Crowne Plaza Birmingham City Centre By Ihg

The hotel is widely praised for its exceptional staff and recent refurbishment, which has significantly enhanced the guest experience. Its central location is also a key highlight, making it a highly convenient base. Guests consistently commend the hotel's cleanliness, comfortable accommodations, and the excellent breakfast offerings. This hotel is particularly well-suited for concert-goers and theatre-goers due to its proximity to major venues, as well as business travelers attending events at the ICC. Families also find it a great fit, appreciating the child-friendly amenities and spacious rooms. To make the most of your stay, consider requesting one of the newly refurbished rooms for a modern experience, and be mindful of the paid on-site parking, which, while convenient, can be costly.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities that generally enhance the guest experience, though some areas receive mixed feedback. The club lounge is frequently highlighted as an excellent perk, providing a comfortable space with a good selection of drinks and canapes, and is particularly valued by IHG members. The bar area is described as well-stocked with a good atmosphere, often open 24 hours, though some guests find the drinks to be on the expensive side. A 24-hour exercise room is available, which guests appreciate, although a few suggest it could benefit from more modern equipment. In-room amenities include a safe, ironing board, and kettle, with some rooms also featuring a mini fridge. However, a recurring issue mentioned by numerous guests is the inconsistent operation of the lifts, with some frequently out of service, leading to notable delays, especially during peak hours.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the hotel for its high standards of cleanliness, describing rooms as spotless, immaculate, and fresh-smelling upon arrival. The rooms are generally found to be spacious and well-appointed, offering ample space for relaxation. The beds receive widespread praise for being exceptionally comfortable, contributing to a restful night's sleep for most visitors. However, feedback on noise levels is mixed; while many rooms are described as quiet and soundproofed, some guests report disturbances from noisy air conditioning units, adjacent lifts, or occasional sounds from neighboring rooms or outside street noise. The bathrooms are typically clean and well-maintained, often featuring a separate shower and good water pressure, though a few older bathrooms are noted for being small or having minor issues like a clogged sink or loud heating. Many rooms also include convenient charging points for electronic devices.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience, particularly breakfast, receives overwhelmingly positive reviews. Guests consistently describe the breakfast as excellent, amazing, and fabulous, offering a wide selection of both hot and cold options. The buffet includes freshly cooked items like eggs, a variety of meats, beans, and mushrooms, alongside pastries, fruits, and cereals. Many appreciate the quality of the coffee and the attentive service from the breakfast staff. While most feedback is positive, a few guests found some hot food items to be tasteless or oily, and some noted a limited selection of fruit or pastries. The restaurant and bar also offer good quality food, with some guests enjoying delicious evening meals and room service that is both speedy and well-prepared. However, some vegetarian guests expressed a desire for more varied and substantial vegan options on the menu.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a truly central location, making it highly convenient for exploring the city. It is situated within easy walking distance of numerous popular attractions, including the Bullring shopping centre, the Mailbox, Symphony Hall, and various theatres and restaurants. Its proximity to Birmingham New Street Station (typically a 5-10 minute walk) is a significant advantage for travelers arriving by train. For those driving, on-site parking is available directly beneath the hotel, which guests find convenient and secure. However, this parking comes at a notable cost, and some guests have experienced challenges with unclear signage or the need to use stairs to access the hotel from the parking area, especially for those with mobility issues. Despite some concerns about the immediate surrounding area, the hotel itself is considered safe and well-placed for city access.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive exceptional praise, being described as friendly, helpful, and professional across all departments, from reception to restaurant and housekeeping. Guests frequently highlight their willingness to go above and beyond, offering proactive assistance and making guests feel genuinely welcome. The check-in process is generally reported as quick and smooth, with many guests appreciating the option for early check-in when rooms are available. Staff are also commended for their attentiveness in the club lounge and restaurant, ensuring a pleasant dining experience. Many guests note that staff remember them from previous stays and acknowledge IHG membership, contributing to a personalized and attentive service. While isolated incidents of less cooperative staff were mentioned, the overwhelming sentiment is one of outstanding customer service.

Additional Information
The hotel has undergone a significant refurbishment, with many rooms now featuring a modern and updated design, though some older style rooms may still be in use. Guests frequently benefit from IHG membership recognition, which can include perks like room upgrades and early check-in. A persistent operational challenge noted by guests is the ongoing lift refurbishment, which often results in multiple lifts being out of service, causing considerable delays, particularly during busy periods. While the hotel offers convenient on-site parking, guests should be aware of the associated cost. Some guests also noted that while the hotel provides a good range of in-room amenities, the supply of items like towels or coffee may need to be requested for full occupancy. The hotel also provides a late check-out option, though this may incur an additional charge.