ANNISTON, Ala. — Alabama is a state rich in architectural history. Many of the state’s older buildings, such as The University of Alabama President’s Mansion and the First White House of the Confederacy, are well-known. But others, such as the once-popular Victoria Inn, have receded into memory. Now, the once storied Alabama hotel has been revitalized, refurbished, and brought into the 21st Century thanks to Anniston resident Sen. Del Marsh (R) and his wife Ginger.
Marsh Properties acquired the old inn from the Anniston City Council in 2015 when the city was looking for a buyer willing to renovate. Anniston bought the property from the Jacksonville State University Foundation in 2013, and the city was willing to offer the location to someone who promised to make at least $1.5 million in upgrades.
After a first request for proposals yielded no response, Marsh and his wife stepped up to the plate to resurrect the once-great landmark.
“We think that the Victoria Inn is historic to Anniston,” Marsh told the Associated Press. “It’s the only hotel left in Anniston, and we just think that it’s important that it survive and be brought back to its potential.”
The Victoria Inn Mansion was built in 1888 as the private residence of the McKleroy family. Some time later, Anniston developers turned the historic home into a popular hotel that hosted quite a few celebrities before it was finally placed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
As the only hotel in Anniston, the inn served many big-time celebrities traveling for concert tours and destination get-aways. Bob Hope, Jane Fonda, Pat Dye, Tommy Tuberville, Richard Petty, Dan Quayle all stayed at the Victoria Inn, and Joan Rivers even visited while on a pilgrimage to a local claiming to have connections to the next life.
Over time, however, other hotels sprung up along the interstate, leaving the the Victoria Inn in the dust. But now, the Victoria Inn is back in operation and has been renamed “Hotel Finial” after the 19th Century finial on top of the mansion.
When remolding the property, the Marshes emphasized the importance of balancing the historical nature of Hotel Finial while bringing in the modern amenities offered at most other hotels. “I like to call the approach past-forward,” Ginger Marsh said.
“We were very careful to make sure exterior looks as it did when it was first constructed,” Del Marsh said. But with all of the work to maintain the historic feel, the inside possesses almost every modern convenience. Hotel Finial has 61 rooms with the latest amenities and even offers a full breakfast.
Del Marsh believes that the project will be great for Anniston’s economy by creating jobs and bringing in patrons. The location is close to historic downtown Anniston’s shops, restaurants, and museums, as well as being within close proximity to the popular Lake Cheaha.
Hotel Finial is sure to attract destination travelers looking for a unique experience, but the Marshes also noted that they welcome the normal business traveler as well. From the beginning, the couple made it a goal to be competitive in pricing to make the hotel a destination for all kinds of visitors to Anniston.
“For anyone looking for a great place for weekend get-away or looking for a piece of history, Hotel Finial is a great place for that,” Del Marsh said.
Hotel Finial is now open. More information about booking and rates can be found on the hotel’s website here.
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