ibis Styles Birmingham NEC and Airport

This hotel is highly regarded for its exceptional location, offering direct and convenient access to the NEC, airport, and train station, making it a prime choice for various travelers. Its signature feature is its unparalleled connectivity, allowing guests to easily reach major transport hubs and event venues. The hotel is particularly well-suited for business travelers attending conferences, concert-goers visiting the arena, and airport travelers seeking a comfortable stay before or after flights. Families also find it accommodating due to its spacious family rooms and helpful staff, while pet owners appreciate the pet-friendly policy and designated outdoor areas. Guests consistently praise the hotel's cleanliness, comfortable accommodations, and the generally friendly and attentive service provided by the staff. To enhance your stay, it is advisable to request extra pillows upon arrival if needed, and be aware of the additional charge for parking.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities designed for convenience and comfort. Guests appreciate the availability of Wi-Fi throughout the property, ensuring connectivity for both leisure and business needs. A fitness center or gym is on-site, though some guests have noted that certain equipment might need maintenance. The bar and lounge areas are available for relaxation and socializing, with some guests finding them a bit "soulless" or having limited menu options, while others enjoy the atmosphere. The hotel also provides EV charging facilities, which is a significant bonus for guests with electric vehicles. The presence of a pet-friendly policy is a notable amenity, with a grass area available for pets, which is highly valued by pet owners.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is generally positive, though some areas receive mixed reviews. Many guests describe the rooms as clean, modern, and spacious, with some highlighting the comfortable beds and high-quality linens that ensure a restful sleep. However, some reviews mention that rooms can appear tired or dated, with occasional stained sheets or carpets, and issues like loose toilet seats or poor shower drainage. Noise levels are a recurring topic; while some rooms are surprisingly quiet despite the proximity to the airport, others experience significant traffic noise or corridor noise. Room amenities like TVs sometimes have signal issues, and the temperature control can be problematic, with rooms being either too cold or too hot and air conditioning not always functioning effectively. The spacious bathrooms and walk-in showers are generally well-received.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options, particularly breakfast, receive largely positive feedback. The buffet-style breakfast is often described as very good or excellent, offering a good selection of both hot food and cold options, including pastries, cereals, and various cooked items. Guests appreciate the availability of coffee machines and the attentive staff in the dining area. However, some guests have experienced issues with hot food not being consistently replenished or being served cold, and limited options if arriving later. The restaurant and bar also serve food, but feedback is more mixed; some find the menu limited or the food quality to be poor, describing dishes like pizza, curry, or burgers as tasteless or overpriced, while others find the meals satisfactory. Long wait times for food have also been noted during busy periods.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage due to its exceptional accessibility. It is within walking distance of the NEC, making it ideal for event attendees, with clear signage guiding the way. The airport and train station are also easily reachable on foot, typically within a 10 to 20-minute walk, providing seamless connections for travelers. The BP Pulse Arena and Resorts World are also conveniently close, appealing to concert-goers. Parking is available on-site, which is a significant benefit, though it is a paid service and some guests have reported difficulties finding spaces during peak times or issues with disabled bays being misused. The surrounding area is described as industrial, which some find uninspiring or dark at night, but the hotel itself is considered safe.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendly and helpful demeanor, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience. Many reviews commend the attentive service provided across all departments, from reception to the dining areas. The check-in process is generally described as quick and smooth, though some guests have encountered long queues or initial difficulties with booking retrieval. Housekeeping is noted for being efficient in addressing issues like stained bedding. However, some guests have reported key card issues requiring frequent re-activation at the front desk. While the majority of interactions are positive, a few guests have experienced less helpful or seemingly understaffed situations, particularly during busy periods, leading to minor frustrations.

Additional Information
The hotel is known for its pet policy, welcoming furry companions and providing a designated grass area for them, which is a significant draw for many guests. Some reviews mention the hotel undergoing renovation work, which generally does not impact the stay but indicates ongoing improvements. Guests should be aware that while early check-in is often accommodated if rooms are ready, there can be delays during peak times. There have been isolated customer service issues reported, such as difficulties with booking recognition or a lack of refunds for cancelled events, though these appear to be exceptions. The hotel also offers EV charging facilities, adding to its appeal for modern travelers.