The Stricklin Hotel in Florence: A Stylish Stay in the Heart of Downtown
If you love boutique hotels with personality—the kind that feel thoughtfully designed rather than cookie-cutter—The Stricklin Hotel should be on your radar. Located right in downtown Florence, this historic building has been beautifully reimagined as a modern, comfortable hotel that feels both polished and approachable.
It’s the kind of place where you notice the details. And then notice more details. And then start thinking, Yeah… I’d stay here again.
Location: Walkable, Central, and Hard to Beat
One of the biggest perks of staying at The Stricklin Hotel is its downtown Florence location. You’re within easy walking distance of restaurants, shops, coffee spots, and local favorites—no car required once you arrive (which is always a win in my book).
Whether you’re in town to explore Florence, visit nearby Muscle Shoals, attend an event, or just enjoy a low-key weekend getaway, the location makes it easy to settle in and start exploring right away.
Before heading to your room, be sure to stop at the travel brochure rack for some great ideas of things to do in Florence, Muscle Shoals, and across North Alabama—helpful if you’re visiting for the first time or want ideas beyond the usual suspects.
Close to the University of North Alabama (UNA)
Another bonus? The Stricklin Hotel is conveniently close to the University of North Alabama. Whether you’re visiting campus, attending an event, or traveling with a student or alum, the hotel’s proximity makes it a practical and stylish home base.
The Rooms: Clean Lines, Comfort, and a Boutique Feel
The 24 guest rooms strike a nice balance between modern and cozy. Think hardwood floors, crisp white bedding, upholstered headboards, and contemporary lighting that feels intentional—not harsh or sterile.
The rooms are spacious and thoughtfully laid out, with king-size beds and ample space to unpack, move around comfortably, and settle in without feeling cramped. That said, this isn’t a hotel where you’re likely to spend hours lounging in your room—and that’s not a knock. With downtown Florence just steps away, the rooms feel designed as a comfortable home base rather than the main attraction.
Thoughtful touches—like an in-room Keurig coffee maker, mini fridge, safe, and generous bathroom space—make it clear that functionality wasn’t an afterthought.
Bathrooms That Feel Fresh (and Functional)
Hotel bathrooms can be hit or miss, but The Stricklin gets this right. The bathrooms are modern and clean, with concrete vanities, marble-style flooring, and a glass-enclosed tub and shower combo.
And yes, there’s a makeup remover wipe and dark washcloth provided—small detail, big appreciation. That alone tells me someone actually thought about real guests using this space.
The Stricklin Social & Belk Hudson Room
One of the things that really sets this hotel apart is its shared spaces.
The Stricklin Social is a light-filled space that blends historic character with modern function. Large windows, exposed brick, and original redwood columns set the tone, while thoughtful amenities such as a built-in bar, lounge seating, a Smart TV, and a video projector make it equally suitable for meetings, celebrations, or private gatherings. With room for up to 125 guests, it strikes that sweet spot between Southern charm and contemporary style—polished, comfortable, and ready for just about anything.
The Belk Hudson Room offers a more structured meeting or gathering space, making the hotel a solid option for small groups, business travelers, or events that require a polished yet informal setting.
Design Details That Add Character
From gallery walls featuring historic prints to modern chandeliers and seasonal decor, the design throughout the hotel feels intentional and layered. It nods to the building’s history without leaning too hard into “historic for the sake of historic.”
Parking, Fitness, and Nearby Conveniences
Parking at The Stricklin Hotel
The Stricklin Hotel does not have designated on-site parking, but downtown Florence offers several convenient and affordable options.
Street parking is available via nearby parking meters, which are free after 5:00 pm—a nice perk if you’re arriving in the evening or heading out to dinner.
There’s also a city parking garage located at the corner of Pine Street and Tombigbee Street. The garage is just 0.1 miles from the hotel (about a 2-minute walk) and has a maximum daily rate of $4, making it a budget-friendly option for overnight stays.
In short: parking here is straightforward, inexpensive, and close—no circling the block required.
Gym Access for Fitness Lovers
While The Stricklin doesn’t have an on-site fitness center, guests can request a 24/7 gym pass to The Basement Gym, located just a 3-minute walk from the hotel.
It’s an easy solution for travelers who want to maintain their workout routine without sacrificing convenience—or sleep.
Breakfast (and a Little Retail Therapy)
Breakfast isn’t included with your stay, but you won’t have to go far for a great one. The hotel connects directly to Big Bad Breakfast, a popular local spot known for hearty Southern breakfasts and strong coffee. You can throw on your jeans to get a bite to eat or order it
Also connected to the hotel is Reclaimed Spirit Home and Gift, the on-site boutique. It’s perfect for browsing curated home decor, gifts, and locally inspired finds—whether you’re killing time or looking for a souvenir that isn’t a fridge magnet.
Who The Stricklin Hotel Is Best For
This hotel is a great fit for:
- Couples looking for a stylish weekend getaway
- Business travelers who appreciate boutique comfort
- Visitors who want to stay downtown and walk everywhere
- Anyone who prefers character and design over big-box hotel vibes
If you’re looking for sprawling amenities like pools or massive breakfast spreads, this probably isn’t your spot. But if you want a well-designed, comfortable hotel in a fantastic location, The Stricklin delivers.
Final Call
The Stricklin Hotel manages to feel modern without being cold, historic without being dated, and stylish without being unapproachable. It’s a solid choice for anyone who wants to stay right in the heart of Florence and enjoy a hotel that feels curated rather than corporate.
It’s not flashy. It’s not trying too hard.
And honestly? That’s exactly why it works.
Leave a comment below and tell me—are you more of a boutique hotel person or a big, full-service hotel fan when you travel?
