Celebrate Mobile’s Mardi Gras in True Southern Style at The Admiral Hotel

Mardi Gras and The Admiral Hotel – Mobile, Alabama

As Mardi Gras season is upon us, I thought this would be the perfect time to share my experience at The Admiral Hotel in downtown Mobile – one of the city’s best places to stay, especially during the season of revelry that is (the original) Mobile Mardi Gras. Its location in the heart of Mobile’s historic business, entertainment, and cultural district make it the perfect haven during Mardi Gras as The Admiral is conveniently located within walking distance of a host of restaurants and shops on the famed Dauphin Street.

Editors Note: I keep my writing and my opinions open and honest to create a relationship of trust and transparency with my readers. I was provided with a complimentary two night ‘staycation’ at The Admiral Hotel Mobile, Curio Collection by Hilton this past November as a “social media influencer and a go-to when it comes to capturing local lifestyle and culture” in the South.

Please note that all opinions are my own and I am not being compensated.

When my husband Jordan and I first moved to Fairhope, Alabama from Birmingham a little over a year ago, the first piece of advice we received from one of Jordan’s best friends was also an annual tradition he enjoys with his wife: to stay at The Admiral in downtown Mobile at least one weekend during Mardi Gras season. And, more immediately, to go across the Bay into Mobile as soon as possible to eat at Launch, The Admiral’s upscale urban restaurant that is well-known for providing delicious meals with a farm-to-table approach (more on the restaurants later in the post).

Originally opened in 1940, The Admiral Hotel was and remains an iconic structure in downtown Mobile. Originally known for being the first building in the city to have air conditioning (and one of only three hotels), the hotel featured a cocktail lounge, coffee shop, drug store and National Airlines Office at the time. Since then, a multi-million dollar renovation provided a complete “makeover” of 156 guest rooms, including five luxurious suites on the top floor; a striking and fashion-forward lobby design and beautiful restaurants, creating an elevated and refined travel experience with a nod to the rich culture of Mobile and greater Alabama and true Southern style.

The Admiral, one of Mobile’s oldest and most cherished hotels, is sure to appeal to all discerning travelers who seek the very best in historic elegance, refined Southern hospitality and a splash of local flair that can only be described as #SoMobile.

Upon first entering the ornate lobby, I felt immediately transported into another world. With custom furniture, fashionable interiors and a roof-top pool, The Admiral immediately reminded me of my time spent living in LA, but with an added Southern twist of hospitality and history.

My husband and I were in good company during our weekend ‘staycation’ – this hotel has welcomed stars like Elvis and Jimmy Buffet in the past.

Here are some highlights of the historic structure with modern comforts that is The Admiral: 

•Set in the heart of historic downtown

•Walking distance to restaurants, shopping, businesses and area attractions

•Stylish art-deco inspired interior

•Two onsite restaurants and a bar

•6,000 sq. ft. function space for meetings, social events and weddings

•24-hour fitness center

•Outdoor swimming pool with cabanas and lounge seating

•Complimentary WiFi

The Admiral’s Foodie Scene:

Many restaurants now claim the ‘farm-to-table’ moniker, which has become a rather loose and trendy term of late. But The Admiral’s Launch restaurant walks the proverbial walk when it comes to sourcing locally. For example, the honey served at the hotel and used in the kitchens of the on-site restaurants is collected by the chef himself from the hotel’s bee apiary located next to a small garden on the building’s rooftop.

Here is some more information about Launch: “The family farmer is truly at the heart of Launch. We believe it is the right of all diners and food lovers to enjoy of a good “meal away from home” that is fulfilling, delicious and honest, made with ingredients from high-quality sources. We strive to source the best products seasonally and regionally whenever possible.” The upscale urban restaurant features a “diverse menu of American Classics made with fresh ingredients from local fisheries, growers and purveyors, and prepared from scratch daily.”

The other on-site dining option is Corner 251, a bakery/café with an exciting new bar that “boasts a menu of the highest quality food and drink. Guests will enjoy fresh pastries and locally roasted coffee in the morning with gourmet sandwiches and regionally inspired small plate dining options in the afternoon and evening.”

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our mini-‘staycation’ at The Admiral Hotel and plan on returning in a few weekends for the Mardi Gras festivities. The hotel is the location in which my mother once watched the parades pass by when she was a child and I look forward to continuing the family tradition of celebrating Mardi Gras at The Admiral.

Resources: The Admiral Hotel and Curio || Photography: Curio

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