Jackson Hospitality Services (JHS), a family-owned hospitality management company with nearly five decades of experience, celebrated the grand opening of its new SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Leeds on Wednesday, Oct. 21, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce.

Located at 1155 Payton Way near the entrance to Barber Motorsports Park, the new hotel marks the company's first Marriott-branded property and represents another significant investment in the Leeds community.

The celebration brought together hotel owners and investors, city officials, Chamber representatives, business leaders and community members for an afternoon of hospitality, refreshments and guided tours of the new property.

A Family Legacy of Hospitality

Neal Jackson of Jackson Hospitality Services welcomed guests and shared the company's history, which dates back to 1977 when his grandfather built and operated Motel Birmingham in Irondale. Today, the family-owned business is led by Neal and his brother, Cory Jackson, Jr., the company's president, with additional family members continuing the hospitality tradition.

Jackson reflected on the company's longstanding relationship with Leeds, including the successful development of the nearby Hampton Inn in 2008.

"We built the Hampton Inn in 2008 and it's been a great success," Jackson said. "We know this is something that Leeds is going to be proud of. Just like that hotel, we're going to keep it up, reinvest and have a very high-quality hotel for you."

Jackson recognized the hotel's investors, management team, staff and business partners whose contributions helped bring the project to completion. He offered special praise for the housekeeping teams at both Leeds properties, emphasizing their commitment to cleanliness, quality and consistently excellent hotel inspections.

A Modern Hotel with a Distinctive Motorsports Connection

The new SpringHill Suites offers spacious accommodations designed for both business and leisure travelers. Guests can choose between suites featuring a king bed or two double beds, with each providing a separate sitting area with a sofa, a desk and chair, generous closet space, and a refreshment area equipped with a microwave and mini-refrigerator.

During the grand opening, attendees toured guest suites and explored the hotel's contemporary design and amenities.

One of the property's most distinctive features is its connection to neighboring Barber Motorsports Park and the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum.

Jackson explained that, before his passing, George Barber personally approved the display of museum pieces at the new hotel. An Indy car and motorcycle now serve as striking focal points in the lobby, celebrating the area's rich motorsports heritage.

"We are here because of this park," Jackson said, acknowledging the importance of Barber Motorsports Park to the hotel's location and the surrounding community.

The hotel also introduces Bar 63, a cocktail bar named in honor of George Barber's 63 professional racing victories.

"This bar is open to the public, so anyone is welcome," Jackson said. "We have food and beverages, cocktails, so we are really happy and feel that this is a great addition to the City of Leeds."

The racing-inspired atmosphere and public bar provide another gathering place for hotel guests, area residents and visitors attending events at Barber Motorsports Park.

City of Leeds Welcomes New Investment

Leeds Mayor Eddie Moore welcomed the new hotel, recognizing its contributions to local economic development, job creation and tourism.

"When a business chooses to open the doors here, it tells us our community is thriving, vibrant and open for business," Moore said.

The mayor emphasized that the new property will provide employment opportunities while welcoming visitors who come to experience Leeds and its many attractions.

"SpringHill Suites will not only create jobs for our local residents, but it will be a home for travelers and people coming through Leeds to see what a great city we have and what we have to offer," Moore said.

He concluded by thanking Jackson and his development team for their investment and extending the city's wishes for continued prosperity.

Recognizing Community Partnerships

Throughout the celebration, Jackson expressed appreciation for the many individuals and organizations instrumental in the hotel's development.

Among those recognized were the hotel's ownership and investment partners, SmartBank, longtime design partner Interior Consultants, and representatives of Barber Motorsports Park.

Jackson also thanked Mayor Moore, members of the Leeds City Council, city building inspector Jody Courson, Police Chief Paul Irwin and Fire Marshal Adam Courington for their cooperation and support throughout construction.

The Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce was recognized for coordinating the ribbon-cutting celebration. Jackson announced that the new hotel is joining the Chamber and looks forward to becoming an active member of the local business community.

Chamber President Steve Karr and Executive Director Josh Marks were among those acknowledged during the ceremony.

A New Destination for Leeds Visitors

With its spacious suites, contemporary amenities, distinctive motorsports displays and public cocktail bar, SpringHill Suites by Marriott adds another hospitality option for visitors to Barber Motorsports Park, nearby businesses, regional attractions and the greater Leeds area.

The new hotel builds upon Jackson Hospitality Services' longstanding commitment to the community while helping accommodate the continued growth of tourism, business travel and special events in Leeds.

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Leeds
1155 Payton Way
Leeds, Alabama