Construction delays (caused by a variety of factors including the "Energy Crisis") prevented Birmingham's initially projected fall of 1973 grand opening. The modern mid-rise Mansard complex finally made its debut in 1974. With its 160 guest rooms on 6 floors in two large guest buildings, a lighted tennis court, an oversized pool, and meeting and banquet rooms, the facility remained a HJ Motor Lodge for a little more than two decades. Losing its famous name in the middle 1990s, it was painted and stuccoed into a Comfort Inn. Reasonably well cared for and not significantly altered, the unit resembled its original appearance.

In January of 2006 the former Howard Johnson's lost its Comfort Inn brand affiliation. No longer a part of the Choice Hotels chain, it became the Vestavia Hills Hotel. This turn of events does not bode well for the property since it will no longer be required to maintain certain levels of quality and service.