Florence boutique hotel ranked top in the country by USA Today

FLORENCE, Ala. (WHNT) — A boutique hotel located in downtown Florence recently was named the best of its kind in the country by USA Today.

It may look like a regular red brick building, but nestled in the heart of Florence, is the top-ranked Gunrunner Boutique Hotel.

20 hotels were nominated throughout the country, but only 10 were chosen and ranked by USA Today.

Veronica Bohannan, being from our neighboring state of Mississippi, has stayed at the hotel multiple times, and she says it’s a special place.

“The details, it’s all in the details, it’s so lovely, the history in every room is just so incredible,” Bohannan said.

Owner, Billy Ray Casteel, says it’s an honor to be named number one and best boutique hotel in the country.

“Only hotel nominated in the state of Alabama, the competition was crazy, from Pennsylvania to California to North Carolina and it’s a big honor and a big deal and it’s a reflection of the community,” Casteel said.

The nomination is based on votes, and the Gunrunner received the most out of the other 9 hotels competing. Casteel says what set the Gunrunner apart was the authenticity…representing the Shoals, as each of the ten rooms are based around the Shoals music and history.

“Every room is themed after something local, and it just comes off I believe as authentic and a reflection of the community and the people here,” Casteel said.

Bohannan told News 19 that you’ll never stay at another hotel quite like this one.

“This is definitely one of a kind, you don’t see this everywhere you go, each room has its own little special place in there, just like the history of it and the love that was put into every detail,” Bohannan said.

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