Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport - Nec By Ihg

This hotel stands out for its truly exceptional staff and service, consistently praised for their warmth, helpfulness, and proactive approach to guest needs. Its convenient location near the airport and NEC (National Exhibition Centre), coupled with a reliable shuttle bus service, makes it a prime choice for various travelers. The hotel is particularly well-suited for business travelers attending conferences, families seeking comfortable stays with child-friendly amenities, and airport travelers looking for a seamless pre-flight stopover. Guests attending events like Crufts also find it highly accommodating due to its pet-friendly policy. To enhance your stay, consider utilizing the complimentary shuttle service for easy access to nearby transport hubs, and be sure to check the pool schedule if swimming is a priority, as it can be busy at certain times.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently commend the hotel's comprehensive leisure facilities, which include a well-maintained pool, a fully equipped gym, a relaxing sauna, and a soothing hot tub. While the pool is a significant draw, some guests note that its availability can be limited due to swimming lessons, particularly during peak times. The hotel also offers reliable Wi-Fi throughout, ensuring guests can stay connected. The lounge area provides a comfortable space with a bar and televisions, creating a pleasant atmosphere for relaxation. Additionally, the presence of a Starbucks within the hotel offers convenient access to coffee and snacks, adding to the overall guest experience.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel consistently receives high praise for its cleanliness, with many guests describing rooms as spotless and well-maintained. The comfortable beds and quality linens contribute to a restful night's sleep, and rooms are generally well-equipped with amenities such as air conditioning, showers (though some prefer walk-in options over baths), large TVs, coffee makers, hairdryers, and irons. While most rooms are quiet, some guests have reported occasional noise levels from corridors or traffic, especially if windows do not seal properly. The sofa bed in family rooms has received mixed feedback, with some finding it less comfortable than the main beds. Overall, the bathroom facilities are noted for their cleanliness and functionality.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast at the hotel is a highlight for many guests, frequently described as amazing, with an excellent selection and high food quality. Guests appreciate the variety of options, including pancakes, omelettes, a traditional full English breakfast, and a good choice of pastries and cheeses. While most feedback is positive, a few guests have noted issues with cold items or limited fruit choices. The restaurant offers a generally good dinner experience with reasonable prices and a varied menu, including popular dishes. A significant benefit for families is the "kids eat free" policy. Room service is also available and noted for being quick and offering fresh, reasonably priced options, while the bar provides a good selection of beverages in a pleasant setting.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's convenient location is a major advantage, being very close to both the airport and the NEC. A complimentary shuttle bus service operates regularly, providing efficient and easy access to these key destinations, which is highly valued by guests. However, some guests have found the shuttle's operating hours to be restrictive for very early flights or late-night events. While the hotel is not directly walkable to the airport or train station, its proximity and the shuttle service largely mitigate this. Parking is available on-site, though it incurs an additional fee, which is a common point of contention for guests. The parking area can also become busy, and some spaces are noted as being tight.

Staff & Service
The friendly staff consistently receives glowing reviews, with guests frequently highlighting their helpful and attentive nature. From the moment of arrival, the team is praised for being welcoming and professional, making the check-in process smooth and efficient. Housekeeping staff often leave thoughtful messages, adding a personal touch to the stay. The hotel's commitment to family-friendly service is evident through staff interactions with children and special amenities. Guests appreciate the staff's proactive approach to problem-solving, quickly addressing any issues that arise, such as room concerns or booking discrepancies. This dedication to excellent service is a recurring theme, significantly enhancing the overall guest experience.

Additional Information
The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, welcoming guests traveling with their animals, which is particularly appreciated by attendees of events like Crufts. Guests who are members of the IHG Rewards program often report receiving recognition for their status, including potential room upgrades. While the hotel offers various room types, some guests have noted that the designated suite or family rooms may not always meet expectations for spaciousness. A significant point of feedback is the parking fee, which is an additional cost not always clearly communicated upfront, leading to some guest dissatisfaction. The hotel offers both early check-in (for an additional fee) and a generous late check-out time of 12 PM, providing flexibility for travelers.