Downtown Mobile Hotels Sought Nearly 100 Workers in 2008
The Battle House and the Riverview Renaissance Plaza were seeking nearly 100 employees, from hourly staff to managers, with a job fair at the Battle House.
MOBILE, Ala. — Two downtown Mobile hotels were looking to fill nearly 100 jobs in February 2008, according to local news reports, as the restored Battle House Hotel headed into its first Mardi Gras season in more than 30 years.
The Battle House Hotel and the Riverview Renaissance Plaza Hotel were hiring for positions ranging from hourly jobs to management. Applicants were invited to a job fair in the Battle House’s Crystal Ballroom.
A landmark back in business
The Battle House, at Royal and St. Francis streets, had reopened in May 2007 as the Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa after sitting closed since 1974. The Retirement Systems of Alabama, which owns the property, began restoring the 1908 building in 2003 and paired it with the new RSA Battle House Tower next door. The restored hotel and its adjoining tower addition were planned with a combined 238 rooms. Local reports at the time put the renovation at $60 million.
The February 2008 hiring push came as the hotel prepared for its first Carnival season since the 1970s. Downtown Mobile is the center of the city’s Mardi Gras parades and balls, and the season is typically among the busiest stretches of the year for downtown hotels.
Riverview renovation and new spire
The Riverview Renaissance Plaza, on South Water Street near the Mobile River, was also under renovation. Plans included a spire designed to echo the RSA Battle House Tower. The spire was built later in 2008, bringing the building to 374 feet and making it the tallest hotel in Alabama.
Both hotels operate under Marriott’s Renaissance brand.
Note: The job fair and openings described here date to February 2008. Anyone looking for work at either hotel now should contact the hotels directly.
