Britain’s second largest city, Birmingham has undergone a fairly dramatic transformation over the past few decades. Once the butt of jokes by outsiders, it is now considered one of the most culturally vibrant urban centres anywhere in the country, with a busy arts scene, trendy cafes and bars, and top class shopping at the renowned Bullring commercial complex.
As Birmingham has evolved over the years, it has inevitably attracted larger numbers of visitors. And to cater for this growth in popularity, the city’s choice of accommodation options has also swelled. If you’re planning a visit to Birmingham and are looking for somewhere a little special to stay, you may well find our pick of 7 of its best luxury and boutique hotels useful.
pentahotel
FROM £64/ NIGHT
For an upscale hotel with real personality, pentahotel in the city centre is a fine choice for discerning travellers. By night the hotel’s exterior is illuminated by neon lights and the stylish ambiance continues as you enter. Guest rooms are designed in a chic style and come with a flat-screen TV, air-conditioning and a desk. Elsewhere in the hotel, a unique pentalounge was designed by a renowned Italian architect and serves as a restaurant, bar, meeting point and chill-out area all in one. Hearty breakfasts are served each morning while lunches and dinners are available in the lounge. A brand new state-of-the-art gym is also available for guests’ use. The famous Bullring Shopping Centre is a 5-minute walk away.
Malmaison
FROM £160/ NIGHT
Located within Birmingham’s upscale Mailbox development, this chic hotel features large, stylish guest rooms with free WiFi, mood lighting, a satellite TV, and an ensuite bathroom with a power shower. Hotel services and amenities include a same-day laundry service, a brasserie serving classic British cuisine, a chic bar and wine tasting sessions run by highly-trained in-house sommeliers. There’s also a luxury spa where guests can treat themselves to a range of indulgent treatments, plus a state-of-the-art gym. A number of high-end shops, restaurants and bars are nearby, and Birmingham New Street Rail Station is less than 10 minutes away on foot.
Radisson Blu Hotel
FROM £76/ NIGHT
Situated in a large glass-fronted skyscraper, just a few minutes’ walk from Birmingham New Street Rail Station, this modern hotel is conveniently located for those arriving by train. Guest rooms are stylishly designed and furnished and offer free WiFi, a flat-screen satellite TV, a safe, minibar and tea/coffee-making facilities, while front-facing rooms have scenic city views. Elsewhere in the hotel, there’s a high-tech gym, a brasserie-style restaurant and a bar serving a range of beers and cocktails. The hotel is also well positioned for business travellers, being just 1,000 yards from the International Convention Centre (ICC) and the city’s main business district.
The High Field Town House
FROM £110/ NIGHT
Just a mile from the centre of Birmingham, this small, boutique city hotel has a distinctly country house ambiance. There are 12 individually styled rooms housed within a listed Victorian villa, each featuring a desk and a flat-screen TV. There’s an on-site bar and a shared lounge elsewhere in the hotel. Popular with keen gastronomes, the hotel is next to sister pub The High Field in the heart of Edgbaston’s vibrant food quarter. Birmingham Botanical Gardens, a 19th century green space, is five minutes’ walk away and there’s a Michelin-starred restaurant directly opposite. Guests arriving by car and make use of free private parking and there’s also regular buses to the city centre nearby.
The Edgbaston
FROM £145/ NIGHT
Located in the affluent Birmingham suburb of Edgbaston, this popular hotel has a 24-hour front desk, a restaurant and a pretty terrace where guests like to relax and socialise. All guest rooms come with a TV with satellite channels, a coffee machine, a bath or shower, free toiletries, a wardrobe and a desk. Continental breakfasts are served in a breakfast room every morning. Local landmarks and places of interest including Brindleyplace and the ICC-Birmingham are within walking distance and Birmingham Airport is just over 8 miles away.
Saint Pauls House
FROM £70/ NIGHT
This impressive Birmingham hotel combines a great location with smartly designed guest rooms and cosy communal areas. Each room is air conditioned and features a TV with satellite channels and a coffee machine, while some also include a comfy seating area. Elsewhere in the hotel, there’s a relaxing bar area serving a wide range of drinks and snacks, and a 24-hour front desk. Free WiFi is available throughout the property and parking is available on site for an extra charge. The ICC-Birmingham is 900 yards away.
Hotel du Vin
FROM £86/ NIGHT
If you want to be in the heart of the Glasgow action, this charming boutique hotel in the city’s trendy West End district would make for a good choice. Guest rooms are individually designed and come with a luxurious bed and a modern bathroom with a deep bath and large shower. There’s an on-site, oak-panelled bistro serving a mix of classic and modern dishes, many with a Scottish influence. A separate bar area offering a huge choice of whiskies and wines is an ideal spot for a pre-dinner drink or a nightcap. Glasgow’s Botanic Gardens and Hyndland Rail Station are both a short walk away, and the city centre can be reached in under 10 minutes by car.