Crowne Plaza Solihull, an IHG Hotel

The hotel stands out for its excellent central location in Solihull, directly opposite the Touchwood shopping center, making it a prime spot for shoppers and sightseers eager to explore the town's amenities. Its consistent reputation for cleanliness, comfortable accommodations, and exceptionally friendly and helpful staff are frequently highlighted by guests, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. The hotel is well-suited for families due to its spacious rooms and pool access, and equally ideal for business travelers given its proximity to key transport links and the NEC. Guests consistently praise the attentive service provided across all departments, from reception to dining. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room away from event spaces or the street if you are sensitive to noise, and be aware that on-site parking incurs an additional fee.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests generally appreciate the range of facilities available. The swimming pool is a popular amenity, especially for families, though some note it can be a bit cold or appear slightly dated. A well-equipped gym is available for workouts, and guests can also relax in the sauna, steam room, and hot tub. The club lounge is a significant draw for many, offering a comfortable space with complimentary drinks and canapés during evening hours, though some guests were disappointed by the lack of snacks outside of these times or restrictions on children's access during alcohol service. Free Wi-Fi is provided, allowing guests to stay connected, and the presence of ice machines and vending machines adds to overall convenience.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the cleanliness and spaciousness of the rooms, often describing them as modern and well-maintained. The comfortable beds are a highlight for many, ensuring a restful night's sleep, though a few guests found the pillows to be too hard or the mattresses too soft. Bathrooms are generally large, featuring good water pressure in the showers, although some guests reported minor leaks or noted that the shower head position was too high. In-room amenities such as coffee/tea making facilities, fridges, and effective blackout curtains are well-received. While most guests experience quiet stays, some occasionally mention noise from corridors due to banging doors, or from external events, which can impact sleep.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast consistently receives high praise for its variety, quality, and freshness, offering a wide selection of hot and cold buffet items. Guests frequently commend the breakfast staff for their helpfulness and attentive service, ensuring a pleasant start to the day. While the food is generally well-regarded, some minor issues like lukewarm hot options or occasional unavailability of specific items have been noted. The hotel's restaurant offers a good dining experience, with many guests enjoying the quality of the evening meals, though some find the menu options limited or the prices a bit high. The bar area is described as stylish and welcoming, but drinks, particularly wine, are often considered expensive, and service can sometimes be slow.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's excellent central location in Solihull is a major advantage, placing guests directly opposite the Touchwood shopping center and within easy walking distance of numerous restaurants, shops, and the town center. This makes it highly convenient for leisure travelers and those looking to explore the local area. The hotel also offers good accessibility for travelers, being a short drive from the M42 motorway, Solihull Railway Station (providing connections to Birmingham and London), and close to the NEC and Birmingham International Airport. While parking is available on-site and generally plentiful, a significant number of guests express dissatisfaction with the chargeable parking fee, finding it an unexpected and costly addition to their stay.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive glowing reviews for their friendly, helpful, attentive, and professional demeanor. Guests frequently highlight their willingness to go "above and beyond" to ensure a positive experience, from the moment of check-in to departure. The check-in and check-out processes are often described as speedy and efficient, contributing to a smooth arrival and departure. Many guests commend the attentive service provided by the dining staff and the quick resolution of any issues that arise, such as room preferences or minor maintenance needs. The overall welcoming atmosphere created by the dedicated team is a recurring theme, making guests feel valued and well-cared for throughout their stay.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that while the club lounge offers a pleasant space with evening refreshments, there are specific access rules, including restrictions on children during alcohol service hours. Some reviews mention occasional maintenance issues within rooms, such as non-working air conditioning, faulty TVs, or worn furniture, though staff are generally responsive in addressing these. The hotel is a popular venue for events and weddings, which can sometimes lead to increased noise levels, particularly for rooms located near these areas. Loyal guests appreciate the rewards program benefits offered, which can include perks like room upgrades. It's also noted that some guests have experienced issues with the clarity of parking registration procedures, leading to potential fines if not properly completed.