Pell City officially cut the ribbon on a major milestone for local economic growth — the opening of TownePlace Suites by Marriott on Vaughan Lane, marking the first Marriott-branded property in St. Clair County.
City and county officials joined the St. Clair Economic Development Council and the Pell City Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the new $12 million, 89-room extended stay hotel developed by Shivaay Hospitality, led by owners Darshen Patel and Vishal Patel.
Mayor Bill Pruitt summed it up best at the ceremony:
“We’re so proud to have Marriott Hotels join the Pell City family, and thankful to have you here.”
Great for Growth City and County Growth
TownePlace Suites is designed for extended stays — offering suite-style rooms with kitchens and flexible space ideal for business travelers, contractors, and families. And the timing couldn’t be better.
As the largest hotel chain in the world, Marriott International brings global brand recognition and business credibility to Pell City — a signal that the city’s growth is being noticed beyond the region.
Supporting a Thriving Industrial Sector
The owners noted that the hotel is already in high demand from manufacturing executives visiting Pell City’s growing industrial base. With major employers and distribution centers continuing to expand in St. Clair County, the need for professional, high-quality lodging has been increasing.
Instead of staying in Birmingham or traveling back and forth from Atlanta, business travelers now have a nationally recognized brand right here in Pell City.
A Strategic Location Between Atlanta & Birmingham
Pell City sits directly along the I-20 corridor — almost perfectly positioned between Birmingham, Alabama and Atlanta, Georgia.
For commuters, corporate travelers, and even leisure visitors:
- It offers a convenient halfway stop.
- It provides easier access without downtown congestion.
- It often delivers more affordable nightly rates compared to major metro areas.
For families attending sporting events, tournaments, lake weekends, or regional conferences, Pell City becomes an attractive lodging alternative with quick interstate access.
Boosting Local Spending & Small Business Growth
Hotels don’t just house visitors — they fuel local economies.
Guests staying at TownePlace Suites will be dining, shopping, fueling up, and exploring Pell City. That means more revenue flowing into local restaurants and businesses.
And Pell City has no shortage of dining options.
Dining Options for Hotel Guests
Visitors staying at TownePlace Suites will find a mix of new and established restaurants nearby, including but not limited to:
- Buffalo Wild Wings – Great for game nights and group outings.
- Chick-fil-A
- The Ark – A lakeside favorite just minutes away.
- Pell City Steakhouse (Homegrown favorite)
- Outback Steakhouse
- Olive Garden (Opening soon)
- LongHorn Steakhouse (Opening soon)
- Jumbo’s Burgers, Wings & More
- The St. Clair / Tavern
- Mama Spice (Jamaican)
- City Market Gill & Buffet
- Kami Thai Sushi and Fusion
Please note, this is just a snapshot of the sit-down and fast-food dining options available in the area. From quick bites to business dinners and scenic lake-view dining, guests now have a diverse and growing selection to choose from.
A Signal of Continued Growth
This ribbon cutting isn’t just about a new hotel — it’s about positioning.
When a Marriott property chooses a city, it’s often because the data supports it: job growth, industrial expansion, travel demand, and long-term stability.
Pell City continues to benefit from:
- Strategic interstate access
- Industrial development
- Lake Logan Martin tourism
- Proximity to two major Southern metros
The addition of TownePlace Suites strengthens Pell City’s ability to compete regionally for business investment and tourism dollars.
The Bigger Picture
As development continues along the I-20 corridor, projects like this reinforce Pell City’s reputation as more than just a pass-through community. It’s becoming a destination for business, recreation, and growth.
And for listeners of the Pell City Podcast, this is exactly the kind of story that shows how local leadership, economic development partnerships, and private investment come together to shape the future of our city.