Steeped in history and rich with personality, The Admiral Hotel has been a cornerstone of downtown Mobile since it opened its grand doors in November 1940. Behind its stately presence lies a treasure trove of fun facts, local lore and unexpected charm. Here are some of our favorite reasons to love The Admiral:
A Dose of Parrot Head History
Long before “Margaritaville” and “It’s 5 o’clock Somewhere”, a young Jimmy Buffett performed regularly at The Admiral’s Corner Lounge in the early 1970s. Imagine sipping a drink where Buffett once strummed his first chords on the way to becoming a Gulf Coast icon.
A Cool First
When it opened, The Admiral made history as the first fully air-conditioned hotel in Mobile, offering guests a cool oasis long before it was standard.
Three Ways to Savor Mobile’s Local Flavors
With not one, not two, but three dining destinations—Le Café, Le Moyne’s Chophouse, and The Living Room—you’re never far from a great meal. Whether you’re in the mood for classic comfort or upscale fare, there’s something to suit every craving.
The hotel’s avant-garde décor draws inspiration from Mobile’s French colonial past, its original Mardi Gras heritage and the opulence of King Louis XIV. From vibrant colors to regal accents, The Admiral is a visual celebration of the city’s cultural roots.
A Guest List of Legends
The Admiral has welcomed a star-studded lineup over the decades, including Elvis Presley, Eleanor Roosevelt and Gene Autry. Talk about historic hospitality!
Charmed to the Core
Every guestroom features a custom doorknocker shaped like the Admiral butterfly, a signature detail that’s both elegant and unexpected.
Buzzing with Flavor
The hotel’s rooftop is home to a honey bee colony and a thriving herb garden. Even sweeter? The honey makes its way into recipes at the hotel’s restaurants, adding a true taste of homegrown hospitality.
Whether you’re staying for a night or just stopping by for a cocktail, The Admiral Hotel is more than a place to rest—it’s a living piece of Mobile’s vibrant story.
We're born to celebrate so come celebrate something you love, with us!
Author
Janae Hudson-Walley
Janae Hudson is the Public Relations & Communications Manager at Visit Mobile. Hailing from Moss Point, MS, Janae passionately fuses her love for Mobile with her creative writing and PR skills to promote the city as one of the top destinations in the South. When she's not creating content, you can find her reading books, cooking or listening to Beyonce'.
