The Tutwiler Hotel (now renamed the Hampton Inn & Birmingham Suites) was opened in 1914 by Robert Jemison with a large investment by Major Tutwiler.  The reason for its creation was to lure the American Iron & Steel Institute into hosting their convention in Birmingham, Alabama. At the time of it’s completion the Tutwiler Hotel was one of the grandest in America.  It boasted 343 guest rooms and a grand ballroom capable of accommodating 1200 people. The hotel became a popular convention center and hosted many business meetings.

          In 1974 the Tutwiler Hotel closed its doors to make room for the First Bank of Alabama.  12 years would pass before the Tutwiler would open again; not until the city of Birmingham was awarded the Urban Development Grant.  Financing would allow them to renovate the Tutwiler Hotel maintaining the exterior, vaulted ceilings, and marble floors. The hotel now has many modern amenities such as suites, breakfast rooms, and a fitness center. 

          Today, legend has it that the Tutwiler Hotel is haunted by Major Tutwiler himself.  In 1995, the hotel’s new bartender was given a stern reprimand by management for failing to turn off the lights in the bar for an entire week.  It seemed that every time he flicked the lights off they would come back on, and after four or so attempts he would simply shrug his shoulders and head home for the evening.  This went on for five full nights, until on the sixth night he received a call from his manager asking him to return to the hotel immediately. When he arrived he found an entire multi-course meal, wine, and lit candles at one of the tables.  Many people believed this to be the doing of Major Tutwiler. That following night the bartender made a habit of calling out to Tutwiler each night before he left, wishing him a good evening and asking him not to make a mess. This new routine completely stopped the incidents..

          The only other spirit thought to reside at the Tutwiler Hotel is that of ‘The Knocker’ a male spirit who seems to take pleasure in waking young women through the night.  There have been many reports of lady’s doors being knocked on at odd hours only for them to find no one there when they went to check.