft cocktails and delectable fare.

Steps away is a quaint cafe for a cup of coffee or tea and a pastry. The street-level pool is a novelty. Nestled behind a tall wrought-iron fence, the hustle and bustle of downtown seems far away. The surprisingly private space is an oasis with vibrant green turf and comfortable lounge chairs lining the oblong pool.

Wyndham, the managing partner of The Admiral, has gone to great lengths to completely update every aspect of the space, including the fit and finish of the guest rooms. As they walk through their guest room doors, travelers will recognize the strict cohesiveness to the Art Deco theme of the hotel. Elements are clean, surfaces are glossy and the wallpaper is right off the set of a classic movie. Bronze, dark gray and bright white combine to create an elegant mood from a simpler time. The rooms are large, quiet and comfortable with deep windows and the beds are adorned with plush duvets. The furnishings have been perfectly curated to present a timeless environment that complements the hotel’s overarching historic feel.

Just outside the Admiral’s doors, walkable adventures that weave the past with the present await. From historic Spanish Fort to the Saenger Theatre, walking through the myriad city parks leads to many treasures. Just two blocks away, the remnants of Fort Conde honor the Mobile’s past. The original fort was built in 1723 by the French explorers and until its destruction in 1823, the structure was occupied at times by France, Great Britain, Spain and the U.S. Now on the site is a smaller replica of the original fort, complete with interpretive exhibits that provide history buffs a special glimpse into the city’s rich past. .

a visit to the Trustmark Bank building also reveals hidden gems, including a rooftop bar and a modern-day speakeasy. On the top floor is Dauphin’s, a modern fine-dining restaurant, and the perfect rooftop perch for capturing spectacular views of the city or the sunset over Mobile Bay. It’s a popular spot to order scrumptious appetizers or a full meal and enjoy one of the best vistas in town. After enjoying the heights, guests can descend to the basement and step back in time. Beneath the lobby sits Las Floriditas, a modern speakeasy. True to the illicit establishments of the prohibition era, revelers must provide a secret password to enter (which is available at The Admiral Hotel's front desk for those who ask nicely). The dimly lit bar, situated in an old bank vault, exudes a Hemingway-esque, Cuban vibe with craft cocktails, interesting people and live entertainment most evenings.

Downtown Mobile, The Admiral Hotel and other unforgettable destinations in the city reveal the benefits of preserving the past while embracing the future. Whether visitors come for a convention in the fall, attend the nation's oldest Mardi Gras festival in the winter, escape for a romantic rendezvous in the spring or take a fun-filled family vacation in the summer, Mobile is ready to delight travelers with modern sophistication that honors its historic foundation.