I may come from near Birmingham, but still now and again I like to spend a night away in the city as I love Birmingham, there is so much to see and do, there's great hotels, lots of entertainment such as the 02 Academy, NIA, NEC, the bullring shopping centre and some great pubs and restaurants.
I usually stay at the Ibis hotel when I am going to a gig at the 02 Academy as its closer, but when I am going just to simply relax, shop and go out for a meal I stay at the Holiday Inn Express which is located by the Snow Hill train station and its not far from some popular attractions like Broad Street and the Mailbox.
This was my view in the morning when I woke up in room 1002, it has a perfect view of the BT Tower, the rooms are very clean and stylish, the beds are so comfortable that I didn't want to wake up for the free breakfast, the showers are great very spacious and good water pressure/temperature, there is also fast free WIFI which is always a great bonus anywhere you go.
I spent my day shopping in the sun, then we went back to the hotel to get dressed to go out for a meal and a wonder around some bars. When we came back late the hotel was very quiet so we had a peaceful night sleep considering it was a Friday night, other hotels I have stayed at during the weekend have been very loud, but I think this hotel has mainly business and families stay from what I noticed looking around the breakfast tables so it was very enjoyable and we had no problems.
This post has came purely from me, I have not been asked to write this post. Its not the first time I have visited the hotel, my recent visit was in May 2014 and before that I stayed in August 2013. The last time I stayed I was in room 1004. The rooms are all fully air conditioned, the breakfast was delicious there is lots to choose from and the staff are very friendly and welcoming.
The hotel is located by the Colmore Business district so its a perfect destination for people on business to stay and for tourists as its a small walk away from the busy city centre. I paid £69.99 when I stayed last year and £59.99 when I stayed recently, the prices very depending on when you book and your room.
Since staying last year I have recommended the hotel to friends and family who a few have stayed and have also had a great stay. It's a new hotel which was finished in 2013 and it has 19 floors, I would love to stay again and see the views from the 19th floor.
Overall its an enjoyable affordable hotel that has everything you need, a great night sleep, good breakfast, friendly staff, clean and spacious and very close to Birmingham's two main train stations Snow Hill and New Street Station. Its worth every penny, especially for the views and watching the sun come up.