Name: Best Western Plus Bessemer
Address: 5041 Academy Lane, Bessemer, Alabama, United States of America, Bessemer, Alabama, US
Price range: $73–$405 per night
Rating: 8.03

What guests think

Reviews of Best Western Plus Bessemer consistently praise the friendly, welcoming staff and frequently highlight the hot breakfast with good variety, while noting mixed cleanliness and maintenance standards, occasional smoke or odor issues, and aging, worn common areas.

Service can be inconsistent, with reports of absent front-desk help and missed housekeeping. Beds are often comfortable, but rooms feel dated and some fixtures or doors need attention. The location is convenient to the interstate and many dining options. Expect a convenient stop with variable upkeep.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Public areas and the outdoor pool show wear, with reports of cloudy or debris-filled water, hallway odors, weak A/C, and a worn elevator; the koi pond out front is a small highlight.

Related guest reviews

10

Lindsay

May 25, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

The bed was comfy. The breakfast was yummy. And there was even a small koi pond out front. The Cons: after it rained, the pool was very cloudy. Like it needed chemicals in it. And after you got off the elevator to the 3rd floor, there was a weird smell. You couldn't smell it in the room or even downstairs. Just in the 3rd floor hallway. I would stay here again.

6

Melissa

Mar 17, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The property was in need of some serious deep cleaning. Elevator floor was gross elevator control panel falling off. Room smelled like smoke and old smoke. Dresser drawers would not stay closed. Comforter and sheets had old stains on them.

4

Eddie

Jan 18, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

No water. Waterline was broken. No backup for bathroom usage and after driving all day was looking forward to a hot shower. Also side door entrance not working - had to carry baggage all the way to front to get to the room. Everything else was perfect. The room was clean and it smelled good.

6

Stephen

Jun 16, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Never finished getting room ready. Checked in 330. No towels, toilet paper, remote, shampoo. Lobby, breakfast area, 3rd floor hall no A/C. Good breakfast, no eggs first day. You get what you pay for. Room had not been vacuumed.

8

Jeremy

May 4, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The hallways smelt like pot and the outside pool had garbage and cigarettes in it so we could not swim in it. The staff was very friendly and breakfast was very good.

2

DAISY

Aug 7, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Bathroom had dirty towels hanging on the door from the previous individual who stayed there. The lobby going down to the elevator, trash and towels, sitting there for more than one day. Front desk staff looked like they rolled out of bed.

4

Robert

Jun 21, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very stuffy and muggy. The building was old rundown and needs updated very badly. The room was dirty and the floors were sticky and grimy. Pretty gross. We had to keep our shoes on in the room.

4

Tara

Oct 6, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The entire 2nd floor reeked of fried fish! The smell was so bad that it lender into the hotel rooms. Therefore, the towels, the beds your items smell like fried fish. Now I love fried fish but there must have been some HEAVY duity cooking going on in that hall ways in order. When I asked the front desk about the smell, she chuckled and said, what I’m suppose to do we just opened all the windows in the hotel.

10

HEATHER

Nov 8, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean and very friendly, the fish pond out front is beautiful

2

Patricia

Jun 6, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

We had reservations here and called for 2 hours before arrival and no one ever answered. Contacted EXPEDIA and they attempted to call and no one answered. Arrived and the area was unsafe - people congregating in the parking lot smoking pot and unkempt people sleeping in lobby. No one ever came to the desk. Contacted EXPEDIA re: new reservation and REFUND. EXPEDIA stated 3 days later that hotel refused refund. I doubt EXPEDIA ever reached a person. Dissapponted with EXPEDIA as they have been helpful in the past. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO STAY HERE.

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Cleanliness

Cleanliness is mixed: many found rooms clean, but multiple reviews cite dirty bathrooms, mold, dust, stained linens, bugs, and strong smoke or food odors in halls.

Related guest reviews

8

Christina

Nov 23, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff was super sweet, breakfast buffet a lot more options than most places. Beds comfortable, floors could be cleaner in bedroom/bathroom for sure but other than that, A/C ran cold, air quality was good, food was good for a free hot breakfast, nice stay the kids liked the koi pond outside and the waffles too

2

Larry

Sep 20, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Bathroom was clean. However the shower needs to be replaced. The bottom slopes downward toward the middle on both sides and all 3 of us in this room almost fell while showering. Also, the bath and hand towels had a sour smell. We had to ask for sheets, blanket for sofa sleeper. The blanket had a musty smell. The sofa sleeper couch was dirty, and when we opened it up the mattress had springs sticking out and had rust spots all over it. The room is very old looking, in desperate need of an up grade. On a whole the hotel smelt like people oke weed in it alot.

6

Melissa

Mar 17, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The property was in need of some serious deep cleaning. Elevator floor was gross elevator control panel falling off. Room smelled like smoke and old smoke. Dresser drawers would not stay closed. Comforter and sheets had old stains on them.

4

Mendy

Jan 17, 2023

·

Stayed 19,371 nights

The room and bathrooms were not well cleaned. There was mold in the bathtub caulk. The room was dusty and the beds were hard.

2

Jonathan

Nov 4, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

This place is gross.. smells nothing but cigarettes and weed. Saw bugs scurry off when i entered my room. Turned around and walked out. Booked somewhere else! Stay away!

4

Robert

Jun 21, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very stuffy and muggy. The building was old rundown and needs updated very badly. The room was dirty and the floors were sticky and grimy. Pretty gross. We had to keep our shoes on in the room.

2

Michelle

Jul 9, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Kids ran threw hallway all night no parents around also someone hair was in tub along with black mold going around the whole bathtub toilet was stopped up just sad my stay was horrible with no refund I will never stay here or advices anyone to stay here I have pictures of hair in tb and the black mold this hotel should not be running

4

Mike

Apr 21, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Wifi wasnt working for Android so they wanted me to use a service I had never heard of and my built in security said was unsafe. Also - mold in the shower.

6

Samantha

Dec 28, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Front desk girl was as sweet as can be! Room wasn’t the best but we made it work. Comforter had what looked like a cigarette burn and bathroom wasn’t the cleanest.

4

Zanqueria

Sep 5, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

My bathroom was dirty, so I was moved to another room with yet another dirty bathroom.

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Rooms

Beds are often comfortable, but rooms feel dated and multiple reviews note maintenance issues like door latches, blinds, TV size/quality, and poor drainage.

Related guest reviews

6

Karen

Mar 1, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was dated, tired, but clean. Only a queen bed room was available... small. Read reviews about area being unsafe but we felt safe ... Lots of hotels and restaurants to easily walk to. Our room was near the elevator and very noisy. Overall, room was adequate, area felt safe, so I'd rate it a 7 out of 10.

8

Christopher

Mar 31, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Okay for the price. This place is need for a renovation sooner than later. It is outdated and in need of a face lift. The drain in my tub did not drain properly. There were rain/moisture spots on the ceiling. Other than that the room was clean for the most part (chair was not). The service was nice and friendly. If you are sensitive to smoke look elsewhere as there was a smell of smoke in the hallways. This place is fine if you are on a budget otherwise I would choose another location. This hotel is close to downtown Birmingham and Hoover. Otherwise, there is not much in the immediate area and Bessemer is not the most hospitable area in the metro.

6

Draven

Apr 10, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The staff were very friendly and helpful, although our room was a little unkept. There was dried blood on the floor, not sure what from. That was concerning. Our room was on the bottom floor and we could not close the blinds, which made us feel very uncomfortable.

10

Ellen

Oct 17, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was perfect! Soft mattress and pillows. That is what will always keep me coming back.

6

Mark

Aug 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was ok! The room exterior door did not fit well, very hard to open and close, large gap where light shows from hallway. The tv was going bad hard to see at times. But breakfast was very nice, very friendly staff.

10

John

Apr 16, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Rooms need an upgrade. Television is way too small for the price. Breakfast was marginal.

4

Mike

Apr 21, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Wifi wasnt working for Android so they wanted me to use a service I had never heard of and my built in security said was unsafe. Also - mold in the shower.

4

tonya

Aug 23, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Probably one of the worst Best Westerns I have ever stayed at. My family of four rented a king suite With pull out sofa bed. #1 there was no bed covering for the pullout couch. Had had to ask and they only had two fitted sheet . Front desk said she would have to ask a manager about getting a cover. I also asked for two pillows because there were no extras in their room. The manager told me that they don't provide Extra pillows. Even after explaining that we booked a room for four adults,,( in our case, )it was two adults, two children. After having to ask again She finally allowed us to have two more pills for my children. And she stated that it was best western policy I know this not to be true because we've never had a hard time getting extra bed covering. #2 The room was in desperate need of a makeover Had sheet rock mud visible throughout the ceiling. Had tiny little holes all throughout the ceiling. #3 There were people outside the doorway of the entrance(side entrance) smoking pot and you could smell it throughout the hallway. And nothing was done about it.

6

Dawn

Mar 13, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

It was okay. Older property and needs renovation. Overall decent but overpriced…

6

Elizabeth

Feb 26, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Comfy bed and pillows. Extremely dusty (Coffee maker and beds). No hot water for nighttime shower. Breakfast variety lacking (yogurt dispenser did not work and didn’t have bread or bagels despite having accompaniments for them).

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Service

Many guests describe friendly, helpful staff, yet service can be inconsistent with absent or unresponsive front desk and missed housekeeping.

Related guest reviews

2

James

Oct 20, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Booked the room online and when I got there, I had no room ready. So was the same with other couples that were also turned away.

10

Gina

Feb 24, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The staff was great. Great customer service. Room very clean. Breakfast was awesome. My visit was great

10

David

Mar 25, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Absolutely outstanding stay! LaToya simply IS customer service. You won't find a better attitude in any industry doing any job! If she is there....you WILL have an excellent stay. The only thing that comes close to being as good as she is...is the breakfast that Michelle serves up from the kitchen. BEST BREAKFAST I have ever had at any hotel. If you are passing through the Bessemer area, just stop here and rest a night. You won't be disappointed.

2

Kathy

Jun 14, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff was not professional. The woman who checked me in was talking to her son on the phone the whole time she was checking me in. Bathroom had old toothpaste in the sink. It had obviously not been cleaned. The toilet was broken. Couldn’t even use it. Breakfast was awful. They were out of virtually everything. We got tired of waiting for someone to replenish the food and ended up leaving and going to McDonald’s. Probably the worst motel I’ve ever stayed at.

2

Victor

Jan 15, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

A car alarm right outside our window started going off around 1:30 a.m. It is still going off 45 minutes later. No one answers the front desk phone. Sleep is not possible.

10

Ashley

Dec 9, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Ms Johnson at the front desk was awesome!!!

6

Charity

Nov 3, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The clerk that checked us in that evening around 6:30 was phenomenal! Friendly, helpful, and informative! The sweet lady running breakfast the next morning was also just the absolute best! Helped with our needs and did it with the sweetest smile! However, housekeeping and the woman running the front desk clerk Saturday morning were not helpful nor polite. Breakfast was great and the location was what we needed but I don't believe this hotel lived up to the 8.4/10 rating posted on Hotels.com. It worked in a pinch but next time we will spend the additional $50 and stay at the Hampton Inn in the same area.

2

Patricia

Jun 6, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

We had reservations here and called for 2 hours before arrival and no one ever answered. Contacted EXPEDIA and they attempted to call and no one answered. Arrived and the area was unsafe - people congregating in the parking lot smoking pot and unkempt people sleeping in lobby. No one ever came to the desk. Contacted EXPEDIA re: new reservation and REFUND. EXPEDIA stated 3 days later that hotel refused refund. I doubt EXPEDIA ever reached a person. Dissapponted with EXPEDIA as they have been helpful in the past. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO STAY HERE.

2

Terrance

Jul 4, 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

Staff was poorly trained. Needed toilet paper for my room. Clerk stated they were out. Then got back on her cell phone. Told her, " Sir, I apologize we are out of toilet paper" would be a better response. She said no they don't pay me enough for that. The clerk was constantly on her phone. Went early the next morning, another clerk said that person simply did not want to move, plenty was in storage. I said ok, I got rolls from the rr on the 1st floor. I stayed for 3 nights, same clerk enjoyed her phone time with her friends. Well enough said, my stay was not, good.

10

Amy

Sep 13, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Latoya checked us in she was absolutely a wonderful person. The room was clean with good beds. The breakfast was great especially for a hotel breakfast had a lot to choose from for breakfast.

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Location

Convenient to the interstate with numerous restaurants within walking distance; some mention easy access to local attractions.

Related guest reviews

6

Karen

Mar 1, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was dated, tired, but clean. Only a queen bed room was available... small. Read reviews about area being unsafe but we felt safe ... Lots of hotels and restaurants to easily walk to. Our room was near the elevator and very noisy. Overall, room was adequate, area felt safe, so I'd rate it a 7 out of 10.

8

Brandon

Jul 3, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Overall it was a good stay. The location is good with lots of restaurants within walking distance.

8

Christopher

Mar 31, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Okay for the price. This place is need for a renovation sooner than later. It is outdated and in need of a face lift. The drain in my tub did not drain properly. There were rain/moisture spots on the ceiling. Other than that the room was clean for the most part (chair was not). The service was nice and friendly. If you are sensitive to smoke look elsewhere as there was a smell of smoke in the hallways. This place is fine if you are on a budget otherwise I would choose another location. This hotel is close to downtown Birmingham and Hoover. Otherwise, there is not much in the immediate area and Bessemer is not the most hospitable area in the metro.

10

Frederick

Nov 20, 2024

·

Stayed 5 nights

The staff was personable, professional and accommodating. The location was easily accessible from the interstate with an assortment of eating establishments within walking distance.

10

Megan

Apr 28, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Very close to restaurants and easy to get to.

10

Danielle

Jun 15, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Several eating options in walking distance and about 10 minutes from Alabama Adventure

10

Robert

Nov 27, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Wonderful clerk to greet you upon checkin. Good breakfast and convenient location. Room clean and quiet.

8

Robert

Apr 30, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Older hotel that has kept up with some decent renovations. It's not fancy. However, it's not neglected. Room was clean and bed was comfy. Breakfast was excellent. You can make larger waffles or mini ones for the kids. Staff is friendly and helpful. Applebee's and Cracker Barrel are just across the road...easy short walk. Convenient to I-20 too.

8

Chris

Oct 19, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Stay was good. Conveniently close to food options.

6

Brittani

Jul 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Breakfast had a great variety. Bed was stiff. But located near everything we planned to visit. Overall it was an average stay but costed as much as other nice hotels.

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Dining

Breakfast is frequently praised for variety and taste (waffles and hot items), though occasional shortages or underwhelming options are reported.

Related guest reviews

8

Christina

Nov 23, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff was super sweet, breakfast buffet a lot more options than most places. Beds comfortable, floors could be cleaner in bedroom/bathroom for sure but other than that, A/C ran cold, air quality was good, food was good for a free hot breakfast, nice stay the kids liked the koi pond outside and the waffles too

10

Gina

Feb 24, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The staff was great. Great customer service. Room very clean. Breakfast was awesome. My visit was great

2

Kathy

Jun 14, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff was not professional. The woman who checked me in was talking to her son on the phone the whole time she was checking me in. Bathroom had old toothpaste in the sink. It had obviously not been cleaned. The toilet was broken. Couldn’t even use it. Breakfast was awful. They were out of virtually everything. We got tired of waiting for someone to replenish the food and ended up leaving and going to McDonald’s. Probably the worst motel I’ve ever stayed at.

10

Lisa

May 1, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean! The hot water was actually hot. Plenty of towels, and pillows. Coffee pot in room. And breakfast was fantastic. Not just grab and go, but hit eggs, and sausage. Very worth the price!

10

Felicity

Aug 1, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Friendliest staff I have ever encountered. Thorough in explaining what the hotel had to offer, including complimentary cold and room temp bottles of water as well as a delicious continental breakfast. Waffle bar was delicious, as were the sausage, Greek yogurt, scrambled eggs with cheese, and fancy juice and coffee machines. Room was lacking a few wash rags that were not available upon request. Otherwise, we had a great stay.

8

Robert

Apr 30, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Older hotel that has kept up with some decent renovations. It's not fancy. However, it's not neglected. Room was clean and bed was comfy. Breakfast was excellent. You can make larger waffles or mini ones for the kids. Staff is friendly and helpful. Applebee's and Cracker Barrel are just across the road...easy short walk. Convenient to I-20 too.

6

Charity

Nov 3, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The clerk that checked us in that evening around 6:30 was phenomenal! Friendly, helpful, and informative! The sweet lady running breakfast the next morning was also just the absolute best! Helped with our needs and did it with the sweetest smile! However, housekeeping and the woman running the front desk clerk Saturday morning were not helpful nor polite. Breakfast was great and the location was what we needed but I don't believe this hotel lived up to the 8.4/10 rating posted on Hotels.com. It worked in a pinch but next time we will spend the additional $50 and stay at the Hampton Inn in the same area.

6

Brittani

Jul 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Breakfast had a great variety. Bed was stiff. But located near everything we planned to visit. Overall it was an average stay but costed as much as other nice hotels.

10

James and Rachel

Nov 3, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Everything was amazing! Staff was fabulous and friendly. Room was perfectly clean and breakfast eas really good

10

Amy

Sep 13, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Latoya checked us in she was absolutely a wonderful person. The room was clean with good beds. The breakfast was great especially for a hotel breakfast had a lot to choose from for breakfast.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	$110
February	$104
March	$108
April	$140
May	$121
June	$101
July	$101
August	$109
September	$81
October	$101
November	$98
December	$92

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15 $73	16 $73	17 $77	18 $150	19 $149
20 $77	21 $77	22 $77	23 $82	24 $78	25 $316	26 $316
27 $107	28 $99	29 $99	30 $99

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $101	2 $150	3 $165
4 $107	5 $107	6 $107	7 $99	8 $110	9 $166	10 $405
11 $99	12 $107	13 $107	14 $107	15 $110	16 $170	17 $179
18 $107	19 $107	20 $107	21 $128	22 $123	23 $167	24 $167
25 $99	26 $107	27 $110	28 $112	29 $110	30 $169	31 $167

Select dates to see prices and availability

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Suite, 1 King Bed, Kitchenette (With Sofabed)

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Kitchenette

Suite, 1 King Bed, Refrigerator & Microwave (With Sofabed)

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed, Refrigerator & Microwave

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Microwave (Larger Room)

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible, Refrigerator & Microwave

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Refrigerator & Microwave

Guest reviews

Very good

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Best Western Plus Bessemer

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Prices for upcoming dates