Boll Weevil Inn - Enterprise, Alabama

👍 Reviews 📌 Map ℹ️ Information ⏰ Hours

Address: 305 S Main St, Enterprise, AL 36330, United States.
Phone: 3343472271.

Specialties: Hotel, Inn.

Opinions: This company has 98 reviews on Google My Business.
Average opinion: 2.8/5.

📌 Location of Boll Weevil Inn

Boll Weevil Inn 305 S Main St, Enterprise, AL 36330, United States

☎️3343472271

For travelers seeking a unique and historically significant lodging experience in Enterprise, Alabama, the Boll Weevil Inn presents itself as a distinctive option. Located at 305 S Main St, Enterprise, AL 36330, United States, this inn offers a glimpse into a remarkable transformation and a fascinating past. Contact can be made via telephone at 3343472271. While the Opinions: currently reflect an average score of 2.8/5 on Google My Business, reflecting mixed feedback, it’s crucial to understand the story behind this establishment before making a decision.

A History of Transformation

The Boll Weevil Inn’s story began not as a charming bed and breakfast, but as a dilapidated, abandoned, and frankly, unsettling building. Initially constructed in 1939 as the Boll Weevil Jail, it served as a detention facility for cotton boll weevil infestation inspectors. The jail's purpose was to house those responsible for combating the destructive insect, a vital component of Alabama’s agricultural industry during that era. The building quickly gained a reputation for being a grim, austere place, contributing to its unsettling atmosphere. It remained operational for nearly 50 years, becoming a symbol of the region’s agricultural heritage and, unfortunately, a place associated with hardship and confinement.

From Jail to Inn: A Remarkable Renovation

In the late 1980s, a local entrepreneur, Robert “Bob” O’Brien, purchased the property with the ambitious goal of transforming it into a unique hotel. The undertaking was an immense challenge. The building was severely deteriorated, riddled with structural issues, and steeped in a palpable sense of negativity. O’Brien dedicated over a decade – from 1988 to 1999 – to meticulously restoring the jail, painstakingly removing the remnants of its past and embracing its historical identity. He embraced the jail’s past rather than erasing it, choosing to retain many of its original features, including the cells, the concrete walls, and the overall architectural style. This dedication resulted in a truly one-of-a-kind hotel experience.

Key Features and Characteristics

Historic Architecture: The Inn retains much of its original 1939 design, offering guests a tangible connection to the past.
Unique Rooms: Each room is themed to represent a former cell, providing an immersive and memorable stay.
Restored Features: Original features like the concrete walls, bars, and cell doors remain, contributing to the building’s distinctive character.
Local Charm: Located in the heart of Enterprise, the Inn offers easy access to local attractions and restaurants.

Location and Accessibility

The Boll Weevil Inn is strategically situated in Enterprise, Alabama, placing it within a reasonable distance of various points of interest. Its location at 305 S Main St provides convenient access to the city's central business district and surrounding areas. The Inn itself is easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. While public transportation options may be limited, the proximity to local businesses and attractions makes it a suitable base for exploring the region. Nearby attractions include the Randolph County Historical Society and various local parks and recreational areas.

Visitor Information and Recommendations

For prospective guests, it’s advisable to research the current reviews and understand the mixed feedback regarding the Inn’s overall experience. While the unique atmosphere and historical significance are frequently praised, some guests have expressed concerns about cleanliness and maintenance. It’s recommended to contact the Phone: 3343472271 directly to inquire about specific room availability and to discuss any concerns prior to booking.

Important Considerations

Pricing: Rates vary depending on the room and season.
Reservations: Reservations are highly recommended, particularly during peak travel times.
Amenities: The Inn offers basic amenities, focusing on the historical experience rather than luxurious modern conveniences.
Accessibility: Due to the building's age and design, accessibility may be limited for guests with mobility issues.

In conclusion, the Boll Weevil Inn presents a truly unusual and historically rich lodging option for those seeking an alternative travel experience. Its transformation from a former jail to a unique hotel is a remarkable feat of restoration and preservation. Despite the mixed reviews, the Inn’s distinctive character and intriguing past make it a destination worthy of consideration for travelers interested in exploring the history and heritage of Enterprise, Alabama. Potential guests should carefully weigh the pros and cons, considering the building’s unique characteristics and the current feedback before booking their stay.

👍 Reviews of Boll Weevil Inn

Pam C.

1/5

Yucky. Sink drains on floor. Drawer missing from dresser. Can't see only one bulb in overhead light and no bulb in lamp. Can see daylight around door. Walls paper thin,can hear everything outside like the door is open. Church bells at night keep you awake. Shower barely sprays
The owner acts as if it's a pain to be doing the job. Won't stay here again, I'd rather sleep in my car,the seats are better than the bed

Ethan O.

1/5

Asked for a light bulb as two of the lamps inside did not even have one im them. As the whole room is lit up by three lamps there was zero visibility in the room. When i asked for an extra light bulb to be able to put it in was told thag there was one light that should work and then the person working who said he was the manager and had just started today completely ignored. The internet is non existent to even het it to show up habe to be in the middle of the road and then when you go to log in and you put in the correct info it just infinitely loads not doing anything so you have to close ot and forget the wifi to be given another chance. If you get the oassword wrong then it automatically says information is incorrect please try again. If you try to find the wifi name and select it to log into while sitting in your room then it will not even show up as an option to log into. All the rooms are said to be non smoking but at least the room i stayed in and most likely all of them smell very beru heavily of smoke. As i habe not smoked in the room i still would not be surprised if when i leave they will attempt to charge a cleaning fee for smoking inside which i will not be paying as i have not. The mirror in the bathroom is not even connected to anything and just leans against the wall just waiting for you to accidently tap it and it fall and break. This room is not worth the price even if it is the cheapest in town it is worth probably no more than 30-35 a night. Considering even asking to be able to see in the room is a bad thing.

Ducky H.

2/5

Before buying a room for a week we were told by the lady, “keep your room clean, I don’t want bugs”. Clearly there are roaches. They are everywhere. Woke up with bites on my leg.

Top sheet smells musty. Found someone else’s hair in the sheets

Only one outlet works unless you use the bathroom outlet and one lamp works.

Noise all through the day and night. Sounds like someone is moving furniture-? And headboard banging. Honestly, it felt seedy.

I remember this place being cleaned and more taken care of a few years back. Sad to see it deteriorating.

NEofAZ

I called this location two hours prior to arriving to ensure they had a room. i always ask for a NON-smoking room and the gentleman that answered he phone said no problem and I made a reservation. when I arrived a very rude woman answered the bell and the first thing she asked me was what type of room i want and i again stated a one bed NON-smoking room. she then stated all they had in ALL the rooms were SMOKING, what a complete waste of my time not to mention the rudeness of that woman. if you smoke then come on in, if nonsmoker then don't waste your time.

David G.

3/5

Looks can be deceiving. These are clean accommodations with TV, phone, heat/air, bath, beds, and refrigerator. There may even be a microwave. I think so. The rooms start around $50. Convenient to downtown. No pool. The owners discourage lingering riff-raff. This little motel has a lot of potential.

Elizabeth B.

5/5

I had a most pleasant stay here while my husband was admitted to the hospital for a possible stroke .The owners were very nice .The room was very clean and the bed very comfortable .We came by ambulance so I had to walk where I was going while in town and it only took a few minutes to get there.I do not understand the reviews mentioning a bad neighborhood being an issue .I did not feel unsafe walking around this area at night by myself .I visit New Orleans a lot by myself walking ,using the streetcars ,public buses and ferries so have quite a bit of street smarts already .This is an extremely safe town compared to New Orleans which can be dangerous to say the least .I would stay there again if need be.The only issue and a minor one was the hot water .It was okay but I like long and hot showers after walking all day to relax my tired body .This would be more a personal choice on my part than an issue with the motel itself . The area was very quiet with no questionable activities going on near it .There are a lot of great shops and restaurants within walking distance .The food was affordable and great southern home cooking done the right way .I am one of those people who prefers to shop ,dine and stay at local businesses instead of huge hotel chains ,fast food and mega stores .

Vonnie O.

1/5

Would not give this nasty motel even 1 star but I had no choice. These are the greediest business owners that I've ever had the horror of meeting. Everything was wrong, from broken phone to heat blowing air conditioner to very little or no warm water for shower. They would not even think of refunding my money. They just continued to drag more brokedown, outdated items from other rooms to try to fix the problem. If you cannot get any other room in town except at Boll Weevil Inn, then I would highly suggest sleep on the backseat of your car!! At least you would still have money when you woke up!!!

Chris S.

1/5

Rooms arent clean. One housekeeper. Hates on you if you have pets and what kinda hotel cant take care of their business but can put satellite tv in the rooms? Also let's their children play in lobby office. And would rather focus on them then the customer.