Nick & Terry Saban Among Backers of Boutique Hotel Nearing Completion in Tuscaloosa

Alabama Head Football Coach Nick Saban and his philanthropist wife Terry Saban are among a group of partners helping to finance a new boutique hotel nearing completion in the heart of downtown Tuscaloosa.

The Alamite, named after the Crimson Tide's live elephant mascot from decades past, is tentatively set to open on 6th Street across from FIVE Tuscaloosa in July of this year.

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The hotel is part of Mariott's premium Tribute Portfolio line of hotels, and a spokesperson for Terry Saban confirmed the first couple of Alabama football are investors in the property.

"Regarding The Alamite, I can confirm to you that the Sabans are partners, along with a handful of other local families," the representative said. "The interior design of the hotel is being handled by Avenue Interior Design out of Los Angeles and the hotel will be managed and operated by Expotel Hospitality."

The spokesperson said although Nick and Terry will obviously continue to focus on football, their Nick's Kids Foundation and the construction of the Saban Discovery Center, they are both looking forward to the opportunities the hotel will create.

"As in their other business investments, the Saban’s will not be involved in day-to-day operations or oversight," the spokesperson said. "They are, however, very excited about both the jobs that will be created as well as being part of the team bringing an upscale, boutique hotel and new restaurant concept to downtown Tuscaloosa."

The hotel will also boast upscale, boutique prices during home football game weekends. A Marriott website lists rates for the rooms beginning this fall, and a two-night stay during the weekend of the Iron Bowl matchup against Auburn in Tuscaloosa will run lodgers $3,600.

That's a major rivalry game, though. The week before that, when the Tide is set to take on the Austin Peay Governors in Bryant-Denny Stadium, a two-night stay at the Alamite will cost $1,800. That may be a better indicator of the price of a stay during a run-of-the-mill home game weekend.

The 112-room hotel promises to offer a French Steakhouse that "combines international flavors with southern comforts," as well as a rooftop bar overlooking the Druid City's downtown and the Black Warrior River.

Jasmine Rainey, the Director of Tourism at Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports, said her organization is excited to welcome the Alamite to the downtown area, which has seen an explosion in hotel development in the last decade.

"It is very exciting to see the seventh hotel open in the downtown Tuscaloosa vicinity," Rainey said. "It's also refreshing to see a variety of different lodging options in a mid-sized city. The Alamite will serve as a unique option that adds to our already wonderfully existing lodging portfolio. There is a clientele out there that wants multiple lodging options within a district that is walkable and close to restaurants, art galleries, retail, attractions and entertainment and I'm just happy that Tuscaloosa’s downtown has become that type of destination."

For more updates on the hotel as they become available, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread.